As we follow the history of Christ’s life and see the end of his ministry drawing near, we see also that the Lord begins to speak more about what will happen when he is rejected by the Jewish people. Jesus speaks about the desolation of Jerusalem. The city will be destroyed in 70 A.D. He also speaks prophetically about the end of the present age and the signs that will point to this end.

There will be catastrophic events, but the believers should not be fooled. It is especially important to watch for false prophets and their deceptive teachings. In this chapter the Lord urges his own disciples to be faithful in his service.

The Lord makes clear that the end of the age will not follow immediately. Much still needs to happen and be done. Now the Lord teaches in the temple during the day and at night he goes to the Mount of Olives. This chapter contains a summary of his teaching at this time.

¹As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury.  ²He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins.  ³“I tell you the truth,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. ⁴All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

⁵Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said,  ⁶“As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.”

⁷“Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”

⁸He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. ⁹When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”

¹⁰Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. ¹¹There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.

¹²“But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. ¹³This will result in your being witnesses to them. ¹⁴But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. ¹⁵For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. ¹⁶You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. ¹⁷All men will hate you because of me. ¹⁸But not a hair of your head will perish. ¹⁹By standing firm you will gain life.

²⁰“When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. ²¹Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. ²²For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. ²³How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. ²⁴They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

²⁵“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. ²⁶Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. ²⁷At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. ²⁸When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

²⁹He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. ³⁰When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. ³¹Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.

³²“I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. ³³Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

³⁴“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. ³⁵For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. ³⁶Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”  ³⁷Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives, ³⁸and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple.    Luke 21:1-38

The Widow’s Offering (21:1-4)⤒🔗

The Lord has just spoken about the fact that the Jewish leaders devour widows’ houses. Chapter 21 begins with one of these widows, whom Jesus observed.

Apparently our Lord was sitting near the entrance of the temple, with his head down, perhaps taking a much-needed rest. It says “After he looked up…” (21:1).

The first thing that he saw was how the rich were putting their gifts into the temple treasury. Luke does not tell us how much the rich gave, but it will have been a goodly amount.  The treasury boxes had high rounded lids into which the money could easily be put.

Then he noticed a widow making her offering. This woman put in two small, copper coins called “lepta”. The value of these coins is minimal. It was hardly enough for one day’s food. When she gave the two coins, it was probably all she had.

But the Lord says, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave these gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on” (21:4).

Giving for the house of the Lord is not a matter of “how much” but rather “with what motive” you give. If it is not given in love, the money best is kept in your own wallet. For an example of the proper spirit of giving, read Paul’s description of how the Macedonian churches gave gifts to support the needy church in Jerusalem. (2 Corinthians 8:1-7)

Signs of the End of the Age←⤒🔗

Some of Jesus’ disciples were remarking how beautifully the temple was adorned with many kinds of stones and other gifts. It certainly took more than the two pennies of the widow to build this temple!

But Jesus said, “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down” (21:6). It is clear that the Lord here means the destruction of the temple by the Romans.

But the disciples ask, “Teacher, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?” (21:7) It becomes obvious then that the “sign” is not really a single event but the end of a longer process.

But this brings us to the heart of the problem in understanding Luke 21. Some parts seem to indicate events that will happen soon, while other parts suggest that a later time is meant. This is not uncommon in prophecy where we sometimes distinguish between immediate fulfilment and subsequent fulfilment. The prophecies ultimately all tend to direct us to the time of Christ’s return and the Day of Judgment.

We find an example of this in 21:8 and 9. We read there, “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he’, and, ‘The time is near’. Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away”.

The point here is that great events will happen – false prophets, end-time predictions, wars and revolutions – but the believers should not be confused by these catastrophic events. The end is not yet here. We get the impression that much still has to happen before the Lord returns. The time of expectation will not be endless but will certainly test the resolve of the church.

False prophets will suggest that they are manifestations of the Christ. They will say that the end is near. Many will try to pinpoint the exact time and gather followers around themselves. Wars and revolutions will break out, and people will wonder: what’s next? But the end will not come right away. Note that the Lord says: many false prophets will come. These “prophets” will at various times and in a variety of ways seek to confuse the believers.

Do not believe them or follow them. It is mind-boggling that these false prophets time and again manage to create a large following. Some will perhaps not claim to be the Messiah, but they will say that the Messiah speaks through them. They will even present alternative or final scriptures like the Qur’an or the Book of Mormon. But after the testimony of prophets and apostles no further word will be given as Abraham told the rich man in hell, “They have Moses and the prophets”. That’s it, and that’s enough.

The next verse adds another element. Besides the political and military clashes which can be ascribed to mankind, there will also be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. These matters are not caused by people against people, but they are acts of God; divine judgments!

