Our Confidence

Life is complicated, challenging, and (at times) difficult—no matter who you are. When you are a Christian—a disciple of Jesus—life can be more complicated. You see things in your own life that should not be there, and you struggle against them. You look at the world, at history, at society, and see even more things that are not honoring the Son of God or serving his purposes. It would be easy—very easy—to deal with the difficulty of life by withdrawing, playing it safe in discouragement and fear.

The Second-Last Sunday of the Church Year is obviously a time for the Church to renew her hopeful yearning for the return of the Lord and the redemption of all things. The appointed texts relate to this to a greater or lesser extent. The Psalm primarily invites its hearers to remember and rejoice in God’s deeds of salvation, which he has already accomplished; it concludes on an end-time note, announcing that Yahweh will come to judge the world with righteousness and equity (). The Old Testament Reading () is the famous promise of the coming of Elijah before the great and terrible day of the Lord, a prophecy fulfilled in the ministry of John the Baptizer (). The fact that John fulfills this prophecy shows that the Last Day has already begun in the One whom John announced. The Epistle actually functions as a corrective. The Church in Thessalonica had a misshapen end-time hope, one that was causing them to abandon normal daily responsibilities and become idle. Paul exhorts, “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat” (). True longing for Christ’s return will cause believers to be more engaged in their lives and their world, not less so.

Relevant Context

In an overall narrative structure that is paralleled in both Matthew and Mark, Jesus’ discourse about the coming destruction of the temple and Jerusalem occurs after Jesus’ extreme conflicts with the leaders in Jerusalem and before the Passion narrative begins. After weeping over Jerusalem for the second time (19:41–44; cf. 13:31–35), Jesus cleanses the temple and is challenged by hostile authorities, who come against him in waves (19:45–20:40). Jesus warns against the hypocrisy of the scribes and criticizes the rich by extolling the gift of the widow’s mite (20:45–21:4). The historical emphasis on unbelieving Jerusalem and the religious authorities could hardly be more firmly established, setting up Jesus’ prediction of the temple’s destruction, with which the Gospel begins.

There are likely few Gospel texts more challenging to apply to contemporary hearers than the first major portions of the Synoptic eschatological discourses (; ; ). The primary (but not sole) thrust of these words of Jesus concerns the first century and the terrible events leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman armies in AD 70. Among the many challenges for preaching, two are foremost. First, Christian congregations may actually be completely unaware of the First Jewish War, and so basic instruction is needed. Second, the theology that the Roman armies were the instrument in God’s hand of judgment will sound foreign to some hearers. But this is the overall message of the text. One valid hermeneutical path to application takes the first-century events that our Lord predicts as types of the Judgment Day and draws application for believers now as we await the consummation. That is the path to application suggested here.

In vv 5–6, Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple precincts. This destruction comes not because the temple itself is invalid or evil, but because of what Israel’s leadership has made the temple to be: a den where thieves hide out after pillaging and robbing the people (19:46). When unnamed persons ask about the timing and signs that will accompany this destruction, Jesus responds.

Times of terrible persecution and distress will come upon Jesus’ disciples in Judea during the years leading up to AD 70. Indeed, they will hear of distress and tumults in many places. But these events should not cause them to lose heart or lose faith. The Lord promises to provide to them, when some of them are delivered up to persecution, the very words to say. He will not abandon them; they will endure and be saved (vv 8–17). When Jerusalem is encircled by the Romans, believers in the area should abandon it and flee; Josephus gives his own validating testimony about that terrible time of tribulation. Up to v 24, it is certain that Jesus is speaking of first-century realities.

A major interpretive crux presents itself at v 25. Most interpreters seem to think that although Jesus has been predicting first-century events up to this point, now he shifts suddenly to apocalyptic description of signs that accompany the second coming (vv 25–27). One way to support this reading is to focus on the end of v 24, “until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” Then, perhaps, one can see that v 25 (“And there will signs”) refers to what will take place after the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. This is perhaps the easiest way to go.

