◄ Luke 21 ►
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Summary The Return of the Son of Man Luke 21 provides a panoramic view of prophecy and perseverance. Jesus challenges us not only to anticipate the future but also to live faithfully in the present. He calls us to emulate the sacrificial giving of the widow, to endure trials, and to watch for His return with expectant hope. This chapter reminds us that, in the midst of the world's turmoil, our redemption through Christ is certain. The Widow's Offering (Luke 21:1-4) Jesus observes a poor widow who puts two small copper coins into the Temple treasury, stating that she has given more than all the wealthy contributors because she gave all she had. Prophecy of the Temple's Destruction (Luke 21:5-6) When the disciples marvel at the Temple's beauty, Jesus prophesies its destruction, saying not one stone would be left on another. Signs of the End Times (Luke 21:7-24) In response to the disciples' questions about when and what signs will precede these events, Jesus describes a time of false prophets, wars, natural disasters, and persecution of His followers. He also predicts Jerusalem being trampled by Gentiles. The Second Coming (Luke 21:25-28) Jesus foretells signs in the sun, moon, and stars, and distress among nations. Then He describes His return in a cloud with power and great glory, encouraging His disciples to stand up and lift their heads, as their redemption draws near. The Call to Watchfulness (Luke 21:29-38) Jesus uses the parable of the fig tree to illustrate the certainty of the signs. He cautions His disciples to remain alert, pray for strength, and not be caught unprepared. Despite the religious leaders' opposition, people come early in the morning to hear Him at the temple. Luke 21 presents a powerful discourse from Jesus, shifting from an example of sacrificial giving by a poor widow to prophecies of the Temple's destruction, signs of the End Times, and His Second Coming. Jesus also emphasizes the importance of spiritual vigilance and endurance in the face of trials and persecutions. Teaching Points The Destruction of the Temple Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple, emphasizing the impermanence of earthly structures (Luke 21:6). Signs of the End Times Jesus describes various signs that will precede the end times, including wars, earthquakes, famines, and pestilences (Luke 21:10-11). Persecution of Believers Jesus warns His followers that they will face persecution but assures them that this will be an opportunity to bear witness (Luke 21:12-13). The Coming of the Son of Man Jesus speaks of His return with power and great glory, urging believers to be watchful and ready (Luke 21:27-28). The Parable of the Fig Tree Jesus uses the fig tree as a metaphor to teach about recognizing the signs of the times (Luke 21:29-31). Exhortation to Watchfulness Jesus encourages His followers to be vigilant and prayerful, so they may stand before the Son of Man (Luke 21:36). Practical Applications Stay Informed and Discern Be aware of current events and discern them in light of biblical prophecy. Endure Persecution with Faith Prepare spiritually to face trials and use them as opportunities to testify about your faith. Live Expectantly Cultivate a lifestyle of readiness for Christ’s return, focusing on spiritual growth and holiness. Pray for Strength Regularly seek God’s strength to remain steadfast and faithful amidst challenges. People 1. Jesus The central figure in the chapter, Jesus is teaching in the temple and discussing future events, including the destruction of the temple, signs of the end times, and the coming of the Son of Man. His teachings emphasize vigilance and faithfulness. 2. The Disciples They are present with Jesus and ask Him questions about the timing and signs of the events He describes. The Greek term "μαθηταί" (mathētai) refers to learners or followers, indicating their role as students of Jesus. 3. The Poor Widow Jesus observes a poor widow putting two small coins into the temple treasury and uses her as an example of true generosity and faith. The Greek word "χήρα" (chēra) is used for widow, highlighting her vulnerable social status. 4. The Rich People They are mentioned in contrast to the poor widow, as they give out of their abundance. Their actions serve as a backdrop to highlight the widow's sacrificial giving. 5. Nations and Kingdoms While not specific individuals, Jesus refers to nations and kingdoms in His discourse on future events, indicating the broader scope of His prophecy. The Greek terms "ἔθνη" (ethnē) for nations and "βασιλεῖαι" (basileiai) for kingdoms are used. 6. False Prophets and Messiahs Jesus warns about individuals who will come in His name, claiming to be Him or speaking falsely. The Greek term "ψευδοπροφῆται" (pseudoprophētai) refers to false prophets. 7. The Son of Man A title Jesus uses for Himself, particularly in reference to His return in glory. This term has roots in the Hebrew "בֶּן־אָדָם" (ben-adam), used in the Old Testament, and is significant in eschatological contexts. Places 1. Temple The chapter begins with Jesus observing people in the temple. The temple, referred to in Greek as "ἱερόν" (hieron), is a central place of worship and sacrifice in Jerusalem. It is significant in Jewish religious life and is the setting for Jesus' teachings in this chapter. 