Persevere Through Peril!

Scripture Reading

Luke 21:5–19 NIV84

5 Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, 6 “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.” 7 “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?” 8 He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. 9 When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.” 10 Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. 12 “But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13 This will result in your being witnesses to them. 14 But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 All men will hate you because of me. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By standing firm you will gain life.

Introduction

Introduce with a scenario of a take-over of South African parliament. More than this, they are going to shut down all churches. If this news flash were to come, what kind of response would you have? What kind of fears would arise in your hearts? What would your next step be? Preparations!! What do we do. (ALTERNATIVE: DO YOU REMEMBER 9-11? or WE KNOW THE ACCOUNT OF THE TITANIC… NOT EVEN GOD CAN SINK THIS SHIP…)

In Luke 21:5-19, Jesus gives his disciples a warning about things that are to come. He speaks about a number of the trials and tribulations that are approaching them as those who have placed their faith in Him. He also reminds them that although they will face difficult times, they are not to be afraid because the Lord will be with them and will give them the words and wisdom they need to defend themselves.

Jesus encourages them to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of persecution and death, because by doing so they will gain eternal life. As we study this passage today, we will learn about the importance of remaining steadfast in our faith, even when faced with opposition and difficult times. We will also be reminded that we can trust in the Lord's protection and guidance, and that our ultimate goal should be our eternal salvation.

Before we delve into the text, it’s important that I mention what’s happening in this text in terms of the prophecy that Jesus gives here. There is a lot of difference of perspective among Christians in terms of what Jesus is referring to through this prophecy. Is it referring to events that the disciples themselves were going to face?

A little further on in this chapter, in Luke 21:32, Jesus declares that this generation will certainly not pass away before all these things come to pass… (we’ll have to look at that verse in more detail next time).

Or was Jesus referring to His second coming, where a final judgment would take place? Many of the verses in this text seem to be referring to a final and climactic judgment.

My own position is that there are multiple horizons in this prophecy, as we often find in Scripture. What do I mean by that. Often, when a prophecy was given, there was a more immediate fulfilment, and then there was a greater fulfilment that was further ahead in the future.

Certainly, much of what is prophesied by JEsus in this passage had direct reference to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by Rome A.D. 70. But there are certainly pictures and hints of what unfolds through the course of history in a repeated fashion. In that sense, this passage has important relevance to us.

With that in mind, let us consider this text together.

1. The Certain Prophecy of Coming Destruction (vv.5-6)

The context of the words of Jesus, this great prophecy of things to come, is a statement from the disciples about the glory of the temple in Jerusalem.

In verse 5 we read…

Luke 21:5 NIV84

5 Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said,

In the parallel accounts in Matthew and Mark, we see very clearly that the disciples were marveling at the beauty and the grandeur of the Temple.

The Temple in Jerusalem during Jesus' time was a grand and imposing structure, built on the Temple Mount in the heart of the city. It was the center of Jewish religious and national life, and was considered the most sacred site in Judaism. The Temple was a vast complex of buildings and courtyards, adorned with gold and other precious materials.

Its walls were adorned with carvings and decorations, and its gates were made of solid gold. Inside the Temple, there were several chambers, including the Holy of Holies, which housed the Ark of the Covenant and was the most sacred place in the Temple.

The Temple was also an important center of trade and commerce, with merchants and money changers conducting business in its courtyards.

The fact was that it was indeed spectacular, and a glorious sight. And for the Jewish people in particular, it was of great significance. It was central to their worship of God.

And so, as the disciples and Jesus are leaving the Temple, walking away this comment arises from the disciples, expressing their marvel at this structure.

Luke 21:6 NIV84

6 “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.”

Jesus tells about a time that is to come in the future when this very temple that they are marveling at will be utterly destroyed. The extent of the destruction is made clear - not one stone will be left on another!!! Every single one will be thrown down!!

We must note that this was an impressive building with massive stones. In order to support this grand structure, with all of it’s adornments, the stones were massive. Philip Ryken, in his commentary, notes:

Luke, Volumes 1 & 2 The Fall of the Temple

Some of the temple’s massive marble foundation stones were forty feet long. They weighed more than one hundred tons!

Now, this prophecy from Jesus must have been shocking to His hearers. It would have been frightening, distressing to His hearers!!

This would extensive ramifications for the religious, political, and social realms in that day. It was a statement that would shock them!