The assigned text ends with v 28, a strong promissory note from Jesus’ lips. The terrible events leading up to AD 70 could easily create despair in his disciples’ hearts. Sin and rebellion against God run rampant in the world, and God’s judgment for such sin is a terrible thing. However literally or figuratively we understand Jesus’ words about the signs described in vv 25–27, the coming Day of Judgment will be a fearful day when the Son of Man comes in power to vindicate God’s purposes. How remarkable, then, and how encouraging is Jesus’ invitation: “Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” The terrible signs are given by the Father of Jesus, and Jesus himself is coming soon. So the disciples can see, even in the coming judgments of history and the signs of the end, the One who will soon manifest himself in glory. Rescue and redemption from sin, evil, and death are drawing near.

Sermon Outline

Introduction: Life is complicated, challenging, and (at times) difficult—no matter who you are. When you are a Christian—a disciple of Jesus—life can be more complicated. You see things in your own life that should not be there, and you struggle against them. You look at the world, at history, at society, and see even more things that are not honoring the Son of God or serving his purposes. It would be easy—very easy—to deal with the difficulty of life by withdrawing, playing it safe in discouragement and fear.

The words of Jesus in promise his disciples, standing with him there in the first century in Jerusalem, that their lives will be hard—incredibly hard—in the times that lead up to the year AD 70. In that year, Jesus’ prediction of judgment came true: the religious leaders who rejected him were punished by God through the destruction of the temple and the laying waste the city of Jerusalem by the hands of the Romans.

What were the disciples to do? What are we to do, even though our lives may never become that difficult? Jesus’ words invite us to see past the trouble, see past the sorrow and evil in the world, to the day when he will return to judge the living and the dead, and to remove all sin from our lives and make all things right! Because it is Jesus who says these things, we can be confident that

God Is Going to Rescue and Redeem All His Faithful, Holy People.

No Matter How Bad it Gets, a World In Rebellion Against God Cannot Frustrate His Plans.

Long ago, the story seemed to be moving toward a very, very bad end. But the world’s victory over Jesus was shattered!

1. Jesus, Israel’s true king, had come to the capital city.

Jesus, Israel’s true king, had come to the capital city.

a. All the forces were arrayed against him—chief priests, Sadducees, Pharisees, and Roman authorities.

All the forces were arrayed against him—chief priests, Sadducees, Pharisees, and Roman authorities.

b. It actually seemed as if they had won! Jesus was arrested, condemned, and executed. Dead usually stays dead.

It actually seemed as if they had won! Jesus was arrested, condemned, and executed. Dead usually stays dead.

But He Lives! Jesus Lives forever! And His promises and His words live forever because He does!

2. But he lives! He lives forever! And his promises and his words live forever because he does!

B. Your sin—and mine—has the power to take your life toward a very, very bad end. But your sin’s victory over you has been shattered!

Your sin—and mine—has the power to take your life toward a very, very bad end. But your sin’s victory over you has been shattered!

1. You and I are part of the problem of this old, dying, rebellious world.

You and I are part of the problem of this old, dying, rebellious world.

a. When I am greedy, I’m pretending that I am Lord over “my” things. I’m pretending to be God. (Give examples.)

When I am greedy, I’m pretending that I am Lord over “my” things. I’m pretending to be God.

The First Commandment admonishes us to fear, love and trust God above all things. We love God more than all things when we cling to Him alone as our God. This was the problem with Adam in the Garden: he decided that he loved his wife more than he loved God.

When I hold back from loving or forgiving, or when I judge another in anger, I am trying to cast Jesus down from his rightful throne.

b. When I hold back from loving or forgiving, or when I judge another in anger, I am trying to cast Jesus down from his rightful throne. (Give examples.)

It was Jesus who reminded us that we are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and then love our neighbor as ourselves. When we do the opposite of what He commanded, we cast Him down from His rightful place in our lives.

That sin would bring you and me down to death—eternal death and separation from God’s life and love.

2. That sin would bring you and me down to death—eternal death and separation from God’s life and love.

But Jesus went down into death for your sin and mine, and came back out of death and shattered your sin. You don’t have to fear. You belong to Him now. You are free.

