Jesus Prophesies About the Fall of Jerusalem and His Return
Luke 21:5-38Luke: List of Major Bible Charts, Maps, & PicturesJesus' Public Ministry in and Near Jerusalem
Jesus Prophesies About the Fall of Jerusalem and His Return
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This event is covered in detail in the Gospel's of Matthew and Mark below.
The reader should note that Luke 21:20-36 forms a chiastic structure (a writing style that uses a unique repetition pattern for clarification and emphasis) focusing upon the "now, but not yet" of the Kingdom of God and the destruction of Jerusalem:
A. But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near (Luke 21:20)
B. (Luke 21:21-24)
i. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains (Luke 21:21)
ii. let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it (Luke 21:21)
iii. for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written (Luke 21:22)
iv. Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days (Luke 21:23)
v. For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people (Luke 21:)
vi. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations (Luke 21:24)
A'. Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles (Luke 21:24)
A. Son of Man (Luke 21:27-28)
B. (Luke 21:28-31)
i. your redemption is drawing near (Luke 21:28)
i. the summer is already near (Luke 21:30)
i. the kingdom of God is near (Luke 21:31)
C. will not pass away (Luke 21:32)
D. Heaven and earth will pass away (Luke 21:33)
C'. will not pass away (Luke 21:33)
B'. that day (Luke 21:34-35)
A'. Son of Man (Luke 21:36)
A. Son of Man (Luke 21:27-28)
B. (Luke 21:28-31)
i. your redemption is drawing near (Luke 21:28)
i. the summer is already near (Luke 21:30)
i. the kingdom of God is near (Luke 21:31)
C. will not pass away (Luke 21:32)
D. Heaven and earth will pass away (Luke 21:33)
C'. will not pass away (Luke 21:33)
B'. that day (Luke 21:34-35)
A'. Son of Man (Luke 21:36)
This passage can be hard because Jesus brings together two related but distinct events—the Jewish temple's destruction in A.D. 70 and the time of his return. He talks about both, because they would have been linked in the minds of his disciples and because one points to the other. Jesus began by saying the temple would be destroyed and the disciples asked when and by what sign (21:6-7). Jesus responded by warning against being led astray by false signs of the end (21:8-9). Then, Jesus explained what to expect before the end and how his disciples should live (21:10-19). In contrast, they should flee when they saw similar signs in Jerusalem (21:20-24). Next, Jesus taught about the true signs of his coming (21:25-28). Finally, Jesus assured his disciples that they would know when his return was close (21:29-33) and gave a final exhortation to persevere in watchfulness (21:34-36).
Luke 21:6
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Having been expanded by Herod the Great, the temple was an impressive structure in the ancient world (see note on 1:5). stones. Herod expanded the outer walls with massive white marble slabs. offerings. Wealthy Jews would contribute gold, jewels, and or other resources to have elaborate decorations added to the temple.
Luke 21:6
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stone. The huge marble slabs that surrounded the temple (see note on v. 5). torn down. Jesus predicted the destruction of the temple. Since it was such a physically impressive structure and also spiritually central to the life of Israel, this would have been unthinkable. The disciples could only imagine the temple's destruction as part of an end-time conflict as the Messiah fought against Israel's enemies.
Luke 21:7
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Jesus' statement (v. 6) provoked this question by the disciples. sign. They wanted some kind of indicator to know when the temple would be destroyed. See WCF 33.3.
Luke 21:8
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This is one of the most common strategies of Satan—to dupe people into following false teachers (Acts 20:29-31). This includes people who claim to be the Christ or even Jesus himself (see Acts 5:6; 21:38).
Luke 21:9
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Jesus wanted his disciples to understand the destruction of the temple would not be the end (see note on v. 6). It would be a small picture of what the end will be like.wars and riots. The ancient historian Josephus recorded the grim details of General Titus' invasion of Jerusalem, just as Jesus predicted. This included the appearance of false saviors (Wars 6.281-287) and strange signs (Wars 6.288-300). theend. Though great, this destruction only pointed to a greater judgment to come on the last day.
Luke 21:10-11
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Violent wars, natural disasters, and cosmological events would cause many to believe the end had come. Such images are common in Scripture passages that speak of the end (Isa. 5:11-13; 13:6-16; Hag. 2:6-7; Zech. 14:4). But these things are not the sign of Jesus' second coming. They merely reveal an anticipation of it.
Luke 21:12
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Jesus' predictions (vv. 6-11) came true during the lifetime of the apostles, before the destruction of the temple. lay hands. Acts 4:3; 5:18; 12:1; 21:27. persecute. Acts 7:52-58; 8:1. synagogues. Acts 9:2; 22:19; 26:11; 2 Cor. 11:24. prisons. Acts 5:25; 8:3; 12:4-6; 16:16-24; 22:4. kings. Acts 9:15; 12:1-5; 25:13-14; 26:19. governors. Acts 23:24–24:27; 25:1–26:32. myname. The name of Jesus, which is the only name that brings salvation (Acts 4:12; 5:40-41; see Rom. 1:5; 1 Pet. 4:14; 3 John 7).
Luke 21:13
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Persecution results in unique opportunities to bear witness to Jesus and the gospel. Rather than be afraid before those in power, Jesus encouraged continued trust in him.
