Read the Passage: Luke 21:5–38

Listen to the Redeemed Mind Podcast: Luke 21:5-38

Signs (21:5–28)

In Luke 21:5–6 Jesus taught about the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. Of course, this prompted the disciples to ask about the timing and signs of this event. In Luke 21:8–19 Christ answered by speaking broadly about the status or context of the world between His first and second comings. In this passage Christ notes that before His return there will be false religions and heresies (cf. Luke 21:8), wars and other conflicts (cf. Luke 21:9–10), natural disasters and heavenly signs (cf. Luke 21:11), as well as persecution and betrayal (cf. Luke 21:12, 16). While such events may naturally cause fear, Jesus exhorts His hearers, “Do not be afraid . . . . Not a hair of your head shall be lost” (Luke 21:9, 18). Of course, life experience testifies that this is not a guarantee of protection from all physical harm (cf. Luke 21:16); rather, it is a promise of present spiritual reward and future eternal life.

In Luke 21:20–24 Jesus spoke more specifically about the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. This teaching, which was a future event for Christ’s original hearers, is a past event for us, as it occurred in AD 70 when the Roman general Titus destroyed Jerusalem. Furthermore, Jesus’ teaching in this passage was surely of interest to the disciples, as it was a more direct answer to the question that they had asked in Luke 21:7. In His teaching here Christ encourages His readers to flee to the mountains when they see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies. Surely those who witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem would have been greatly discouraged, which is perhaps one reason why Jesus counseled patience (cf. Luke 21:19) and taught that the occupation of Jerusalem by non-believers—that is, “the times of the Gentiles” (Luke 21:24)—will end one day.

In this passage, Jesus’ progression in answering the disciples’ question is: a description of the world between His first and second comings (cf. Luke 21:8–19), the destruction of Jerusalem (cf. Luke 21:20–24), and His return at the end of the age (cf. Luke 21:25–28). In Luke 21:25–26, as He teaches about His second coming, Christ cites the fallenness of the creation. As He had done earlier, so here again Jesus notes the presence of heavenly signs, natural disasters, and earthly conflicts. In Luke 21:26 Christ teaches that the status of the fallen world will cause the hearts of many men to fail, provoking great fear. It is only after these things that “they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (Luke 21:27). In Luke 21:28 we see why believers are not to be terrified by such great disturbances (cf. Luke 21:9)—namely, “because your redemption draws near.”

Parable (21:29–33)

In order to help the disciples better understand His answer to their question, in Luke 21:29–33 Jesus gives a brief parable to illustrate His teaching. In the parable of the fig tree, which is also recorded by Matthew and Mark, Christ makes a simple analogy between the budding of a fig tree signaling the arrival of summer, and the signs of the times indicating His second coming. Next, Jesus explains, “So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near” (Luke 21:31). This is true in that God’s present kingdom is near, amid the fallenness of the world. It is also true in that God’s future kingdom will be near, as the signs of the times are manifest at the end of the age. Christ’s teaching in this passage about “this generation” (Luke 21:32) seems to refer to all those who will live after His first coming and before His second coming.

Exhortation (21:34–38)

In Luke 21:34–38 Jesus concludes His end-times teaching by exhorting His hearers to be ready for His return. Often, modern teachings about the second coming of Christ include an exhortation related to the timing of Jesus’ return. However, most scriptural teachings about the end-times focus on readiness, not on chronology. Indeed, this includes the present passage where Christ teaches, “Take heed to yourselves” (Luke 21:34). The idea here is to be morally ready, and not to be distracted by the cares and enticements of the present world. Indeed, the exhortation to “watch” (Luke 21:36) in this passage is a call to self-awareness. The idea being that everyone should continually evaluate themselves, making sure that they are in Christ and ready “to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:36). Finally, Luke 21:36–37 gives details about where Jesus was spending His days and evenings during the Passion Week.

Application Questions:

1. Does the idea of the return of Christ concern you or comfort you? What can be done to know the day and hour of Jesus’ return?
2. What does Jesus mean in this passage, teaching, “By your patience possess your souls” (Luke 21:19)?
3. What are the “times of the Gentiles” to which Jesus refers in Luke 21:24? What does it mean for these times to be fulfilled?
4. Throughout history why have many people attempted to set a day and time for the return of Jesus?
5. What types of things distract you from Christ? Do you regularly evaluate yourself and think about Jesus’ return?