Sunday, July 12
Read: Luke 21
This passage of scripture may seem like Jesus is just talking about end-time events, when He will come back. But in reality he is talking of two similar events; the fall of Jerusalem and of His return. Both these events mirror each other, meaning that they will be similar. Let’s talk first about the fall of Jerusalem.
In verses 5 and 6 the disciples marvel at the sight of the temple. This is the temple that has been throughout all of Scripture, the temple of the Lord, the center of Judaism. This temple is actually in the middle of being rebuilt. This time the building started in 20 AD and it is now 33 BC, so it is in its 53rd year of building. It gets finished in 63 or 64 BC.
Okay, so the Jews lives revolved around this temple, for this is where God dwelt, this is where their sins were atoned for and where feasts (like Passover) were celebrated. Jesus is telling them here that this temple will be destroyed. Along with its destruction will come many other events. He is saying there will be wars, rumors of wars, nations rising against nations, famines, earthquakes, pestilences, etc. He warns them as well that they will be persecuted. In verse 14, 15 and 19 He basically tells them that if they abide in Him they will not have to worry about their fates. In verse 20 He lets them know how it will happen when nations surround Jerusalem.
This prophecy came to fruition in the year 70 AD, about 37 years after Jesus’ death. In 66 AD the Jews led a revolt against the Roman Empire that ended in 70 AD when the Romans breached the wall surrounding Jerusalem and set fire to the city, resulting in the destruction of the temple.
Starting in verse 25 we read about the second event Jesus describes as His return when He comes to call His saints home, resulting in the end of the world as we know it. This event, as Jesus depicts, is going to mirror that of the destruction of the temple, but will not be exactly the same.
Similar to the destruction of the temple we read about the signs that will take place. What were the signs Jesus describes? (v. 25-27)
Someone read verses 19 and 28. How are they similar? Are they both in reference to the same event or the two different events? What do you think these verses mean? How do they, particularly verse 28, pertain to you?
Jesus’ words are in warning; first for His disciples, and then for us. Back while Jesus was alive He thought to warn us of what we are to expect. Just as Israel was awaiting the birth of their Messiah, we are awaiting His return.
In the following passage, v. 29-36, Jesus gives words of warning, confirmation and encouragement.
Process:
– Verses 19 and 28 both mention standing firm. This is Jesus’ encouragement for us to abide in him and when this time comes we’ll be able to stand strong and persevere. Scripture is full of these same encouragements.
Ephesians 6:10-18, 1 Timothy 4:15-16, 1 Corinthians 15:58 and 16:13-14, 2 Corinthians 1:20-22, Galatians 5:1
Read over these with your cell or by yourselves. Take some time meditating on these and praying them over yourselves that when the day of trial comes you would stand firm in your faith.