Luke 21:5-38

Luke 21:5–38 ESV

And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, “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.” And they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” 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. 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.” Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. 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. This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives. “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. 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, for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. 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. 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. “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, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet. And early in the morning all the people came to him in the temple to hear him.

Intro: See Luke 12

V6 - the original temple was going to be torn down for his better temple

V7 - They asked two questions when and what

V8 - we get a warning to not be led astray

V9 - the scary stuff has to take place and God is aware of it and above it.

V14 - Dont worry about anything BUT pray about everything. Trust God will give you what you need for that moment

V16-17 - people will leave the faith and turn on those in the faith to avoid persecution and associttation

V19 - encouragement to endure to the end

V24 - all the other nations will come against the poeple of God

V26 - Unbelievers have no hope for this time becuase there nothing that can save them not there good works; not there karma or good energy. the world as they know will be crumbling around them and since they can do nothing they will be hopeless

27 - for the one who trust in the savior redemption/ salvation is near

V32-33 - There is a certainty of Jesus words. Jesus was serious about this so we should not brush this aside BUT not be fearful

V34 - warning not to leave the faith (when he returns will he find faith Luke 18:8 )

V34 - similar to people thinking in Noah time and Sodom and Gomorah, thinking nothing was going to happen

V36 - The whole earth is being set up for judgment

V7 - We get so wrapped up in trying to know all the details that we miss the presence and assurance of God in the process. We want to ensure our success/ saftey/ provision that we lose sight that he asked us to trust him for our salvation

V6 - They couldnt fathom the temple being torn down because it was such a great feet a marvel,

V8 - Its important to not be led astray by even those who are so called christians saying things that are not true about scripture but it sounds good. (2 Timothy 4:3-4 ). Increase of getting information from social media (https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/fact-sheet/social-media-and-news-fact-sheet/)

V8 - They will be saying I am Him.

V9 - We dont have to be afraid of the bad things happening around us, this is not a sign that God is not in control but indicator of his sovereignty over everything

V10 - World will turn on each other

V11 - Matthew and mark include he phrase beginning of birth pains (Matthew 24:8 Mark 13:8)

V13 - The persecution is not a time to duck and hide but to bear witness

V14 - Settle in your minds (be sure of it) make peace with it

V14 - Having a close enough relationship with God to know what he is saying at any moment

V17 - we will be hated for Christians we get such a bad rep, we must not lose faith despit the added pressure

V19 - But the one who endures to the end shall be saved

V24 - it will fill like the whole world is against us

V25 - creation and the universe will be spun into chaos and there will be nothing that humanity can do to save. they cannot save themselve, they will literally have to rely on another (Jesus) to save them

V26 - scary time people will passing out with fear

V33 - Mark and Matthew talk about no tknowing the day nor the hour this will actually happen (Matthew 24:36 Mark 13:32 )

V33 - Matthew version compares it to the days of Noah

V35 - dont take a break on your faith. stay ready (this similar to Luke 12:35-48) as well as the story of the 10 Virgins Matthew 25:1–12

V38 - our prayers should be the stregthening of the saints

V16-17 - People want to avoid association with Christ becuase they think its bad news due to policitcs/ social media/ opinions

How can V16 and 18 both be true?

Why does near show up at least 4 times V20, 28, 30, 31?

V27 - What is the significance of the Daniel 7 reference?

V31 - how much of chapter 21 have to do with the KoG drawing near?

V35 - Why use the imagery of a wedding? becuase the church is the bride of christ

Words to pickup on: Endure, Stregthen, Watch

V28 - Near is the same word/ phrase for when you hear the time is at hand, drawing near. to be moving towards not far in distance

V28 - redemption is salvation from the Lord through Christ Jesus (Romans 3:24 Ephesians 1:7 Colossians 1:14 )

V34 - watch is a verb to be on one's guard, be alert

36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” 37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Mt 26:36–38.

Watch is to stay awake/ alert in the action taken is praying/ talking to the father; he finds his disciples sleeping yells at the that they could not keep "watch"; then admonishes them to "watch" and pray so they do not enter temptation (v41) and angels came to stregnthen Jesus

V34 - wiegh donw means life indulgences will take away from one's faithfulness; emotional load can lead to a state of hopelessness (see v12)

V34 - cant rely on someone elses faith but must "watch" yourself

V34 - how can you watch yourself

V34 - wages of sin is death and no one can escape coming judgemtn

V36 - stay awake is to be alert (look after/ watchover) stay awake (sleepless) aint got to get ready link to

V36 - stay awake (do not grow tired of doing good Galatians 6:9 )pray to be stregnthened to do the task. Before going on mission pray, what does it mean to be stregnthened

V14 - indicates some work needs to be done before the day of judgement if you trying to figure out things then (ie. waiting it will not go in your favor) (similar to Luke 21:34 ) specifically a bout baring witness

V28 - REdemption is spoken of as imminent

V34 - WATCH Division of time in which soldiers or others were on duty to guard something.

Main Idea:

Emphasis on V34-36 Watch and guard your souls as the coming kingdom of God (KOG) approaches.

The things that are talked about can seem terrifying but even as he explains them he says do not be afraid; these things must happen; and hair on your head won't be harmed, further cementing his sovereignty and power over it all for our eternity with him in the KOG.

