Luke 21 - End Times - Commentary

Escatology • Sermon • Submitted 2 years ago • Presented 2 years ago

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Luke 21:5-38

Now we come to Luke. In the same style, we will do a verse by verse study focusing entirely within the text. This will establish what Luke was trying to convey to his audience and allow us to build upon the text and context of the scripture. Attempting to avoid the pitfalls of eisigesis.

Luke 21:5-7 Here we have some people talking about the beautiful of the temple. How is was arrayed in precious stones and offerings. Likely, from around the world, since this was the Herodian temple. Jesus’ response to this, I’m sure came as a shock to those around Him. Everything you see will be completely ruined. Then the disciples ask Him 2 questions. 1) when will these things happen 2) what will be the sign for these things to happen. This concept is the minimum context of the rest of the passage. We cannot simply separate the following verses from the immediate context.

Luke 21:8 Instead of opening this with a statement of the obvious nature of it’s fulfillment. Jesus starts with a warning of deception surrounding these events. “Watch out that you are not deceived!” Lk 21:8. The audience is His followers. We will see through this chapter if that warning is applicable also to us. One way that deception will come is by many false teachers. Spreading two lies 1) I am he 2) the time is near. Now the question follows. What could make anyone follow another christ? The events that unfold in these verses could be the answer. But we are told not to go after them. These false christs will also claim that “the time is near”. Verse 9 seems to give some framing.

Luke 21:9 Wars and insurrections - We can look back through 2000 years of history and see no shortage of war. It is hard to imagine anything worse then the 1900’s into the 2000’s. Claiming the lives of millions of people. There could be many inferences made but we should avoid taking current events and laying them over scripture. Says this equals this and that equals that has been done for 1000’s of years. And if the prophetic message Jesus is teaching will led to the “end”. Then they were all wrong. As I mentioned in verse 8, the false christs claim that “the time is near”. Seems to be understood with this frame in verse 9, “but the end will not be at once.” Lk 21:9. Luke 21:5-7 frames the immediate context with 1) when will these things happen 2) what will be the sign for these things to happen. Yet, Jesus seems to be including another frame to understand these events. We will establish if this is a possibility with understanding the context. As we look further into the chapter.

Luke 21:10 In verse 9 we are told there will be wars and insurrections. Now we have the scale of these signs. Nation against nation and kingdom against kingdom.

Luke 21:11 Earthquakes, famines, and plagues - These may seem insignificant signs but let us not diminish the text. We have a qualifier on earthquakes. Great. Potentially we could also apply this same qualifier to famines and plagues. Which would give it a larger perspective along with our second qualifier, “in various places”. The Greek seems to apply great to only earthquakes and famines and plagues to various places. Whichever interpretation seems more fitting. We would assume that these would need to look different then what we have seen through 2000 years of history. Whether that is a larger scale or wider effect we can only infer. Moving on to the second part of this verse, “There will be terrible sights and great signs from heaven.” Lk 21:11. I am not sure what the disciples had in mind listening to this message. Maybe they thought of cataclysmic events, I know that is what comes to mind when I read this. I am not sure the reasoning of the vague nature to these signs. Generally, when we see vagueness in scripture it is on purpose. Often to apply a general application that we cannot dismiss with specifics. After all, God did know that there would be men trying to interpret His Word for all these years. So maybe our imagination should vividly paint what exactly this could mean. As long as we keep the parameters of the context given.

Luke 21:12 Jesus here gives us a sort of time stamp on the next signs. “But before all these things,”. So, before all of the things mentioned within verses 8-11, we will have persecution. Both religious and governmental. The subject “they” is introduced here. As those who would "lay their hands on you”, “persecute you”, and “handing you over”. Not much is supplied other then this. We will come back to this subject if more information is supplied. Although this persecution seems to be widespread. God will use it for a purpose.

Luke 21:13 Witnessing to kings and governors is not in the typical Christian’s interaction list. But here we find a potential different story. God will use the persecution in verse 12, where Christians will be delivered over as a time for witness.

Luke 21:14-15 “Therefore make up your minds” denotes a pre existing understanding. Don’t speak in our own defense for God is the one who will defend us. He will even supply the speech and wisdom. Where they will not be able to resist or contradict.

Luke 21:16 This persecution we have been discussing. Comes not from our evil tyrannical government officials. But some of our closest family and friends. This is not something that can be easily excepted or imagined. Coming back to the subject of “they”. This verse would supply one interpretation of those who initiate the persecution. Its uncomfortable but as verse 17 goes on. We know the enemies of Christ will also align as enemies to His followers. Regardless of relation.

Luke 21:17 Who wants to be hated by others? Not many. One major cost of Christianity is that we identity with Christ. Who was hated and betrayed by His own people. I am not saying this is an easy thing to embrace. It’s quite difficult. On the other hand we have the promises of God. “and behold, I am with you all the days until the end of the age” Matt 28:20. This seems to be a fitting verse for our topic. How these events unfold, God knows. And He has given us these specific and thoughtful words to prepare beforehand. However scary the storm ahead. Let us as believers trust in the faithful One who calms even the fiercest of storms.

Luke 21:18 “But not a hair of your head shall be lost.” Didn’t Jesus just explain that even our closest relatives will give us over, some even to death?! How can both of these be true? Well, this is a good example of why we take things in context. Jesus is using exaggeration in order to emphasize His Divine protection upon us. Even if this mortal body is given over to death. Nothing will be lost in the sight of God.