3. But Jesus went down into death for your sin, and Jesus came back out of death and shattered your sin. You don’t have to fear. You belong to him now. You are free.

C. The world is careening out of control (vv 5–12, 16–17, 20–26). Whether it’s politics and governments, or catastrophes and disasters, terrorism or stock-market corruption, there’s a lot that could frighten us. But in the middle of all of it, God provides his Word.

Today, the world is careening out of control (vv 5–12, 16–17, 20–26). Politics and government has gotten out of hand; there are catastrophes and disasters, terrorism and corruption in the marketplace, there’s a lot that could frighten us. But in the middle of all of it, God provides his Word.

Jesus’ words give us hope and strength and perspective:

1. Jesus’ words give us hope and strength and perspective (vv 13–15, 18–19).

Luke 21:13–15 NET

13 This will be a time for you to serve as witnesses.14 Therefore be resolved not to rehearse ahead of time how to make your defense. 15 For I will give you the words along with the wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.

Luke 21:13–15 NASB95

13 “It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony. 14 “So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves; 15 for I will give you utterance and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute.

Luke 21:18–19 NASB95

18 “Yet not a hair of your head will perish. 19 “By your endurance you will gain your lives.

Luke 21:18–19 NASB95

18 “Yet not a hair of your head will perish. 19 “By your endurance you will gain your lives.

Luke 18–19 NASB95

1 Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart, 2 saying, “In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect man. 3 “There was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me legal protection from my opponent.’ 4 “For a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, ‘Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, 5 yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.’ ” 6 And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge said; 7 now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them? 8 “I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” 9 And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 “The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 ‘I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ 13 “But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ 14 “I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” 15 And they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He would touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they began rebuking them. 16 But Jesus called for them, saying, “Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17 “Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” 18 A ruler questioned Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 19 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. 20 “You know the commandments, ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’ ” 21 And he said, “All these things I have kept from my youth.” 22 When Jesus heard this, He said to him, “One thing you still lack; sell all that you possess and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 23 But when he had heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. 24 And Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God! 25 “For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 They who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” 27 But He said, “The things that are impossible with people are possible with God.” 28 Peter said, “Behold, we have left our own homes and followed You.” 29 And He said to them, “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who will not receive many times as much at this time and in the age to come, eternal life.” 31 Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things which are written through the prophets about the Son of Man will be accomplished. 32 “For He will be handed over to the Gentiles, and will be mocked and mistreated and spit upon, 33 and after they have scourged Him, they will kill Him; and the third day He will rise again.” 34 But the disciples understood none of these things, and the meaning of this statement was hidden from them, and they did not comprehend the things that were said. 35 As Jesus was approaching Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the road begging. 36 Now hearing a crowd going by, he began to inquire what this was. 37 They told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. 38 And he called out, saying, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 39 Those who led the way were sternly telling him to be quiet; but he kept crying out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40 And Jesus stopped and commanded that he be brought to Him; and when he came near, He questioned him, 41 “What do you want Me to do for you?” And he said, “Lord, I want to regain my sight!” 42 And Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” 43 Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him, glorifying God; and when all the people saw it, they gave praise to God. 1 He entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 And there was a man called by the name of Zaccheus; he was a chief tax collector and he was rich. 3 Zaccheus was trying to see who Jesus was, and was unable because of the crowd, for he was small in stature. 4 So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree in order to see Him, for He was about to pass through that way. 5 When Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, “Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” 6 And he hurried and came down and received Him gladly. 7 When they saw it, they all began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” 8 Zaccheus stopped and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give back four times as much.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” 11 While they were listening to these things, Jesus went on to tell a parable, because He was near Jerusalem, and they supposed that the kingdom of God was going to appear immediately. 12 So He said, “A nobleman went to a distant country to receive a kingdom for himself, and then return. 13 “And he called ten of his slaves, and gave them ten minas and said to them, ‘Do business with this until I come back.’ 14 “But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’ 15 “When he returned, after receiving the kingdom, he ordered that these slaves, to whom he had given the money, be called to him so that he might know what business they had done. 16 “The first appeared, saying, ‘Master, your mina has made ten minas more.’ 17 “And he said to him, ‘Well done, good slave, because you have been faithful in a very little thing, you are to be in authority over ten cities.’ 18 “The second came, saying, ‘Your mina, master, has made five minas.’ 19 “And he said to him also, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’ 20 “Another came, saying, ‘Master, here is your mina, which I kept put away in a handkerchief; 21 for I was afraid of you, because you are an exacting man; you take up what you did not lay down and reap what you did not sow.’ 22 “He said to him, ‘By your own words I will judge you, you worthless slave. Did you know that I am an exacting man, taking up what I did not lay down and reaping what I did not sow? 23 ‘Then why did you not put my money in the bank, and having come, I would have collected it with interest?’ 24 “Then he said to the bystanders, ‘Take the mina away from him and give it to the one who has the ten minas.’ 25 “And they said to him, ‘Master, he has ten minas already.’ 26 “I tell you that to everyone who has, more shall be given, but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. 27 “But these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slay them in my presence.” 28 After He had said these things, He was going on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 When He approached Bethphage and Bethany, near the mount that is called Olivet, He sent two of the disciples, 30 saying, “Go into the village ahead of you; there, as you enter, you will find a colt tied on which no one yet has ever sat; untie it and bring it here. 31 “If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of it.’ ” 32 So those who were sent went away and found it just as He had told them. 33 As they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 They said, “The Lord has need of it.” 35 They brought it to Jesus, and they threw their coats on the colt and put Jesus on it. 36 As He was going, they were spreading their coats on the road. 37 As soon as He was approaching, near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles which they had seen, 38 shouting: “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord; Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” 40 But Jesus answered, “I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!” 41 When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it, 42 saying, “If you had known in this day, even you, the things which make for peace! But now they have been hidden from your eyes. 43 “For the days will come upon you when your enemies will throw up a barricade against you, and surround you and hem you in on every side, 44 and they will level you to the ground and your children within you, and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.” 45 Jesus entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling, 46 saying to them, “It is written, ‘And My house shall be a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a robbers’ den.” 47 And He was teaching daily in the temple; but the chief priests and the scribes and the leading men among the people were trying to destroy Him, 48 and they could not find anything that they might do, for all the people were hanging on to every word He said.