This provides the context for Jesus to provide a series of warnings and encouragements to His disciples.

This leads us to consider secondly…

2. The Perilous Signs of the Times (vv.7-12)

As Jesus presents his disciples with this shocking statement, the disciples question him about the destruction of the Temple…

Luke 21:7 NIV84

7 “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”

The statement by Jesus would have at the very least been unsettling. And so, they ask Jesus the question: When is this going to happen. What are the signs (or what is the sign) that we should be looking out for!?

It is this question that prompts Jesus’ explanation of things that are to take place.

Jesus now gives a series of things to look out for. Trying and challenging times are about to come upon these disciples, and Jesus gives them the warning about what is to come.

Jesus gives four main areas of warning…

2.1 False Teachers (v.8)

Luke 21:8 NIV84

8 He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.

The very first warning that Jesus gives his disciples is that against deception. There is a danger that the minds and hearts of the followers of Christ are taken in and deceived by false teachers.

Throughout the course of history, there have been many individuals who have claimed to be the Messiah or a representative of God.

For example, in the early Christian era, there were various groups such as the Gnostics and the Ebionites who claimed to have special knowledge or insight and taught beliefs that were contrary to the true Gospel. We have even the Judaizers that are mentioned in the New Testament.

Jesus tells his disciples that it is inevitable that false teachers would come.

Through the New Testament, these repeated warnings are sounded. Satan is a deceiver, and one of the greatest tools that he uses is to lead people away from the true Messiah, Jesus Christ, and towards falsehood through false teachers.

2 Peter 2:1–3 NIV84

1 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3 In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.

Jesus tells his disciples that as the day approaches for the destruction that He’s spoken about, there will be false Messiahs, false teachers claiming to be representatives of God.

He warns the disciples: “Do not follow them...”

These false teachers have continued to rise up through the course of history, even proclaiming themselves to be Messiahs. In more recent times, there have been individuals like Jim Jones, founder of the Peoples Temple, who proclaimed himself as the Christ, but led his followers to a mass suicide in 1978.

2.2 Wars and Revolts (vv.9-10)

Luke 21:9–10 NIV84

9 When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.” 10 Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

Jesus was speaking here into a context where the Roman Empire had brought about a long period of relative peace. The Roman Empire was powerful, and there was really no force that could stand against it.

But Jesus tells his disciples here that there will be rumors of wars and revolutions. These are naturally frightening times. When we hear of a war between Russia and the Ukraine, it’s not good to hear, but down in South Africa, we’re hardly touched by it in real terms. It’s not as if we’re struck with fear. We’re far removed.

Living in Europe, however, almost everyone is impacted in some way. Many refugees have fled Ukraine and Russia, and have entered other European countries. Those people in neighboring countries see the impacts on the citizens, and the impact on them is far greater. They may even have fears that their own country will join the war.

But the disciples, in this case, are being told that these things are going to happen around them, and even within their own cities. The natural response of the Jews in these places will be one of great fear. The word that Jesus uses here says that they should not be “terrified!”

John Calvin, in his Commentary on Luke 21:9, wrote:

“Christ foretells here, that all the Jews would be so distressed in the time of the siege of Jerusalem, that, as if their very entrails were torn out, they would be ready to give up the ghost.”

Charles Hodge, in his Commentary on Luke 21:9, wrote:

“The expressions here are so vivid and strong that they can scarcely be misunderstood. All would be filled with such distress and terror, as if ready to die.”

A time would come upon these disciples and the Jewish people that would be frightening and terrifying to most.

Beyond the immediate threat to Jerusalem, however, is the general conflict that would continue among nations. Nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

Some have taken this to mean that Satan’s kingdom would be set up in conflict against Christ’s kingdom. Now, while that is ultimately true, I don’t believe that’s what Christ was specifically referring to.

Rather, we should understand this as a reminder to Christians that conflicts between nations are an inevitable reality in this world until Christ returns.

Conflict, turmoil, and suffering are a natural part of human history. These are the things that are to be expected and anticipated during the course of history.

But notice Christ’s exhortation in the midst of this. He tells his disciples to “not be afraid.”

This is like telling a Ukrainian Christian, or a Russian Christian, to not be afraid. Fear is the natural and instinctive response to such wars and conflicts.