2. Jerusalem Jesus speaks about the future destruction of Jerusalem, a pivotal city in Jewish history and the location of the temple. The Greek term used is "Ἰερουσαλήμ" (Ierousalēm). Jerusalem is central to the prophecies and warnings Jesus gives about the end times. Events 1. The Widow’s Offering (Luke 21:1-4) Jesus observes the rich giving their gifts at the temple treasury and highlights a poor widow who gives two small coins. He emphasizes that she has given more than all the others because she gave out of her poverty, all she had to live on. The Greek term "βίον" (bion) is used here, meaning "life" or "livelihood," underscoring the totality of her sacrifice. 2. Jesus Foretells the Destruction of the Temple (Luke 21:5-6) As some admire the temple's beauty, Jesus prophesies its destruction, stating that not one stone will be left upon another. This prophecy is significant in Christian eschatology, pointing to the eventual destruction of the temple in 70 AD. 3. Signs of the End of the Age (Luke 21:7-11) The disciples ask Jesus about the signs of the end times. He warns of false messiahs, wars, and natural disasters, using the Greek word "σεισμοί" (seismoi) for earthquakes, indicating significant upheavals. 4. Persecution of Believers (Luke 21:12-19) Jesus warns His followers that they will face persecution, imprisonment, and trials for His name's sake. He encourages them not to worry about their defense, as He will give them wisdom. The Greek word "μαρτύριον" (martyrion) is used, meaning "testimony" or "witness," highlighting the purpose of their suffering. 5. The Destruction of Jerusalem (Luke 21:20-24) Jesus describes the siege of Jerusalem, advising those in Judea to flee to the mountains. This passage is often interpreted as a dual prophecy, referring both to the events of 70 AD and future tribulations. 6. The Coming of the Son of Man (Luke 21:25-28) Jesus speaks of cosmic signs and the distress of nations, leading to the coming of the Son of Man in a cloud with power and great glory. The Greek term "δόξα" (doxa) is used for "glory," emphasizing the divine majesty of His return. 7. The Lesson of the Fig Tree (Luke 21:29-33) Jesus uses the fig tree as a parable to illustrate the signs of the times, indicating that when these signs occur, the kingdom of God is near. He assures that His words will never pass away, using the Greek "παρελεύσεται" (pareleusetai), meaning "will pass away," to contrast the eternal nature of His words. 8. Exhortation to Watchfulness (Luke 21:34-36) Jesus warns His followers to be vigilant and not be weighed down by the cares of life, so they may stand before the Son of Man. The Greek word "ἀγρυπνεῖτε" (agrupneite) is used, meaning "be watchful" or "stay awake." 9. Jesus Teaches at the Temple (Luke 21:37-38) The chapter concludes with a description of Jesus teaching daily in the temple, while spending nights on the Mount of Olives. This setting underscores His dedication to teaching and the anticipation of His passion. Connections to Additional Scriptures Matthew 24:1-31 Parallel account of Jesus’ teachings on the end times. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Paul’s exhortation to be watchful and sober as the Day of the Lord approaches. Revelation 1:7 The promise of Jesus’ return and the call for all to be prepared. 2 Peter 3:10-14 Encouragement to live holy and godly lives in anticipation of the Day of the Lord. Prayer Points Pray for Discernment Ask God for wisdom to understand the signs of the times and to discern His will. Pray for Endurance Seek God’s strength to endure persecution and trials with faith and courage. Pray for Readiness Request God’s help to live a life that is always ready for Christ’s return. Pray for Boldness Ask for the Holy Spirit’s empowerment to boldly witness for Christ in every situation. As we study Luke 21, may we be encouraged to live with a sense of urgency and purpose, knowing that our redemption is drawing near. Let us remain steadfast in faith, eagerly awaiting the glorious return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the widow's offering challenge your understanding of sacrificial giving? 2. What lessons can you learn from the prophecy about the Temple's destruction? 3. How do the signs of the End Times that Jesus describes relate to events in our world today? 4. What does Jesus' prediction of persecution mean for Christians today? 5. How should we understand and respond to Jesus' teaching about His Second Coming? 6. In light of Jesus' words about the future, how can we live faithfully in the present? 7. How does Jesus' call to watchfulness challenge you in your spiritual journey? 8. What comfort and hope do you find in Jesus' words about the certainty of redemption? 9. How can you apply the message of endurance and perseverance in your personal life? 10. How should we live our lives knowing that Jesus' return is imminent? 11. How does the message of this chapter help you in facing the trials and uncertainties of life? 12. How can we stay spiritually alert in a world full of distractions and temptations? 