a. His present word: I have rescued you! You are mine!

His present word: I have rescued you! You are mine!

His future word: I will rescue you! You are mine!

b. His future word: I will rescue you! You are mine!

Luke 21:18–19 NASB95

18 “Yet not a hair of your head will perish. 19 “By your endurance you will gain your lives.

2. God’s Word assures us that he is moving the world toward the goal of his Day (v 27).

God’s Word assures us that he is moving the world toward the goal of his Day (v 27).

Luke 21:27 NASB95

27 “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

So then, Look Forward to the Great Day with Confidence in Christ (v 28)!

The Day is surely drawing near—and God is in control of everything!

1. In the first century, the Jewish leadership perhaps thought they were in charge—they could stop Jesus and remain the leaders of God’s people. But the Romans came and took them away. That was a little “judgment day” on their rebellion against Jesus.

In the first century, the Jewish leadership perhaps thought they were in charge—they could stop Jesus and remain the leaders of God’s people. But the Romans came and took them away. That was a little “judgment day” on their rebellion against Jesus.

2. No doubt, the Romans thought they were in charge. But the Roman Empire has been gone for a long, long time. God is running the show, and history is moving toward his future.

No doubt, the Romans thought they were in charge. But the Roman Empire has been gone for a long, long time. God is running the show, and history is moving toward his future.

Every time you read or hear about a war, a disaster or political turmoil, let it remind you that this tired, troubled world is moving toward the goal, the plan, that God has for it when Christ returns in glory. The coming Day is Jesus Christ’s Day! He is in charge, and he will set things right.

3. Every time you read or hear about a war or a disaster, let it remind you that this tired, troubled world is moving toward the goal, the plan, that God has for it when Christ returns in glory. The coming Day is Jesus Christ’s Day! He is in charge, and he will set things right.