Jesus’ teaching is important for us to bear in mind, because it raises the question of how it is that a Christian can stand firm in such times? How can a Christian not be overcome by fear?

The only way that this can happen is through a steadfast trust and hope and confidence in God - His character; His promises; His actions through the course of History; His gift of redemption; His promise of a final redemption etc. These are the things that keep a Christian steadfast!

Christ encourages his disciples to not be afraid.

2.3 Natural Disasters

Luke 21:11 NIV84

11 There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.

In this verse, Christ tells his disciples that in the times that are coming, there will be catastrophic events that will occur.

Once again, it must be seen that suffering and hardship are a natural part of human experience.

We need to understand through this that these signs are not just random acts of nature, but are under the sovereign control of God. They are meant to be warnings to the world that judgment is coming.

These signs that Jesus speaks of are the beginnings of birth pangs. At least one benefit of such natural disasters is that they are reminders of God’s deep displeasure towards sin. They can serve as reminders, particularly to Christians, that sin of man has consequences, and that there is a far more weighty consequence still approaching.

J.C. Ryle writes:

"Let us not forget that these things are but the beginning of sorrows, the heralds of a far more terrible state of things yet to come. They are but the birth-pangs of the great day of the Lord, the preliminary throes of the world's great travail."

Now, once again, let us not forget that these warnings were applicable directly to the disciples themselves. Jesus was giving them warning of things that were to unfold. In this sense, he was warning them ahead of time, encouraging them to take heart and to live appropriately.

But inasmuch as they were warnings to the disciples, they stand as warnings to us. These natural disasters continue to unfold in the world around us. We here of, and we experience, these earthquakes, floods, famines, pestilence.... all of them are part of the unfolding of world history. They are a consequence of sin. But they are a reminder to us in our day that final judgment is coming.

Matthew Henry, writes:

"Though these are terrible judgments, yet they are not the end of the world, but the tokens of God's anger. They are warnings to us to prepare for the end, and to make sure work while it is called to-day."

As Christians, when we see these events, and these terrible natural disasters, these must first and foremost lead us to humility before the cross of Christ. They must lead us to humility before God. They must lead us to a deeper commitment to serving and honouring Christ in this world.

2.4 Personal Attacks (v.12)

All of the signs that Jesus has already mentioned are frightening enough, but the final sign takes things to a whole new level. False teachers, wars and rumours of wars; Natural disasters.... while they’re all something to be cautious of, and even potentially dangerous and frightening, they’re not personal. They are things that happen out there, and everyone is impacted.

But the last area that Jesus cautions his disciples about is very personal. Verse 12 says....

Luke 21:12 NIV84

12 “But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name.

Personal injury and harm is foretold by Jesus. He is warning his disciples that they will face personal injury at the hands of people.

Notice the words of Jesus here… “but before all this.” In other words, even before these other signs take place - false teachers; wars and conflict; natural disasters etc… before these things, the disciples will be arrested and mistreated.

Now, I believe that this at least supports the position that the warnings that Jesus gave would continue to unfold through the course of history. They would be those signs that would mark the current period of time from the life / death / resurrection of Jesus until His second coming.

I also believe that the persecution of Christians would not be limited to the disciples and early church, but would continue through all time until the return of Christ.

But here, Christ gives a very specific warning to his disciples - that they will face severe persecution.

Hands would be laid on the disciples, and persecution would be brought against them. All on account of the name of Christ.

We know from the book of Acts, and other New Testament Scriptures that this is precisely what happened.

We see this in...

Acts 8:1-3, which describes the persecution of the church in Jerusalem and the scattering of the believers, except for the apostles.

Acts 9:1-2, which tells of the persecution of the apostle Paul, who was formerly known as Saul, as he persecuted the followers of Jesus.

Acts 12:1-5, which tells of the imprisonment and execution of the apostle James by King Herod Agrippa.

Acts 14:19-20, which describes how Paul and Barnabas were stoned and left for dead in Lystra because of their preaching about Jesus.

2 Corinthians 11:24-28, which describes how Paul was repeatedly beaten and imprisoned for his faith in Jesus.

The disciples would face severe persecution, and Christ was warning them about what was to come.

But again, these warnings of persecution are applicable to us as well. We must not for a moment think that Christians in this world will be immune from persecution.

D.A Carson writes in his commentary on Luke 21:12,

"These are not idle warnings, but are predictions based on the fact that the world hates those who are not of the world."

