Luke 21
Luke 21:1-38 (NLT)
1 While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box.
2 Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins.
3 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them.
4 For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.”
5 Some of his disciples began talking about the majestic stonework of the Temple and the memorial decorations on the walls. But Jesus said,
6 “The time is coming when all these things will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!”
7 “Teacher,” they asked, “when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to take place?”
8 He replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and saying, ‘The time has come!’ But don’t believe them.
9 And when you hear of wars and insurrections, don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place first, but the end won’t follow immediately.”
10 Then he added, “Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
11 There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven.
12 “But before all this occurs, there will be a time of great persecution. You will be dragged into synagogues and prisons, and you will stand trial before kings and governors because you are my followers.
13 But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me.
14 So don’t worry in advance about how to answer the charges against you,
15 for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you!
16 Even those closest to you—your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends—will betray you. They will even kill some of you.
17 And everyone will hate you because you are my followers.
18 But not a hair of your head will perish!
19 By standing firm, you will win your souls.
20 “And when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then you will know that the time of its destruction has arrived.
21 Then those in Judea must flee to the hills. Those in Jerusalem must get out, and those out in the country should not return to the city.
22 For those will be days of God’s vengeance, and the prophetic words of the Scriptures will be fulfilled.
23 How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers in those days. For there will be disaster in the land and great anger against this people.
24 They will be killed by the sword or sent away as captives to all the nations of the world. And Jerusalem will be trampled down by the Gentiles until the period of the Gentiles comes to an end.
25 “And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides.
26 People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken.
27 Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory.
28 So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!”
29 Then he gave them this illustration: “Notice the fig tree, or any other tree.
30 When the leaves come out, you know without being told that summer is near.
31 In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that the Kingdom of God is near.
32 I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things have taken place.
33 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.
34 “Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware,
35 like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth.
36 Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.”
37 Every day Jesus went to the Temple to teach, and each evening he returned to spend the night on the Mount of Olives.
38 The crowds gathered at the Temple early each morning to hear him.
While there are miracle moments that stand out as victories to be celebrated, there are also periods of what seems to be just passing time. The last two verses of this chapter indicate that a portion of Jesus’ ministry involved a daily routine of Temple teaching and nightly worship. While it may not have been making the big splashes of feeding the thousands and raising the dead, what was established in His daily routine of fulfilled kingdom purpose was an essential part of God’s plan. From this pattern, revelation came of things to come that would have potential devastation for those unprepared in their developed relationships with the Father. It was all initially founded from a heart of passion for the Father that included giving beyond the much-touted donations of the wealthy that didn’t begin to touch what a true sacrifice would be. The necessity of this was in its heart preparations for the times of trial and difficulty. If life and possessions could not be offered up to the One who gave them, they would have a hold on the heart in the time when belief in Him would mean salvation. Jesus indicated that the sustaining source through any upcoming threats and challenges would be an established passion for His words and their longevity way beyond the life of the tribulation. This passage indeed came as a result of this established routine and serves as a warning and impelling reason to make this pattern of giving out and filling up a life identity. Signs will come and go with no effect for the ones who never consider His words from an atmosphere of worship. However, for those who have committed their days to be demonstrations of sacrificial worship, there will be precise observance of the signs of His coming, along with motivation to be about His business of laboring for the harvest. Any withholding, from finances to precious portions of time, may be greatly debilitating in the inevitable times of coming crisis. Only daily establishing of kingdom and King pursuit, when it seems nothing is significant for the moment, can ensure readiness for the day of His coming. Only those observing and in motion will be a part of that great blessed hope. As the world spins in ever-accelerating chaos, running to the Rock and Name will be the pattern for all who will rise at His coming.