Looking trouble in the eye, we need not fear—because of our Lord, Jesus Christ (v 18)!

B. Looking trouble in the eye, we need not fear—because of our Lord, Jesus Christ (v 18)!

Luke 21:18 NASB95

18 “Yet not a hair of your head will perish.

1. Jesus said, “Stand, and lift up your head.”

Jesus said, “Stand, and lift up your head.”

2. What a gracious word!

What a gracious word!

a. We deserve the opposite: “Fall on your face, and bow your head in shame!”

We deserve the opposite: “Fall on your face, and bow your head in shame!”

b. But he makes us stand, forgiven and accepted and loved.

But he makes us stand, forgiven and accepted and loved.

3. Thus he lifts up our head to face the future, and even the last great Day, with confidence.

Thus he lifts up our head to face the future, and even the last great Day, with confidence.

Remember and believe: God is getting ready to redeem His faithful, holy people!

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Prayer of the Church

Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost

17 November 2019

Holy God, mighty Lord, hear Your people as they pray, and grant to them all things needful and beneficial according to Your gracious promise in Christ, our Lord.

Brief silence

Praise to You, O Lord, for You have done marvelous things and laid bare Your arm to save Your people. Deliver Your Church from all her enemies and from those who battle against Your Word. Sustain us through the fears and trials of these latter days, and raise up faithful pastors who will secure Your people in faith through the ministry of Your Word and Sacraments. Bless those preparing for full-time church work and considering church-work vocations. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Glory to You, O Lord, for You have remembered Your steadfast love to Your people and redeemed them through the blood of Your only Son. Strengthen Your people in their baptismal identity as Your children and in their vocation of worship, witness, love and mercy work. Bless our congregation and those whom You call and gather here by Your Word and Spirit. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Holy are You, O Lord, and mighty. You will judge the world with righteousness and Your people with equity. Bless us with good and faithful leaders and government to serve Your purposes, defend Your people, punish the evildoer and encourage virtue. Make us especially mindful of those least able to defend themselves, especially the unborn. Raise up those who will serve the cause of peace among the nations. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Faithful God, You have given us rich and abundant promises and promised to be with us in all adversity and need. Be with those who cry to You in any need of body, mind or soul, and grant them grace sufficient for all their needs especially, Matt Young (Nancy Decker’s Husband), Roger Ewing (Dialasis - Kathy Shervey’s dad), Barb Lynch, Linda Bateman, Carol Johnson, Holly Weiland, Darsie Hartzell, Ed Ray, and those whom we name aloud at this time. Deliver them from illness according to Your will, and grant them to rest upon the firm foundation of Your grace and favor to keep them through the days of their trial. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

We worship You, O Lord, for all Your loving kindness shown to us in Christ, our Savior. Deliver us from fear as we witness the signs of the times and make sober judgement in the face of so many vexing concerns. Remind us that though the nations rage and the powers press against the Church, this is our opportunity to give witness to the Word that does not change and the mercy that is our hope in Christ. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

We give You thanks, O Lord, for the gift of family, and we pray You to bless the homes in which Your people dwell. Make them to be places of blessing and peace where Your Word is front and center and the faith is preserved and passed on to children and grandchildren. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Holy Lord, You are the strength of Your people. Grant to us strength, that we may not give into temptation or be caught up in evil but endure through Your grace to the day of Christ’s return. We pray that we would be found holy and blameless by the power of His grace when You bring the dawn of the Last Day and lead us into the place where there is no night, no darkness and no death. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Welcoming Lord, bring us to receive with thanksgiving and faith the most blessed food of Christ’s flesh for the life of the world and His blood that cleanses us from all our sins. Bless us with unity of faith and harmony of doctrine and life. By this blessed Sacrament, equip us with all the gifts of the Spirit and bring to harvest the rich fruits of the Spirit in the lives of Your people, both now and forevermore. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

O blessed Lord, You have promised never to abandon us and always to provide all that we need for this day and for eternal life. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, hear the prayers of Your people, and grant them all good things for Your mercy’s sake. To You, the eternal God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be glory now and forevermore. Amen.