Luke 21:5-38
Q.1. What prompted Jesus to give details of His return? What kinds of events will herald the Endtimes? Will all His people survive? – (Lk.21:5-18)
Jesus and His disciples were in the magnificent temple precincts and admiring this wonder of the ancient world (Lk.21:5). However, Jesus knew that He would soon die, and that this substantial building would be dismantled stone by stone (Lk.21:6). The disciples knew that this had happened previously in history, so did not question the prediction of its ruin. However, they did ask – Teacher, when therefore will these things happen? And what will be the sign when these things are about to take place? (Lk.21:7). Jesus then spoke of a time of deception, hatred, and betrayal. He prophesied of – great signs from heaven (Lk.21:11) including earthquakes, plagues, famines, and terror (Lk.21:8-11). These signs would come first – but the end does not follow immediately (Lk.21:9). Some would be martyred, and others spared (Lk.21:16-18). Catastrophic events will increase in intensity.
Q.2. What is to happen to Israel and Jerusalem? What did Jesus mean by ‘the times of the Gentiles’? – (Lk.21:19-24)
Everything that was written about God’s punishment of Israel at Jerusalem will be fulfilled. Great wrath will fall on them – and they will fall by the edge of the sword and will be led captive into all the nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled (Lk.21:24). It will be severe – For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will (Mt.24:21). It is explained in Romans chapter 11 that it was always in the heart of God to include the Gentiles in His eternal family as well. For a time this has been happening. (Eph.3:15). However, during this time of great tribulation, God will also gather in a further remnant from Israel (Rom.11: 25-27 c.f. Rev.7:4-10). This will complete His family from the nations of the world.
Q.3. Can God’s Kingdom be defeated? How should we respond to the Endtimes? Will Jesus literally come again? – (Lk.21:25-28)
The Endtime events will be terrifying for the citizens of earth – There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world … (Lk.21:25-26). With sublime simplicity, Jesus declared – Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory (Lk.21:27). He correctly predicted His suffering, death, burial, and resurrection. His coming again is equally sure. God planned to win. Jesus encouraged us – when you see these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near (Lk.21:27).
Q.4. What is the message of the fig-tree? What is the danger in Christ’s delaying His coming? How should we respond to His warnings? – (Lk.21:29-38)
Vines and fig-trees speak of Israel. Just as the leaves of the fig-tree herald the coming of summer, so these signs that Jesus detailed, are a prelude to the second Coming of Christ in glory (Lk.21:29-31 c.f. Lk.21:9). Many see the reforming of Israel as a nation as a forerunner to the climax of the ages. For the last two thousand years the church has always lived with a sense of immanency, believing that Christ could return in their generation. Because of the delay, there is a danger that we grow complacent (c.f. 2 Per.3:3-4; Jude 1:17-19). For that reason, Jesus warned concerning the pleasure and distractions of life, and urged us to stay on the alert (Lk.21:34-36). The people hung onto every word that Jesus spoke (Lk.21:37-38). So should we.