Let us not forget that the world has always been the same. The world never loved Jesus, and the world never loved his followers."

The world hates those who are not of the world. The world hates those who belong to the kingdom of heaven, because it is the people, the manner of life of those who belong to the kingdom of Christ, that exposes their sin because of godliness.

R.C. Sproul writes

"Jesus is warning his disciples that the road ahead will be difficult, and that they will face persecution and suffering for their faith. This is an inevitable part of being a follower of Jesus Christ."

Do you recognise that as a Christian today? That persecution and opposition is an inevitable part of your life as a Christian, as one who seeks to honour Christ in life?

This should be an encouragement for us for those times when we are facing persecution and suffering...

3. The Great Encouragement to Enduring Faith (vv.13-19)

As Christ continues here, he brings his disciples encouragement to continue and to persevere through the struggles that they will face. There are various forms of encouragement / exhortation in these verses.

3.1. Witnesses for Christ

Luke 21:13 NIV84

13 This will result in your being witnesses to them.

The first thing that we find of encouragement in Jesus’ words is that that these trials and tribulations that are approaching, and particularly the personal attacks that these believers would face, would be an opportunity for witnessing for Christ.

This would be an opportunity for them to share their faith and bear witness to the truth of Jesus Christ. It is an encouragement to use the difficult circumstances they are facing to proclaim the gospel message. Here are five quotes from different reformed or conservative theologians on this verse:

Charles Hodge, a 19th century Reformed theologian, writes in his commentary on Luke 21:13...

"Persecution is not an evil, but a privilege, an opportunity for the believer to bear witness to the truth of the gospel."

That is not to say that the acts being carried out are not evil. But the fact is that when such persecution is faced, the Christian is not to consider the circumstances that they are in as ultimately evil, but rather as a providential working of God for the honour of His name.

Furthermore, these times of suffering and persecution are explicit opportunities given by God in which to proclaim the Gospel to a world that doesn’t know Christ. I would suggest to you that it is precisely in these times of suffering that our faithful testimony, if we respond in faith, speaks the loudest.

Very often we view suffering and persecution as “something gone wrong.” We believe that the sufferings are not at all right or good, and they ought to be taken away from us. In one sense, suffering is not part of that which is good and godly. In glory one day, this suffering will be removed forever.

However, in this present life, as Christians, we are to view these times of suffering and pain as an opportunity to put God’s glorious grace on display.

The first encouragement is that suffering would produce opportunity.

3.2. Empowered by the Spirit (vv.14-15)

Luke 21:14–15 NIV84

14 But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.

Not only would the disciples be able to use these times of sufferings as an opportunity for Gospel advancement, but they would receive the power of God to carry this out.

Christ encourages his disciples that when they face these trying times, they are not to worry beforehand.

Notice how Christ puts it: “Make up your mind not to worry beforehand...”

In other words, make a decision about this. This is not a pure power-of-the-will decision. Rather, it is a decided position based on the character and word of God. It is a decision that is taken because of the promise given by God to be with them and give them the words to say.

This is a simple word of encouragement, but a powerful one at the same time!!

Think about you facing persecution. If you knew that tomorrow morning someone was going to come to the front door of your house and begin interrogating you, and harassing you on account of your faith, you would probably spend the entire night staying awake and worrying about what approach this person may take, and how you could win the battle.

Christ gives encouragement and says that they should trust in God, who would give them the words to say in the moment.

I would suggest that there is much that even we as Christians can learn from this.

J.C Ryle writes:

"When we are persecuted for our faith, our natural inclination is to worry about how we will defend ourselves, but we must remember that it is not by our own strength or wisdom that we will be able to stand, but by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Now, this doesn’t mean we shut our Bibles, and live by the Spirit, as if the Spirit of God will just gives us things to say by Osmosis… No, Christians ought to know the Scriptures, and at least be growing in their knowledge, understanding and application of the Scriptures. But ultimately our trust needs to be in God.

Notice again the words of Christ in verse 15…

Luke 21:15 NIV84

15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.

What an encouragement!!

Hebrews 4:12 NIV84

12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

The Word of God, as we are reminded of them by the Spirit of God, will be used by God to penetrate even the most violent of opposition to the Gospel.

3.3. Kept by God (vv.16-19)

The final encouragement here is that these disciples would be kept secure in the hands of God. He would protect them.

