The Cultural Equality Illusion

Introduction

Today we begin looking at a section of teaching by Jesus, which would have been

-challenging & confusing for his disciples to hear

as it has been for many Christians today to understand.

This discourse, which we will take us up until advent, seems to focus on two separate

- yet similar prophetic apocalyptic events

- which Jesus intertwines together when speaking to His disciples.

Now, for Jesus’ disciples, both of these prophetic events were future events,

- but for Christians today we are now only anticipating 1 to come to pass.

But as we will see, aspects of Jesus warnings and the advice which he gave to his disciples

- in Jerusalem, in 33ad

- are still very much relevant for Christians today.

English Standard Version (Chapter 21)

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.”

Jesus Foretells Wars and Persecution

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.

PRAY

Last week we left Jesus in the court of the women, in the temple complex, after He and those standing with him observed people giving their offerings, both large & small.

Now, Luke doesn’t tell us where the location of our passage today happens, nor does he tell us who the people were who were speaking to Jesus about the grandeur of the temple

but both Matthew & Marks account tell us that Jesus & His disciples had left the temple and they were on the mount of olives (olivet) and it was his disciples that were in awe of architecture of the temple

Now, irrespective of the location, it is in this moment which Jesus decides to reply to their adorning of the temple by dropping a curve ball into the conversation which makes His disciples stop in their tracks!