Luke 21:19 “By your patience possess your souls.” or “By your patient endurance you will gain your lives.” This verse has been the source of some hotly debated conversations. As we looked at earlier, the end is probably the event that Jesus is describing on top of the destruction of the temple. Breaking down the LEB rendering of this text. Patient endurance for believers seems to be a requirement. The idea of “gain your lives” is what could have 3 possibilities. 1) our earthly lives 2)salvific merit 3)maintaining faith. This expression seems to be an idiom “to acquire one’s souls or to acquire one’s life”. Jesus did tell the disciples they would be handed over to death. So it would seem out of place if this is simply a reference to earthly dwelling. For it to have salvific nature also seems out of place in the NT. Knowing we can add nothing to the finished work of the cross. Lastly, a patient endurance in our faith in Christ seems like the most likely explanation. Apostasy or falling away is mentioned in other scriptures. Though a very contested position within the church. The other options to not seem supported. We also could have a unique time period that possesses a unique trait. Where the only time apostasy is possible is during the end. That is not my understanding of this passage but I wanted to supply an explanation for those that hold to OSAS. At least one that I believe offers some merit. Regardless where we land on this interpretation. We cannot dismiss the text because we simply don't like its meaning. We conform to the Bible as Christians, not the other way around.

Luke 21:20 ““But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near.” The most compelling text for the Preterist is found with verses 20-24. It summarizes their position beautifully. I believe we need to give credence even when we may disagree with a certain position. But let us examine the text. I want to point out what has been discussed from verse 8-19. The disciples ask Jesus 1) when will these things happen 2) what will be the sign for these things to happen. All in regards to the temple. Yet, Jesus spends many verses establishing everything we already looked at within this chapter. Here we have the first mention of Jerusalem. However, Jesus does not mention the temple (at least in the Luke account). Jerusalem is the focus as armies surround her.

Luke 21:21 Potentially broadening our view now to Judea. A warning is given for the people. Those in the city, most likely referring to Jerusalem, must depart. Those in the surrounding region are told not to go into the city. As we analyse Luke separately. It may be difficult to separate the verses we have studied in the other accounts. I can understand that. But just for this exercise. I am hoping it is a valuable tool when we will combine each account and look at them side by side.

Luke 21:22 “For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.” I believe this is the verse that becomes the qualifier of this section. The purpose of this desolation, at minimum verses 20-24, is to fulfill what has been written. Just as all the things written about Jesus during His first earthly ministry were fulfilled. Likewise, all the things that were written about this event will be fulfilled. God keeps His word. This verse indicates that these are the days of vengeance. And if we take the text for what it says. It is the days of vengeance upon Jerusalem. Something that needs to be highlighted is the proceeding verse. Most likely referring to the Jewish people. They are called to escape the city and those in the surrounding region of Judea are called not to enter the city. As verse 20 teaches the city will be destroyed when armies surround it. It would be strange if the vengeance that is being describe is upon the Jewish people. Yet, Jesus is warning beforehand how to escape the vengeance.

Luke 21:23 Again, this verse seems to confirm that the Jewish people are the subject of this section. Speaking of the distress and wrath associated upon them within this specific time. A woe described on those who are with child during this time draws many possible inferences.

Luke 21:24 As Jerusalem is surrounded, this verse unfortunately confirms the usual consequences and spoils of war. They will fall to the sword and be led captive at all nations. As I previously noted. This section feels fulfilled with the history of the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD. These 4 verses seem to explain the 70 AD destruction very well. As far as the “times of the gentiles are fulfilled”. May not be as obvious. I believe this is an important theme within prophecy but has a lot of cross references in order to pinpoint the doctrine. I will need to dedicate some time later on. But the plain view seems to teach there will be a time that the Jewish people will regain the whole of Judea and Jerusalem after the time of the Gentiles ares fulfilled. Meaning we are still in the time of the Gentiles and there are yet future fulfillment to take place.

Luke 21:25-26 Heavenly signs described seems to confuse a lot of people. I believe after the fulfillment it will be completely obvious to followers of Christ (not a minority group). With any text, many inferences can be drawn. But, lets focus on the plain meaning and allow God”s word to shape our thinking. These signs will be with the sun, moon, and stars. This text includes “the sea and its surging.” The nations will be able to hear a noise that will cause a perplex distress. Verse 26 confirms the scale of this as the general population of the Earth. “for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” The One who made these heavens knows its power. This shaking will cause a global mass hysteria of their expectation of whats coming. Notice the timing of the event. “And there will be...” This is speaking not in a chronological fashion nor the timing of the event relative to the rest of the passage. As I later compare the rest of the accounts. I hope it will make more sense.

Luke 21:27 “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” The “they” subject looks like it focuses on the general population of the earth. Who are experiencing the fear and expectation of what is coming. They “will see the Son of Man arriving in a cloud...” This occurs after the manifestation of the heavenly signs of 25-26. How the habituated world all see the Son of Man coming back to earth is hard to explain. But it does seem to be a reference to a physical return opposed to an allegorical return of judgement. As Jesus is referencing the Daniel 7:13-14 passage of the Son of Man. Which teaches Jesus is given dominion, glory and, kingship. That all peoples, nations, and languages would serve Him. And the characteristics given in Luke are with power and great glory.

Luke 21:28 This verse seems to confirm the plain interpretation of 27 by focusing on a redemption. Rather then the Preterist interpretation of judgment. Remember His audience is the disciples. He is giving them (us) hope whenever the heavenly signs begin to manifest. Their (our) heads should look up as Jesus’ coming is now drawing close. For what purpose? Redemption on behalf of the followers of Christ. I don’t think anyone should conflate the judgment and destruction of the Jewish people as “redemption” for believers. Even if Luke’s account does seem to focus more upon the 70 AD destruction of the temple.

Luke 21:5

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