Luke 21

In Luke 21, Jesus delivers a discourse on the signs of the end times and the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. He warns His disciples about future persecutions, wars, natural disasters, and cosmic events that will signal the coming of God’s Kingdom. Jesus encourages His followers to remain vigilant, resilient, and faithful, promising that even in the face of suffering, they will be protected and rewarded.

Luke 21:1-4 (NKJV)
1 And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury,
2 and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites.
3 So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all;
4 for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.”

Jesus contrasts the offerings of the rich with that of a poor widow, highlighting her sacrificial giving. Unlike the wealthy, who contribute from their excess, the widow gives all she has, demonstrating a deep trust in God’s provision. Jesus elevates her offering as a model of true generosity and commitment, illustrating that God values the heart and sacrifice behind the gift more than the amount itself.

Luke 21:5-6 (NKJV)
5 Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and donations, He said,
6 “These things which you see—the days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down.”

In response to admiration of the temple’s beauty, Jesus prophesies its complete destruction. This shocking statement foreshadows the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. By predicting the destruction of the temple, Jesus shifts focus from physical structures to spiritual readiness, urging His followers to prioritize faith over temporal things that will eventually pass away.

Luke 21:7-9 (NKJV)
7 So they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?”
8 And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them.
9 But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.”

Jesus warns His disciples against deception, cautioning that many will falsely claim to be the Messiah or to have knowledge of the end. He describes wars and chaos as inevitable but instructs His followers not to fear, as these events are not yet the final signs. Jesus encourages a calm, discerning response to global turmoil, grounded in faith rather than fear.

Luke 21:10-11 (NKJV)
10 Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
11 And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.”

Here, Jesus outlines signs of escalating conflict and natural disasters, depicting a world in upheaval. These events point to both human strife and cosmic distress, symbolizing the profound unrest that will precede the establishment of God’s Kingdom. Jesus’s words serve as both a warning of challenging times and a reminder of the divine purpose unfolding beyond earthly struggles.

Luke 21:12-19 (NKJV)
12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake.
13 But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony.
14 Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer;
15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist.
16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death.
17 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake.
18 But not a hair of your head shall be lost.
19 By your patience possess your souls.

Jesus warns His followers of coming persecution, where they will face trials because of their allegiance to Him. Despite betrayal, imprisonment, and even death, Jesus assures them that God’s protection is constant. He promises divine wisdom in moments of testimony, encouraging His disciples to rely on God rather than their own preparation. This passage emphasizes endurance, with Jesus affirming that patient faith will ultimately secure their salvation.

Luke 21:20-24 (NKJV)
20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near.
21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her.
22 For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
23 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people.
24 And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.”

Jesus predicts the siege and destruction of Jerusalem, urging swift action when armies surround the city. His words are both a literal warning and a prophetic fulfillment of divine judgment, emphasizing the severity of the coming devastation. The "times of the Gentiles" refers to the period in which non-Jewish powers will dominate Jerusalem, suggesting that God’s plan for restoration will unfold in due time.

Luke 21:25-28 (NKJV)
25 “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring;
26 men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28 Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”

Jesus describes cosmic disturbances and widespread fear as signs preceding His return. The chaos will be overwhelming, but for believers, it signals hope—their long-awaited redemption. Jesus encourages His followers to remain hopeful, viewing these events not with fear but with anticipation of His glorious return and the ultimate fulfillment of God’s Kingdom.

Luke 21:29-33 (NKJV)
29 Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees.
30 When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near.
31 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near.
32 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place.
33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”

Through the fig tree parable, Jesus illustrates the predictability of the signs. Just as trees budding signal summer, these prophetic signs indicate the nearness of God’s Kingdom. His assurance that His words are eternal emphasizes the certainty of His promises, underscoring the reliability of His prophecies against the temporary nature of earthly things.

Luke 21:34-36 (NKJV)
34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly.
35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth.
36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Jesus warns against complacency, urging His followers to stay vigilant and avoid distractions that can dull spiritual awareness. He calls them to live in readiness, watching and praying for strength to withstand trials. This emphasis on watchfulness reflects the need for a steadfast, alert faith, prepared for the sudden arrival of the Day of the Lord.

Luke 21:37-38 (NKJV)
37 And in the daytime He was teaching in the temple, but at night He went out and stayed on the mountain called Olivet.
38 Then early in the morning all the people came to Him in the temple to hear Him.

Luke concludes the chapter with a glimpse of Jesus’s daily routine during this time, teaching in the temple and retreating to the Mount of Olives at night. This balance of public ministry and private reflection illustrates Jesus’s dedication to sharing God’s message and preparing spiritually for the challenges ahead. The people’s eagerness to hear Him underscores the impact of His teachings and the anticipation surrounding His message.