In Luke chapter 21, we find Jesus sitting in the court of women, where thirteen horn shaped receptacles collected offerings.
The scribes and pharisees would give big offerings from their surplus. Then Jesus saw a widow who gave a small offering that seemed insignificant to the rest of the people. The humble gift of the widow contrasts with the ostentatious piety of the religious leaders.
The widow gave less, out of her need, not her surplus. This widow modeled something the Lord wants above all things: total commitment. In the kingdom of God, the value of a gift is not measured in terms of amount, but by how much is left over.
Luke 21:5-6, “As some were talking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, “These things that you see — the days will come when not one stone will be left on another that will not be thrown down.”
This` shows that Jesus, admiring the beauty of the temple, pointed out that nothing in the temple was permanent. Jesus was foretelling the destruction of the temple, which would come decades later.
The political situation was stable at this point. However, the Lord’s followers did not doubt his prophecy. Jesus wanted to set the record straight. As bad as the temple destruction would be, it would be a relatively minor event compared to the end of days. One might avoid the former, but no one could escape the latter.
Then, Jesus unfolds the future in three stages:
- An overview of the future leading to the end
Luke 21:8-11, “Then he said, “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time is near.’ Don’t follow them. When you hear of wars and rebellions, don’t be alarmed. Indeed, it is necessary that these things take place first, but the end won’t come right away.” Then he told them, “Nation will be raised up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be violent earthquakes, and famines and plagues in various places, and there will be terrifying sights and great signs from heaven.”
Jesus begins with a summary of future history, including a brief reference to end time calamities. There will be false alarms before the terrors and signs from heaven. Believers will be targets of persecution, even martyrdom.
The phrase “terrors and great signs” strongly suggests metaphysical disasters, not merely more of what we experience now. Verses 12-19 give more details.
- An illustration of the end time events using a near-term tragedy (vv. 20-24)
Luke views this prediction through a different lens than Matthew. For Luke, this prediction has both near-term fulfillment and long-term fulfillment.
Near-term fulfilment serves two purposes: to validate the authenticity of the long-term fulfillment and to illustrate in a small way the ultimate fulfillment in the distant future.
The fall of Jerusalem takes place at the beginning of an era Jesus called the time of the Gentiles. In Matthew and Mark, however, the sack of Jerusalem follows the famous end time events called the abomination of desolation described in Daniel 9:27, an event still in the future for us.
So, which destruction of Jerusalem is Jesus talking about?
The answer is both. Luke sees the former, Matthew and Mark see the latter. Taken together, you have a more complete view of the near-term and long-term events.
- A description of end-time events after “the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled” (vv. 25-28)
Beginning with the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70, a new era begins: the time of the Gentiles. It is a time of great oppression for the Jews. Once the time of the Gentiles is fulfilled, the end times begins.
The disasters will be supernatural, not natural, they will be directed by God as a warning to the wicked to the repent. Then Jesus will return and establish His Kingdom on earth.
Jesus encouraged His followers, in that generation and in all generations to follow, to be in a continued state of alertness.
This does not mean to immediately go sell your things and hide in caves. Believers ought to be faithful servants, handle the business of the day, and be ready to fulfill our responsibilities. Diligence will allow believers to endure persecution and trials until He comes.
Two Commands to Live When We Know that Time is Short
- Be on guard, avoid behavior that denies His return
Do your priorities deny that He is your King and will reign literally as King of Kings? Regardless of your theology or what you say you believe, do your actions suggest you are living in denial of Jesus literal return?
What we do reveals what we really believe, whether we do or do not expect His return. Look at how you spend your days and review the things you spend your time and money on. Be on guard!
- Keep alert, anticipating Jesus who will return
This has to do with faithfulness in daily life that glorifies Jesus. As you examine your daily routine, would you feel affirmed or apologetic if the Lord asked for an accounting today?
Do not put life on hold but be on guard against behaviors that deny His return and instead choose to engage in activities He would find pleasing if He were to catch you in the act. Be ready!
Pastor Chris Williams
To learn more about Pastor Chris and his teaching, visit us on the web at fcfamily.org and make sure you subscribe to receive these weekly encouragements in your inbox.