Still another element is added. “But before all, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name.” (21:12) The new element is widespread persecution. This is a very frightening prospect. Persecution knows no bounds or limits. Persecution is based on deeply-rooted hate and is brutal.

The question is: who can stand up to this extreme persecution? The Lord says, “This will result in your being witnesses to them. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.” (21:13-15)

Still another element is added: desertion by family members. You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death (21:13-16). The Lord has spoken before about the breakdown of families (Luke 12:49-53). It must be extremely difficult to come to stand all alone with no one who cares or will help. You cannot appeal even to your family members. All is lost.

In the face of this desertion and the dire prospect of execution, who can stand? The Lord says, “All men will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. By standing firm you will gain life” (21:17-19). If the supreme sacrifice is asked, you know where you are going. The Lord remains in control always and whatever evil he sends us will be turned to our benefit.

One of the things that distresses me most is the prospect of persecution. I have never been persecuted in any way, and I truly admire the perseverance of others who stand firm in the faith. Think of Christians under dictatorial regimes such as North Korea, Cuba, and China. Think of Islamic persecution which often is directed against Christians. Sometimes this persecution is public and brutal, but often it is subtle and refined.

Jerusalem will be Trampled←⤒🔗

In the verses 20-24 the scene seems to change. We read about Jerusalem being besieged and destroyed. None of the Jews considered this possible. The city will always stand. The temple will never fall.

But the Lord says, “When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. For this is the time for punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written.” (21:20-22)

The time of the fulfilment of the punishment has come. Does anyone think that the punishment is too severe? The Lord has warned for ages that this judgment would come. There had already been a great exile to Babylon! Was nothing learned from this? The people of Israel will never again be the people of God. The special status, if you wish, will now be ended.

Normally speaking, people in the villages and outlying areas will flee to the comfort of a walled city. But that option is lost now. It is better to flee to the mountains and hide in caves or cracks.

It becomes clear that there is no place of refuge in the city or in the country. The entire land will be ravished and plundered. The Israelites will find no mercy anywhere. How many times had God not sent prophets urging Israel to repent? Ages of disobedience have gone by. The Lord is very patient but when his judgment comes, it is severe. God’s punishment does not suddenly come falling out of the sky, but has been preceded by centuries of grace.

The text focuses also on pregnant women and nursing mothers. Pregnant mothers are always easy targets because they cannot move as quickly as other women. Nursing mothers need to carry their babies along and also are hampered in their flight.

The Times of the Gentiles←⤒🔗

Note the expression “the times of the Gentiles” (21:24). God gives certain periods of time for things to happen. The “times of the Gentiles” in their destruction of Jerusalem is limited to an opportunity determined by God. The Lord stays in charge even in times of great turmoil. The Gentiles do not have endless opportunity to destroy the Israelites. But note also that it says “times” (plural). The Gentiles will receive ample opportunity to do their destructive work.

“The times of the Gentiles” is a difficult expression because it is rather undetermined. We do not really read about it elsewhere. Some connect it to Romans 11:25 and 26 where we read about the number of the Gentiles being full.  Others see in this passage that God gives opportunity for the Gentiles to repent. We know that when the apostles went out to preach, they first went to the Jews, but when the Jews rejected the Gospel they went to the Gentiles. As far as this passage is concerned, the time of the Gentiles trampling down Jerusalem is limited and set by God.

I have mentioned a few times that Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 A.D. Not a single living Jew could be found in Jerusalem. In 132 A.D. the city was again taken by the Romans (after an insurrection under Simon Bar-Kokhba). Ethnic cleansing followed. The emperor Hadrian subsequently decided to make it a permanently pagan city which he renamed Aelia Capitolina, after his own family name and the title of Jupiter, one of the Roman gods. In the year 637 the city was taken by Muslims under the leadership of Sultan Omar. Still today the Muslim “Dome of the Rock” stands on the temple-mount. Muslims argue that they have the official rights to the city. The state of Israel argues the same in favor of Jewish rights. Meanwhile, the prophetic word of our Lord that not one stone will be left upon another (20:44) has become true in every way.¹

The Coming of the Son of Man←⤒🔗

In verse 25 the scene seems to shift again from local to global, with signs and wonders experienced around the globe. (20:25-27)

The return of Christ in heavenly glory will lead to utter despair among those who rejected Christ. But it will be a sign of great redemption for those who loved him and await his coming. We may stand up and lift up our heads! (20:28)

Summer is Near←⤒🔗

The Lord does not give any specific date as to when he will return. Therefore any attempt to figure this out is doomed from the start.  Anyone who claims to know the day should be disbelieved out of hand. But the Lord did give certain indications or signs.

