Luke 21:5-9, 25-28, 34-36
Related Sunday School Lesson, Family Bible Series, Aug. 14

 

A few days before His crucifixion, Jesus shared many profound truths with His disciples. Luke 21 is a prophetic section in which Jesus speaks about future events surrounding His return. Many people today are fearful about the future. Political chaos, natural disasters, and personal turmoil feed those fears. While many look to the future and "faint from fear" (Luke 21:26), believers see the future in a different light - the light of Christ's return.

 

A shocking declaration, Luke 21:5-9

While passing the great temple in Jerusalem, some of Jesus' disciples commented about its beauty. The temple was recognized as an architectural wonder in its day. It was a magnificent structure with a significant history. Jesus deftly turned their amazement into a teachable moment. In what must have been a shocking declaration, He predicted that the temple would be completely destroyed (it was, in fact, in A.D. 70).

The disciples asked the logical questions: "When will this happen? What clues should we look for?" It is wise to remember that the verses that follow constitute a message to Jews by a Jew about the future of the Jewish nation. But there are two initial lessons here for 21st Century believers.

First, God has a plan for our world, and it will be accomplished. Our world is not spinning out of control, but rather it is spinning into the orbit of God's sovereign purpose. We don't have to be afraid when we hear about "wars and rebellions" (v.9).

Second, when we consider the subject of end times, we should guard against being led astray into error. Instead of letting our imaginations run wild, we must let our focus rest on Jesus, the hero and Savior of end times. With these truths in mind, we can read the rest of Jesus' discourse with a sense of excitement and awe.

 

The return of the King, Luke 21:25-28

What an entrance Jesus will make when He returns! The first coming of Jesus was with humility and obscurity: a helpless baby, a small town, and the crudest of nurseries. But Jesus said that His second coming would be "with power and great glory" (v.27). His power will be felt in the outer limits of nature, as "the celestial powers will be shaken" (v.26).

In an awesome upheaval, the stars (including our own sun) will flicker, as do light bulbs in a power surge. These novas will be seen from earth, and the stars will appear to fall from the sky (Matthew 24:29) - a galactic light show to announce Christ's entrance.

On the earth, which is mostly covered with water, the energy will be released in the seas and oceans. Jesus had once calmed the seas; now he stirs them up to "roar" an announcement of His return. The people who witness these cataclysmic events will experience extreme anguish and bewilderment.

These events will initially defy explanation, but all will be explained when Jesus makes His dramatic appearance, "cloud surfing" His way into our atmosphere. While the lost will run for cover, believers will "lift up their heads" to welcome their Redeemer. The uplifted head pictures an attitude of excitement and expectancy; it indicates that a person is unashamed and unworried.

 

Until He comes, Luke 21:34-36

The return of Jesus should never be far from the thoughts of believers. Our plans should always be slanted toward His coming. Since He could come at any moment, this is the time for clear thinking. "Be on your guard," Jesus says, and "be alert."

If our thoughts are consumed with "the worries of life" (v.34), we may be caught off-guard when He comes. Certainly Jesus expects us to take care of our family needs and business affairs, but we must guard against holding to things of this world too tightly.

Surely Christians ought to be joyful, good-humored, vibrant people - but there is a holy sobriety that we must maintain. Jesus warns against drunkenness, which causes poor judgment, slowed reaction, and dulled thinking. He also mentions "carousing." This word, from the Greek kraipale, refers to activity that results in a hangover. We must not become drunk (literally or figuratively) on the pleasures of this world.

Jesus outlines a plan for maintaining readiness. First, (v.36) we must be "alert" (literally "awake"). The idea is to be watchful and attentive to spiritual things. Inwardly, we must be alert to our own walk with Christ: Are we fully surrendered to Him, are we growing in discipleship, are we spending time with Him daily? Outwardly, we must be alert to the condition of our churches, the climate of our culture, and the clues of Christ's return.

Second, we must be prayerful as we wait for His coming. As the darkness in our world increases, more and more spiritual strength will be required to shine for Christ. The source of that strength is Christ alone, and we tap that source in prayer. The closer we get to the return of Christ, the more prayerful we should become.

Jesus gives a final reminder in this passage: One of these days, we will "stand before the Son of Man" (v.36) and He will judge us. Let us joyfully anticipate His return and confidently await His judgment.