13. How can we prepare ourselves for the second coming of Jesus? 14. What can we do to ensure we are not led astray by false prophets or teachings? 15. How does this chapter shape your understanding of eschatology (the study of end times)? 16. What kind of prayer life does Jesus recommend in times of trial? 17. How does Jesus' prophecy about Jerusalem resonate with its current status? 18. How do you interpret the parable of the fig tree in your life context? 19. In what ways does knowing about the second coming of Jesus influence your daily decisions? 20. How can the teachings of this chapter help us to share the Gospel message with others? Topics 1. The Widow’s Offering Jesus observes the rich giving their gifts at the temple and highlights the offering of a poor widow. He notes that she has given more than all the others because she gave out of her poverty. ^“Truly I tell you,” He said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others.”^ (Luke 21:3) 2. The Destruction of the Temple Foretold Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple, emphasizing that not one stone will be left upon another. This prophecy underscores the transient nature of earthly structures. ^“As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”^ (Luke 21:6) 3. Signs of the End of the Age Jesus describes various signs that will precede the end times, including wars, earthquakes, famines, and pestilences. He warns against being deceived by false prophets. ^“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.”^ (Luke 21:10) 4. Persecution of Believers Jesus warns His followers that they will face persecution for His name's sake. He encourages them to stand firm and promises that they will gain life through endurance. ^“You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death.”^ (Luke 21:16) 5. The Destruction of Jerusalem Jesus foretells the siege and destruction of Jerusalem, advising those in Judea to flee to the mountains. This prophecy was fulfilled in A.D. 70 with the Roman destruction of Jerusalem. ^“When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near.”^ (Luke 21:20) 6. The Coming of the Son of Man Jesus speaks of cosmic signs and the coming of the Son of Man in a cloud with power and great glory. This event is associated with the final redemption of believers. ^“At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.”^ (Luke 21:27) 7. The Lesson of the Fig Tree Jesus uses the fig tree as a parable to illustrate the signs of the times. Just as the budding of the fig tree indicates summer is near, so the signs He described indicate that the kingdom of God is near. ^“When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near.”^ (Luke 21:30) 8. Exhortation to Watchfulness Jesus exhorts His followers to be vigilant and prayerful, so they may stand before the Son of Man. He warns against being weighed down by the cares of life. ^“Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”^ (Luke 21:36) Themes 1. The Widow’s Offering This theme highlights the sacrificial giving of a poor widow, contrasting her offering with that of the rich. Jesus observes, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all the others” (Luke 21:3). The Greek word for "more" (πλεῖον, pleion) emphasizes the value of her sacrifice over the quantity. 2. Prophecy of the Temple’s Destruction Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple, saying, “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another” (Luke 21:6). This prophecy underscores the transient nature of earthly structures and the fulfillment of divine judgment. 3. Signs of the End Times Jesus describes various signs that will precede the end times, including wars, earthquakes, and famines. He warns, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom” (Luke 21:10). The Greek term for "nation" (ἔθνος, ethnos) can also mean "people" or "ethnic group," indicating widespread conflict. 4. Persecution of Believers Jesus warns His followers of impending persecution, stating, “They will seize you and persecute you” (Luke 21:12). This theme emphasizes the cost of discipleship and the call to endure in faith. 5. The Destruction of Jerusalem Jesus provides specific details about the siege of Jerusalem, advising, “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that her desolation is near” (Luke 21:20). This prophecy was historically fulfilled in A.D. 70. 6. The Coming of the Son of Man Jesus speaks of His return, saying, “At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (Luke 21:27). The imagery of "cloud" (νεφέλη, nephelē) is often associated with divine presence and majesty. 7. The Parable of the Fig Tree Jesus uses the fig tree as a metaphor for recognizing the signs of the times: “When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near” (Luke 21:30). This parable encourages vigilance and discernment. 8. Exhortation to Watchfulness Jesus urges His followers to remain watchful and prayerful, warning, “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about to happen” (Luke 21:36). The Greek word for "watch" (ἀγρυπνέω, agrypneō) implies staying awake and alert. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions