Sermon Tone Analysis

21:5 Some people are admiring the beauty of the temple.

21:6 In response, Jesus, who has been teaching in the temple (19:47; 20:1), now teaches about the temple—about its impending destruction.

Jeremiah similarly had prophesied the fall of the first temple in his “temple sermon” (), which Jesus has already made his own by calling the temple “a den of thieves” (; ).

Echoing also his earlier words about the city’s devastation (), he speaks of the days that will come when not a stone will be left standing upon another stone in the temple.

Everything will be thrown down.

Josephus details the total destruction of the temple during the siege of Jerusalem by the Roman general Titus in AD 70.

The temple and its surrounding courts were consumed by fire, and indeed on the same day and month—the ninth of Av—as when the Babylonians destroyed the first temple.

What remained of the temple as well as large parts of the city were then demolished.

21:7–11 Asked when and after what sign such events will happen, Jesus responds with his second major speech about “last things” (21:5–36; see 17:22–37).

As in the first discourse, this one includes prophecies regarding the fall of Jerusalem (21:8–24) as well as others about the world’s judgment at his second coming (vv.

25–36).

The former event is a sign of the latter (Catechism 585), since the temple was considered to represent the universe (): the Holy of Holies signified heaven while the other parts represented land and sea; the four colors of the veil symbolized the four elements; the seven-branched lampstand (menorah) symbolized the number of the “planets” known in the ancient world; and the twelve loaves of the presence represented the months of the year.

Hence, events like those leading up to the fall of the temple (e.g., in ) will also mark the onset of the end times.

Before describing Jerusalem’s end (vv.

20–24), Jesus refers to events (vv.

8–11), including persecutions (vv.

12–19), that must happen first.

As he did earlier (17:21, 23), Jesus gives a warning not to follow or be deceived by the many who will purport to come in his name, claiming I am he.

One such messianic pretender was the Egyptian Jew who around the year AD 56 led thousands of followers in a rebellion that was put down by the Roman governor Felix ().

There were also many false prophets who promised deliverance at the time of the Roman siege.

Many others have made similar claims in succeeding centuries.

Figure 19.

Temple ruins (southwest corner).

© Baker Publishing Group

21:12–19 During the time of upheaval before Jerusalem’s fall, those in authority will persecute Jesus’ disciples.

In God’s plan, this will give the disciples the opportunity to give testimony to Jesus.

Gadenz, P. T. (2018).

The Gospel of Luke.

(P. S. Williamson & M. Healy, Eds.) (pp.

346–348).

Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic: A Division of Baker Publishing Group

Using language often found in the Old Testament to express divine judgment, Jesus also speaks of natural disasters such as earthquakes () and famines ().

In Acts, Luke records a prophecy about a famine, which then happened about AD 45–48 while Claudius was emperor ().

Moreover, Jesus mentions awesome sights as well as mighty signs in the sky.

Josephus indeed describes many strange signs that preceded the fall of Jerusalem.

Such signs in the heavens will also occur before Jesus’ second coming ().

21:12–19 During the time of upheaval before Jerusalem’s fall, those in authority will persecute Jesus’ disciples.

In God’s plan, this will give the disciples the opportunity to give testimony to Jesus.

In Acts, Luke describes the fulfillment of these words (, ; ), with the apostles even rejoicing that they suffer on account of Jesus’ name ().

The disciples will be tracked down in synagogues (; ; ), put into prisons (; ; ; ), and led before kings (; ) and governors (; ; ).

As they make their defense (; ; ), they will be given a wisdom that their opponents cannot withstand (; see ).

In such circumstances, the disciples will be taught by the Holy Spirit, as Jesus earlier said (). Persecution will divide families (12:52–53), as disciples are handed over even by relatives and friends.

For some, it will lead to death by martyrdom (; ).

Paradoxically, by being hated in these ways on account of Jesus’ name, disciples will receive the blessing promised in the Beatitudes ()—a great reward in heaven.

Hence, God’s providential care for them will extend even, so to speak, to the hair on their head (12:7), if not here on earth (), then hereafter.

Their perseverance will bear fruit () in eternal life.

_____________________________________________

Gadenz, P. T. (2018).

The Gospel of Luke.

(P. S. Williamson & M. Healy, Eds.) (pp.

346–348).

Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic: A Division of Baker Publishing Group.

Charles V Can't Grant a Wish

Knowing that judgment is coming sets us free to live a full life, because it puts everything in proper perspective.

Charles V was one of the last truly great European Emperors.

In the 1500s, he protected Europe from the vicious and tireless attacks of the Turkish Muslim Empire.And at the same time he brought together the leaders of Europe to reestablish political and religious unity among Christians after the revolt of Martin Luther.He almost succeeded, until his most powerful ally betrayed him.

Sharing the Good News (deeper into the Gospel)

In the prime of his life, one of his closest and most well loved advisers, who had served the Emperor since his youth, fell ill.

Charles was at his bedside as the man was dying.The Emperor was deeply moved at the man's suffering, and wanted to comfort him.He said, "My friend, you have been a faithful servant all these years.

Please, let me now do something for you.

Ask anything of me, and I will do it."The

dying man turned his weak eyes to his King, and whispered, "Sire, there is one great favor I desire."The

Emperor was glad at this, and leaned forward, "Tell me," he said, "What is it?""Give

me one more day of life - just one day more!"Charles' face fell.

He answered simply, "You know that I have not the power."The

man smiled weakly, and said:"Yes, I know.

Even the greatest earthly king cannot give life.

And now you see how foolish I have been.

I served you well all these years, but I gave no thought to my Heavenly King, and now I must go to him with empty hands.

Pray for me."

Those were his last words.

Sharing the Good News (deeper into the Gospel)

Knowing that Christ's Kingdom will be victorious and last forever has a very practical consequence: it enables us to be more energetic and confident in building up that Kingdom.

Jesus tells his Apostles that they will be persecuted, but they are not to worry, since "it will lead to your giving testimony."This is what we are called to do - to tell others about Christ, to bring them into the Church, so that they too can reestablish an intimate friendship with God and set out on the path to eternal life.So that they can have the same peace of mind that we have from knowing what the future holds.Jesus tells his Apostles that they will even be betrayed by family members, but it doesn't matter, because he will still be protecting them: "not a hair on your head will be destroyed."And

so, he goes on to tell them, they should never give up in their efforts to follow Christ and help others follow him: "By your perseverance you will secure your lives."

As Christians, we are soldiers of Christ.

We have been given a share in his mission.

People around us are starving to know the future, the real truth about the future.That's why they are buying books about tea leaves and Tarot Cards and celestial prophecies, about witchcraft and magic and neo-paganism.Jesus wants to save them from their anxiety and from the dangers of looking for answers in the wrong places.He wants to tell them the real truth about death, judgment, and forgiveness.And he has invited us to be his messengers.

We all know someone who needs to hear this message.

This week, let's tell them.

Today, when we once again profess our faith in the everlasting future of his Kingdom, let's also renew our commitment to building it.