Around the time that he was speaking about the signs of the end of the age, Christ told this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.” (21:29-31)

It is not hard for people to know when summer is near. You see it especially in the budding of the trees. It is something that everyone can see and know. Note that the Lord emphasizes this: you can see for yourselves. You do not need to depend on the statements of others; you know yourself.

So also the kingdom of God comes with very specific signs. What are the signs that Jesus has mentioned? There are signs in the heavens, signs in the waters, signs among the nations (warfare), and there will be signs of widespread apostasy. To see and appreciate these signs, however, we do need to be alert and watchful.

The Lord says, “I tell you the truth (that is: pay careful attention!), this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (21:32,33)

What is meant by “this generation”? Most explainers agree that it can only mean the generation that was alive at the time these words were spoken. These words of suffering for Jerusalem and the Jewish people were fulfilled at the fall of Jerusalem (70 A.D.). If we take it in a broader sense it means that all those things will continue to be signs of the coming of the Lord throughout the last age, and we, too, are to be aware of them. In any case, one thing is true. If Christ has spoken it, it will happen! Heaven and earth will pass away, but not Christ’s words. We can find immense comfort in this truth, even as we go through trial and stress. Summer is near; there may still be times of inclement weather, but summer is definitely near.

Be Careful and Watchful←⤒🔗

Because we do not know the exact time when Christ will return, we are to be careful or our hearts will be weighed down. There will be general signs, but no immediate, introductory signs.²I think that this is an important point. The signs are general and help to keep us focused; for if we are not watchful and careful, that great day may still “close on [us] unexpectedly like a trap.” (21:34)

The day itself will come when you perhaps least expect it. In other places, it says “like a thief in the night”. Here it says, “Unexpectedly like a trap.” Both mean the same: if we were alert and watchful, we would have heard the thief breaking in or discovered the signs that a trap was placed. We need to be careful and watchful, be aware of our surroundings, and always look for the coming of the Lord. This is the calling given to each generation and to all persons.

This is not easy, for our hearts can easily be weighed down with “dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life.” There are sometimes many other things on our mind or many other pressures in our lives. We do not daily think about or expect the coming of our Lord. Perhaps that is sometimes the last thing on our mind, if at all. Our main concerns are mostly our needs and pleasures.

The Lord mentions three things which may weigh us down: dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life.  Dissipation is the state of someone who has just come out of a drunken stupor. Drunkenness means being totally intoxicated. The anxieties of life can be manifold. Sometimes these things go together as in a closed circle, anxiety, drunkenness, and stupor. If that is the style of our life we will never properly anticipate the coming of the Lord. Then we are never really sober.

We must be watchful no matter where and when we live. The Lord says, “For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” (21:35,36)

The return in glory of the Lord will affect all people and all places of the whole earth. No one living is able to escape it, believer or not. What happens with those who are dead when Christ returns is not a concern at this point in the text of Luke 21.³

How can we stand before the Son of Man on the day of judgement? This can only be done if the Judge is also our Saviour. We cannot stand on our own. Therefore it is important to acknowledge him in our whole life. Then we will not be afraid when we must stand before him.

The Final Week of Christ’s Life←⤒🔗

In the last two verses of this chapter, we find how Christ filled his time in the last week of this life on earth. He spent the whole day in the temple, teaching, and then at night he went to the Mount of Olives where he slept. He started the next day early in the morning, and that is when people already came to hear him. Luke does not give us any farther particulars of Jesus’ final teachings. It is clear that he is going to focus now on the final suffering of the Lord leading to his death on the cross.

There is in this simple schedule no sign of anxiety or apprehension with our Lord. He knew what was coming, and would still have some very difficult moments at Gethsemane, but his course is set and he will not rest until it is fulfilled.

When he is arrested by the armed temple guard and assorted thugs, the Lord says, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs? Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour – when darkness reigns.” (22:52,53)

Christ’s ministry until the very last day was open and above-board, beyond any suspicion that he was planning an attack or coup. He worked every day, in the same area, and he spoke freely, teaching from the Word of God.

Every morning Jesus was again teaching at the temple. The very reason that people came, even early in the morning, was that they were truly edified by his teaching. Never had anyone taught as the Lord. Now that things have more or less settled down, the Jewish leaders can finalize their plot to arrest and condemn the Lord.

Questions←⤒🔗

1. Why was the meagre offering of the widow more than that of the rich people?
2. When the Lord Jesus warns his disciples about the coming judgment, what will happen to Jerusalem?
3. Why should we not worry about persecution?
4. What does it mean that the Son of Man will come “in a cloud with great power and glory”?
5. What is the significance of the fig tree with respect to Christ’s coming? Why is this tree mentioned? How do we prepare today for the coming of the Lord?
6. Where did Jesus spend the nights? Is this important?