Luke 21:14-15
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notto prepare. This is not an excuse for failing to study God's word in order to defend Christianity (1 Pet. 3:15). It is a promise that Jesus will be with his people and give them boldness in the face of opposition (see Acts 5:27-32). not . . . resistorcontradict. See Acts 6:8-10.
See notes on Luke 12:53; 14:26; 18:29. some . . . death. The time between Jesus' first and second comings is marked by persecution. However, only some will experience martyrdom.
Luke 21:17
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Jesus was despised and rejected as Lord (20:17; Isa. 53:3). Those who follow him will likewise be rejected (see 6:22-23; Matt. 5:10-12; John 15:18; 1 Pet. 4:14).
Luke 21:18
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Not a promise of physical safety in this life (see v. 16). However, there is no threat that can separate from God from his people (Rom. 8:31-39). Despite difficulty, persecution, rejection, and even martyrdom, Jesus says that he will keep us to the end (Jude 1). Every believer will be gloriously raised back to life when Jesus returns (John 6:39; Col. 3:4).
Luke 21:19
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The concluding exhortation of vv. 10-17. Jesus called his disciples to faithfulness in the midst of difficulties (see Isa. 7:9; 1 Pet. 5:10). And he promised to provide all they need to stand firm (11:9-13; John 14:12-20).
Luke 21:20-24
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Jesus described the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman army, which took place in A.D. 70 (see note on v. 9). His words go back to the original question asked by his disciples (v. 7).
Luke 21:20
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armies. See note on 21:20-24. destruction. That is, the Jewish temple's destruction (v. 7).
Luke 21:21
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The Romans put up a perimeter around Jerusalem before attacking (see note on v. 9). Many were trapped in the city and close to a million Jews perished. Jesus knew this would happen and warned his disciples to stay away.
Luke 21:22
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vengeance. The nation was judged for their unfaithfulness to God and refusal to accept Jesus as the Christ (10:13-15; 13:33-34; Jer. 22:5; Mic. 3:12). fulfilled. Luke emphasized God's faithfulness to keep his promises in Scripture (4:21; 18:31; 21:22; 24:44).
Luke 21:23
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Normally, pregnancy was a blessing (Ps. 127:3-5). During Jerusalem's fall, it made escape and survival more difficult. wrath. See note on v. 22.
Luke 21:24
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Jerusalem would fall by violence and end in death and captivity (see Deut. 28:64; Zech. 7:14.). timesof the Gentiles. For a time, the Gentiles would be in prominence in God's plan. However, Israel's time of judgment would not exist forever (Rom. 11:25-26).
Luke 21:25
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After the time of the Gentiles is fulfilled, Jesus will return for his people (Matt 24:14; see 1 Pet. 3:9-10). signs. Jesus drew on the imagery given in the Old Testament for the last day (see Isa. 13:9-10; 24:18-20; 34:4; Ezek. 32:7-8; Joel 2:10).
Luke 21:26
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Though some would be fearful because of the signs of Jesus' return, he desired his disciples to be encouraged (v. 28).
Luke 21:27
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Sonof Man. Jesus drew on the imagery of Dan. 7 to describe his return (see note on 5:22-24). cloud . . . glory. Jesus emphasized his return would be marked by divine power and kingly authority (see Exod. 14:20; 34; Num. 10:34; Ps. 104:3; Isa 19:1). As the Daniel passage indicates, Jesus would return to vindicate his people (Dan. 7:18, 22, 27; see v. 28).
Luke 21:28
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these things. Jesus' appearance with cosmic signs of his return (vv. 25-27). stand . . . lift upyourheads. Physical stance that reflected hope. Rather than being fearful, Jesus' disciples in every age live confidently in his return. deliverance. When Jesus returns he will deliver his people from this fallen world (see Rom. 8:18-24). See WCF 33.3; HC 52.
Luke 21:29-31
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The end will be evident by the signs seen by the disciples just as the oncoming of summer is evident by the evidence of the change in trees. parable. See note on 8:4. kingdom. See note on 4:43.
Luke 21:32
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generation. This word has various interpretations. The most likely meaning would be the generation alive when Jesus spoke these words. The term can also be translated "race" or "age." Those that see the signs of the end will also see the end itself. Christ will come quickly (12:35-40).
Luke 21:33
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Jesus' disciples can trust what he says because his word is permanent (see Isa. 40:8).
Luke 21:34
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Jesus said that his return would be delayed. One of the temptations for his disciples would be to grow careless and indifferent while they waited for him. In every age, his people are tempted to grow comfortable in this world, rather than expectant for Jesus' return (see 8:14; 12:13-34; 17:26-30).
Jesus' return will not be revealed in secret or to a select few only. All will see him (Rev. 1:7).
Luke 21:36
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In order to keep watch over themselves, believers should be alert and faithfully keep praying for strength from God (Rom. 12:12; Eph. 6:18; 1 Thess. 1:2; 2:13; 5:17; 1 Pet. 4:7). Sonof Man. Jesus as the divine king over all things (see note on 5:22-24).
Luke 21:37-38
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Luke revealed Jesus' heart in these final verses. Despite controversy and opposition by Israel's leaders, Jesus loved the people. He showed that love by continually teaching them God's word (19:47; 21:37; 22:53; see 4:4).
