Luke 21
World English Bible
WEB1He looked up and saw the rich people who were putting their gifts into the treasury. 2He saw a certain poor widow casting in two small brass coins. 3He said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow put in more than all of them, 4for all these put in gifts for God from their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, put in all that she had to live on.” 5As some were talking about the temple and how it was decorated with beautiful stones and gifts, he said, 6“As for these things which you see, the days will come in which there will not be left here one stone on another that will not be thrown down.” 7They asked him, “Teacher, so when will these things be? What is the sign that these things are about to happen?” 8He said, “Watch out that you don’t get led astray, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is at hand.’ Therefore don’t follow them. 9When you hear of wars and disturbances, don’t be terrified, for these things must happen first, but the end won’t come immediately.” 10Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11There will be great earthquakes, famines, and plagues in various places. There will be terrors and great signs from heaven. 12But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you up to synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for my name’s sake. 13It will turn out as a testimony for you. 14Settle it therefore in your hearts not to meditate beforehand how to answer, 15for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to withstand or to contradict. 16You will be handed over even by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. They will cause some of you to be put to death. 17You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake. 18And not a hair of your head will perish. 19“By your endurance you will win your lives. 20“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is at hand. 21Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let those who are in the middle of her depart. Let those who are in the country not enter therein. 22For these are days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. 23Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who nurse infants in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath to this people. 24They will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led captive into all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled down by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. 25“There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars; and on the earth anxiety of nations, in perplexity for the roaring of the sea and the waves; 26men fainting for fear and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28But when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near.” 29He told them a parable. “See the fig tree and all the trees. 30When they are already budding, you see it and know by your own selves that the summer is already near. 31Even so you also, when you see these things happening, know that God’s Kingdom is near. 32Most certainly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things are accomplished. 33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away. 34“So be careful, or your hearts will be loaded down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day will come on you suddenly. 35For it will come like a snare on all those who dwell on the surface of all the earth. 36Therefore be watchful all the time, praying that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.” 37Every day Jesus was teaching in the temple, and every night he would go out and spend the night on the mountain that is called Olivet. 38All the people came early in the morning to him in the temple to hear him.
World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org
Overview
Luke Chapter 21 presents a profound discourse by Jesus as he speaks about the future, including the destruction of the #Temple in Jerusalem and the signs of the end times. The chapter begins with Jesus observing a poor widow who puts two small coins into the temple treasury. He highlights her act of giving as more significant than the large contributions of the wealthy, teaching that true generosity is measured by the heart and sacrifice behind the gift. This sets the stage for the themes of faithfulness and the value of spiritual riches over material wealth.
As the chapter progresses, Jesus foretells the destruction of the #Temple, stating that not one stone will be left on another (Luke 21:6). This prophecy deeply unsettles his listeners, prompting questions about when these events will occur. Jesus responds by warning them of impending trials, including persecution and deception by false prophets. He emphasizes the importance of remaining steadfast in faith, assuring them that even in the face of adversity, God will provide the words and wisdom needed to endure (Luke 21:15).
The chapter culminates with Jesus describing the signs that will precede his return, including natural disasters and societal upheaval. He encourages his followers to look up and lift their heads, for their redemption is drawing near (Luke 21:28). This chapter serves as a reminder of the hope and assurance found in Christ, urging believers to remain vigilant and faithful as they await the fulfillment of God’s promises in the midst of trials and tribulations.
Overall, Luke 21 challenges us to evaluate our priorities, remain faithful in our witness, and find hope in the promise of Christ’s return.
#Jesus #Widow #Temple #Prophecy #EndTimes #Faithfulness
Referenced by
- Acts 6:10v15Acts 6:10 describes how Stephen's wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke could not be resisted, fulfilling Jesus' promise in Luke 21:15 that He would give His followers words and wisdom that adversaries could not contradict.
- Acts 25:23v12Acts 25:23 describes Paul being brought before rulers, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy in Luke 21:12-13 that His followers would testify before kings and governors.
Topics in this chapter
- Perseverance
- End Times
- Faith
- Prayer
- Second Coming
- Watchfulness
- Endurance
- Eschatology
- Prophecy
- Redemption
- Sacrifice
- Faithfulness
- Hope
- Sacrificial Giving
- Vigilance
- Eternal Word
- Fig Tree
- Generosity
- Jerusalem
- Jesus
- Judgment
- Kingdom of God
- Messiah
- Preparedness
- Signs of the Times
- Temple
- Temple Destruction
- Widow's Mite
- Advent
- Age
- Anastasis
- Apocalypse
- Assurance
- Christ's Return
- Christian Art
- Christian Music
- Comfort
- Cosmic Events
- Discernment
- Disciples
- Divine Judgment
- Eternal Life
- Fear
- Followers of Christ
- Fulfillment
- Gentiles
- Giving
- God's Plan
- God's Promises
- Gospel Reading
- Heart
- Heart of Worship
- Holiness
- Israel
- Kingdom of God
- Messianic Authority
- Mount of Olives
- Parousia
- Prophecy Fulfillment
- Prophet
- Provision
- Readiness
- Resurrection
- Reverence
- Salvation
- Scripture Reliability
- Son of Man
- Sovereignty of God
- Spiritual Alertness
- Spiritual Readiness
- Spiritual Vigilance
- Teacher
- The Roman Empire
- The World
- Transient World
- Trials
- Trust
- Widow
- Widow's Offering
- Witness
Related chapters
- Matthew 24Signs of the TimesFig TreeParousia
- Mark 13Signs of the TimesEternal WordFig Tree
- Mark 12Widow's MiteWidow's OfferingSacrificial Giving
- Revelation 6ApocalypseEnd TimesThe Roman Empire
- Matthew 25ParousiaPreparednessSpiritual Readiness
- Revelation 1ApocalypseSon of ManSecond Coming
- Daniel 7Son of ManProphecy FulfillmentSecond Coming
- Luke 12Followers of ChristWatchfulnessProphecy Fulfillment
- Luke 17Son of ManSecond ComingReadiness
- Matthew 10TeacherDisciplesGentiles
- 1 Thessalonians 5Spiritual AlertnessPreparednessSecond Coming
- 1 Thessalonians 4Christ's ReturnSecond ComingChristian Music
Your study
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