But it’s really important that we see precisely the nature of the protection and care given by God to the disciples. Because so often, this is misconstrued and misunderstood, even by Christians.

Jesus reminds his disciples firstly about the intense opposition that they would face, not only from a hostile world out there, but even from hostile family at home.

Luke 21:16 NIV84

16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death.

The opposition that these disciples would face would come even from those closest to them. Their parents, brothers, sisters and other relatives.... even their friends… would turn their backs against them, and they would bring this severe persecution against them.

Following Jesus is certainly not without a cost. He never claimed it would be.

Notice that he even goes so far as to say, “they will put some of you to death!!”

Often Christians today try to encourage others through persecution by saying that God will spare you life… referring to their physical lives in this world. Jesus doesn’t give this assurance to His disciples. He tells them that some of them are most certainly going to be put to death. He’s outright honest with them.

But that doesn’t mean that God’s loving and protecting hand is not upon them, as we’ll see in a moment.

Before we get there, notice further that Jesus says in verse 17…

Luke 21:17 NIV84

17 All men will hate you because of me.

Jesus says that there will be a widespread and deep hatred towards His disciples. He means that the faithful will be so hated by the world that they will be treated as if they were the worst of criminals, as the most evil in society.

This is the kind of hatred that comes about as those blinded by Satan and darkness actively hate those who walk in the light of God, and who are children of God.

This is a spiritual battle, dear friends.

We see this in some shape and form through the course of history and the world. Even in our day, there is mounting and growing opposition in certain parts of the world against Christianity and the teachings of Christ.

The world longs to walk its own path. The world walks according to a blinded wisdom, devoid of a knowledge of true righteousness and godliness. When the light of Scripture, as proclaimed by faithful believers, comes to bear on the so-called wisdom of the world, hostility is inevitable.

But this is to be expected, says Jesus. It’s something that should surprise the Christian.

But then comes Christ’s word of encouragement.

Luke 21:18 NIV84

18 But not a hair of your head will perish.

Very obviously, based on what we’ve already seen, this does not mean that they will not die. Christ has just told his disciples that there will be those among them who will be put to death. They will die!!

The phrase that is used here is one that speaks of eternal protection.

Jesus is promising his followers that even though they will face persecution and death, they will ultimately be protected and preserved by God. This is a reminder that we can trust in God's sovereignty and protection even in the darkest of circumstances.

Notice how Jesus continues in verse 19…

Luke 21:19 NIV84

19 By standing firm you will gain life.

This verse provides both an exhortation and an encouragement.

Christ says that it is through / by standing firm that they will gain life. Standing firm is essential for the Christian. It is through these trials and tribulations that they are to stand firm.

James 1:2–4 NIV84

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

The encouragement is that through standing firm, as they would continue to look to Christ, and keep their faith and trust in Him, they would gain eternal life.

Dear friends, we must learn from this that our ultimate goal should be our eternal salvation.

This is where our focus is.

The cost of following Jesus is high, but the reward of following Jesus is eternal!!

1 Peter 1:6–9 NIV84

6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Application / Conclusion

A.1. Endure with the right perspective

Endure persecution and suffering for the sake of righteousness.

A.2. Trust and Hope in God

Trust in God's power and protection during difficult times.

How do we cultivate this?

Praying and seeking guidance from God in all aspects of our lives.

Reading and studying the Bible to gain a deeper understanding of God's character and promises.

Practicing gratitude and giving thanks to God for the blessings in our lives.

Putting our faith into action by living according to God's principles and commandments.

Trusting that God is sovereign and in control of all events, even when they may seem difficult or unjust.

Cultivating a personal relationship with God through regular reflection and spiritual practices such as meditation and fasting.

Surrendering our worries and fears to God, and trusting that He will take care of us.

Having a positive attitude towards life, remembering that God is always with us, and everything happens for a reason.

Seeking help and support from the community of faith when we are struggling to trust in God.

Putting our trust in God's promises, believing that He will never leave us or forsake us and that He always has a plan for our lives.

A.3. Be Witnesses

Speak out and bear witness to the truth, even when faced with opposition.

A.4. Live Prepared

Recognize the signs of the end times and be prepared for the coming of the Lord.

A.5. Live with Confidence

Have faith and do not be afraid, as God's kingdom will ultimately triumph over all earthly powers.