Jesus predicts the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. The times of the Gentiles will come and must be fulfilled. Then the Son of Man will return. Jesus instructs us to keep watch and trust in God’s timing. Our deliverance will come.
Jesus is approaching his crucifixion. He also knows Jerusalem’s time is nearing its end.
Hubbard, S. et al. with Logos Bible Software and KarBel Media, 2012. Faithlife Study Bible Infographics, Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
5 And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, 6 “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”
7 And they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?”
8 And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. 9 And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.” (Lk 21.5-9)
‘Stones thrown down’. Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple. The people around him believe and ask when it will happen. He doesn’t give a direct answer, rather he describes a series of events which serve as signs the destruction is near.
He instructs them not to be terrified. For the end will be a long time coming.
‘Do not go after them’. Jesus says many will impersonate him and the ask them to follow. Jesus warns them against following these false Christs.
10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.
12 But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake.
13 This will be your opportunity to bear witness. 14 Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.
16 You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. 17 You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your lives. (Lk 21.10-19)
‘Earthquakes’, ‘famines’, ‘pestilences’. Jesus predicts more terrors and signs from heaven. He describes the political upheaval of nations, invasions and war.
‘You will be delivered up’. Jesus followers will themselves undergo persecution. They will be betrayed by their own family and friends.
This is actually a time for them to bear witness to Jesus.
They should not be concerned about what they will say. Jesus will give them the words. Those who endure to the end will not be harmed, they will live.
The Siege and Destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans Under the Command of Titus, A.D. 70, Oil on canvas, 1850; David Roberts (1796–1864)
20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, 22 for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. 23 Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. (Lk 21.20-24)
‘Surrounded by armies’. Jerusalem has to be taken in a great battle before the temple can be destroyed. This happens in A.D. 70.
He instructs his people to flee Jerusalem. It’s destruction is prophesied some time before.
‘The time of the Gentiles’, ‘Fulfilled’. Rome will defeat the Jews, take over Jerusalem and destroy the temple. He is not clear how long the ‘Gentiles’ will trample Jerusalem underfoot. Many nations have controlled Jerusalem since. Quite some time I expect until ‘the times are fulfilled’.
25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Lk 21.25-28)
‘Signs in sun, moon and stars’. Jesus continues to use apocalyptic picture language. He describes the political upheaval of nations, invasions and war. He doesn’t say how long this will continue.
At some point the Son of Man will return in a cloud with power and great glory.
Jesus’ return will be unmistakable.
29 And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. (Lk 21.29-33)
‘When you see’. Jesus wants his listeners to keep their eyes open for what God is doing in the world.
About Jesus
Jesus instructs us to keep watch and trust in God’s timing. Our deliverance will come.
We may face times of suffering and persecution. Many Christians from Jesus’ first appearing til now have suffered and died for their faith.
This means we have to be steadfast and endure. Our ability to do so will increase when we trust in his promises. He will return and rescue his people.
We must continue to walk in trust, knowing he will come again in power and great glory.
Jesus predicts the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. The times of the Gentiles will come and must be fulfilled. Then the Son of Man will return. Jesus instructs us to keep watch and trust in God’s timing. Our deliverance will come.
29 And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. (Lk 21.29-33)
