Luke 21:5-36 is about Jesus foretelling the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and the signs leading up to the end of the age, encouraging his followers to stay vigilant and faithful in times of tribulation.
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.
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.
20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near.
21 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,
22 for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written.
23 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.
24 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.
25 “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,
26 People fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
29 And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees.
30 As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near.
31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.
32 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place.
33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
34 “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.”
35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth.
36 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.
Setting the Scene for Luke 21:5-36
In Luke chapter 21, Jesus is in Jerusalem with his disciples, teaching them about the signs of the end times. The scene is set in the Temple, a grand and imposing structure that was the center of Jewish religious life. As Jesus and his disciples walk through the Temple complex, they are surrounded by bustling crowds of people coming to worship and offer sacrifices.
The disciples are in awe of the magnificent buildings and intricate architecture of the Temple, but Jesus warns them not to be deceived by the grandeur around them. He foretells the destruction of the Temple and the signs that will precede the end of the age. Jesus speaks of wars, earthquakes, famines, and persecution that will come upon them, but he also offers words of comfort and assurance to his followers, reminding them to stand firm in their faith and trust in God’s providence.
As Jesus speaks, the disciples listen intently, their hearts filled with a mixture of fear and hope. They are witnessing a pivotal moment in their journey with Jesus, as he prepares them for the challenges that lie ahead. The scene is charged with a sense of urgency and anticipation, as Jesus imparts his final teachings before his crucifixion, urging his disciples to stay vigilant and faithful amidst the trials to come.
What is Luke 21:5-36 about?
Jesus in this verse foretells the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and warns his disciples about the signs that will herald the end times. Jesus’s prophecy about the temple’s destruction came true in 70 AD when the Roman army destroyed the Second Temple. This event was not just a physical destruction but also a symbolic one, signifying the end of the old covenant and the beginning of a new era.
Jesus’s prediction about the end times serves as a reminder for us to stay vigilant and faithful in the midst of trials and tribulations. It prompts us to reflect on our relationship with God and how we are living out our faith in the world today. The signs he mentions, such as wars, famines, and earthquakes, remind us that life is fleeting and that we should be prepared for the day when we will be called to account for our actions. This verse ultimately calls us to deepen our spiritual awareness and live each day with purpose and intention, knowing that our time on earth is limited.
Understanding what Luke 21:5-36 really means
In Luke 21:5-36, Jesus addresses His disciples in Jerusalem, discussing the destruction of the temple, signs of the end times, and the necessity of vigilance and preparedness. As Jesus and His disciples admire the temple’s grandeur, He foretells its destruction, symbolizing the impermanence of earthly structures and the impending judgment. The temple, a symbol of Jewish faith and national pride, holds significant importance in this discourse, emphasizing the gravity of Jesus’ words.
The key themes and phrases in this passage are profound and thought-provoking. Jesus speaks of nations rising against each other, earthquakes, famines, and pestilences, all pointing towards the chaos preceding the end times. His exhortation to “stand firm” amidst trials and to “be always on the watch, and pray” underscores the importance of unwavering faith and constant communion with God in preparation for what is to come.
Related biblical passages such as Matthew 24:1-35, Revelation 6:1-17, and 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 offer further insights into the end times and the need for spiritual readiness. These passages echo Jesus’ call to be alert, sober, and faithful, emphasizing the urgency of being spiritually prepared in a world filled with uncertainties and challenges.
Today, Luke 21:5-36 remains relevant as a reminder of the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the significance of prioritizing spiritual preparedness. It encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, drawing strength from their relationship with God amidst personal trials and global upheavals. The passage serves as a beacon of hope, guiding individuals to focus on eternal treasures rather than temporary comforts.
Consider the story of an individual who faced adversity with unwavering faith and vigilance, finding solace and strength in their relationship with God. Their resilience and preparedness mirror the call in Luke 21 to be watchful and prayerful, navigating through life’s storms with unwavering trust in God’s providence.
In delving deeper into the phrases of Luke 21:5-36, we uncover profound truths. “Not one stone will be left on another” signifies the transient nature of human achievements, urging us to invest in eternal treasures. “Stand firm, and you will win life” assures believers of eternal rewards for perseverance in faith, even in the face of persecution. “Be always on the watch, and pray” stresses the vital role of spiritual vigilance and reliance on God’s guidance in our daily lives.
In conclusion, Luke 21:5-36 encapsulates the impermanence of earthly things, the signs of the end times, and the call to vigilance and prayer. Let us reflect on these teachings, considering how we can fortify our faith, remain steadfast, and be prepared for the journey ahead, knowing that our ultimate hope lies in God’s unchanging promises.
Are we prepared for the coming of Christ?
The passage warns believers to be watchful and prepared for the coming of Christ. It emphasizes the importance of being vigilant and not being caught off guard when that day comes. It speaks about signs and events that will signal the return of Christ, reminding us to stay faithful and focused on living a righteous life. The message is clear: we must be ready for the coming of Christ at any moment. We should strive to live in accordance with God’s will in our daily lives, showing love and compassion to others, and being faithful to our beliefs. We demonstrate our readiness for the coming of Christ by being prepared in this way. We must not be consumed by the distractions and temptations of the world but keep our focus on serving God and following His teachings. This passage serves as a reminder for us to stay true to our faith and live in anticipation of Christ’s return. The passage ultimately urges us to be spiritually prepared for the coming of Christ by staying connected to God through prayer, worship, and living a life that reflects His love and teachings. We are called to be faithful and obedient, trusting in God’s plan and being ready to meet Him when the time comes. Being watchful, prayerful, and living in a state of preparedness is how we can ensure that we are ready for the second coming of Christ.
Application
Stay alert and pray, for the Lord’s return is uncertain. Let’s hold onto our faith firmly, even in troublesome times. Take a moment to consider your actions; are they aligning with God’s will? Let’s stay committed and support each other in our faith journeys. Will you respond to this call and demonstrate your faith through your life choices?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.