Then I was going to talk about what does it look like to be watchful/ alert (anticipating his return - praying, fellowshipping with the believers, serving)

V34 - Acts 20: 28-32 talking about watching to avoid drifting away from the faith in spite of persecution, in spite of things getting hard

300 Quotations for Preachers from the Early Church Keep Watch on the Heart

A lamp will give light if it has oil and a trimmed wick. But if the oil is forgotten, it goes slowly out and little by little the shadows creep in upon it.

V8 - See that you are not led astray” first words out of Jesus’ mouth to answer their question

V8 - Then Jesus gives the familiar do not be afraid (due to level of horror he is describing he says do not be terrified) AND then he says something he says these things MUST take place

V19 - endurance is how we gain life and seems to connect to V36

V36 - here and through out the sermon he reiterates these things will take place

Faithlife Study Bible Luke 21:11

Common motifs of divine judgment (e.g., Deut 32:24; Ezek 6:11; Rev 6:12; 16:18)

COMMENTARY DAY

V7 - when …? Mark reports that this question was asked by four disciples: Peter, James, John and Andrew (Mk 13:3).  Kenneth L. Barker, ed., NIV Study Bible, Fully Revised Edition. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2020), 1809.V11- Common motifs of divine judgment (e.g., Deut 32:24; Ezek 6:11; Rev 6:12; 16:18) John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Lk 21:11.

V18 - will never perish Likely refers to eternal life/ soul in the age to come (see 20:35 and note). . John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Lk 21:18.

V18 - Not a hair of your head refers to spiritual security. Endurance is required of every true believer in Jesus Christ. Ultimately the strength to endure is supplied by God. A. Boyd Luter, “Luke,” in CSB Study Bible: Notes, ed. Edwin A. Blum and Trevin Wax (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2017), 1649.

V28 - stand up straight and raise your heads In contrast to the fearful response described in Luke 21:26, Jesus’ followers can joyfully rise to welcome their deliverer. John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Lk 21:28.

V28 - lift up your heads. Do not be downcast at the appearance of these signs, but look up in joy, hope and trust (cf. Ps 24:7). redemption. Final, completed redemption (see Ro 8:23; Heb 9:28 and notes). Kenneth L. Barker, ed., NIV Study Bible, Fully Revised Edition. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2020), 1810.

V28 - Instead of cowering in the face of these signs, believers should be encouraged because they indicate that the divine plan for redemption is being completed and the advent of the kingdom of God is near. 

 A. Boyd Luter, “Luke,” in CSB Study Bible: Notes, ed. Edwin A. Blum and Trevin Wax (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2017), 1649.

V33 - Jesus claimed absolute sovereignty and authority over the fulfillment of his prophetic words. Tony Evans, The Tony Evans Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible, 2019), 1217.

V34 - the worries of daily life Reminiscent of the seed sown among the thorns in the parable of the sower (Luke 8:14). John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Lk 21:34.

V34 - We must be alert, ready, and living in anticipation of the coming rapture that will precede the period of the tribulation (see 1 Thess 4:13–18), when Christ will come in the clouds to summon believers to “always be with the Lord” (1 Thess 4:17). Tony Evans, The Tony Evans Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible, 2019), 1217.

V34 - the vital thing is nto to indulge in speculation or give way to despair

V34 - Jesus warned His disciples to be ready at all times. Though a believer will be able to anticipate the coming of the kingdom by the signs, it is possible to get so entangled with the affairs of life that some will not be ready for the kingdom when it comes—unexpectedly (v. 34) and universally (v. 35)—and therefore will not enter the kingdom. It was against this wrong attitude that Jesus said, Be careful (v. 34) and be always on the watch (v. 36). John A. Martin, “Luke,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 258.

V34 - “Watch!” does not mean to stand around looking for signs. It means, “Be awake! Be alert! Don’t get caught unprepared!” This admonition carries a warning for us today, because it is so easy for us to “get weighted down” with the cares of this life and the temptations of the world and the flesh (see Luke 12:35–48).

During difficult times, it is easy to give up and start living like the unsaved world; and believers during the Tribulation period will face that temptation. They must “watch and pray” and resist the temptations around them, for they want to be ready when their Lord returns. Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 263.

V34 - The first of these is drunken parties in which you dull your mind with alcohol until you have no capacity to think about Jesus and his coming. The second is the stress of life so that you concentrate so much on worldly matters and your position in the world that you forget that this world is not eternal and that your eternal life depends on your readiness for the next world. Jesus has given you the signs. You have no excuse not to be ready. He has warned you of ways that will keep you from being ready. Do not get caught up in drunken partying or in this world’s stress. Trent C. Butler, Luke, vol. 3, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 356.

V36 - To stand before means “to pass the test” and stand approved before Jesus Christ at his second coming. New Living Translation Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2008), Lk 21:36.

V36 - Jesus’ emphasis is not on knowledge but on action. Pray! Stay alert! Ask God for strength to escape the persecutions and wars and destructions. Pray that you may be one of those fortunate ones who sees the Son of Man when he returns. Then you will stand before him as he judges the world, and you will receive the reward coming to his faithful ones who maintain their faith, trust, and testimony through all the hard signs. Trent C. Butler, Luke, vol. 3, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 356.

Luke Luke 21

It is simple to condemn those who go off the deep end with dates and places and withdrawal from normal living. Jesus invites us back into the everyday routine of life—but back with a consciousness that this routine is not the central part of life. You must choose what is central. Does life center on drunken parties and the stresses of life in this world? Or does life center on Christ and on waiting for him to return? Are you ready? Pray!