Endings and Beginnings
November 28, 2004 - Luke 21:5-38
Open It
What do you think of people who make predictions about the future?
What do you already know about your future?
Explore It
What did the disciples say about the temple that prompted a prophecy from Jesus? (21:5)
How did the disciples respond to Jesus' prediction concerning the temple? (21:7)
What did Jesus say could deceive Christians in the last days? (21:8)
What signs of the end of the age did Jesus tell us to expect? (21:9-13)
Why did Jesus advise His followers not to worry about what will happen to them? (21:14)
What promises did Jesus give to His disciples? (21:18-19)
What will be the result of "standing firm" in the last days? (21:19)
What signs will usher in the end of the age? (21:23-26)
What should be the response of Christians to the many signs of the end? (21:28)
For what purpose did Jesus tell the parable of the fig tree? (21:29-31)
What final advice did Jesus give? (21:34-36)
Get It
How can a Christian avoid being deceived by the events Jesus describes?
Why did Jesus reveal to us these prophecies about the last days?
What distinguishes Jesus' view of the future from the predictions of modern-day seers and astrologers?
Why would the wisdom Jesus provides be so necessary during persecution?
What does this passage teach us about the trustworthiness of Jesus' promises?
Why should we not allow our hearts to be weighed down with the anxieties of life?
Apply It
What Christian can you meet with this week to pray for preparedness for the times to come?
What can you do now to get ready for Christ's return?
Who is one person you can tell about the saving grace of the gospel? How?
Notes
Luke 21:5-6: The temple the disciples were admiring was not Solomon's temple-that had been destroyed by the Babylonians in the seventh century B.C. This temple had been built by Ezra after the return from exile in the sixth century B.C., desecrated by the Seleucids in the second century B.C., re-consecrated by the Maccabees soon afterward, and enormously expanded by Herod the Great over a 46-year period. It was a beautiful, imposing structure with a significant history, but Jesus said that it would be completely destroyed. This happened in A.D. 70 when the Roman army burned Jerusalem.
Luke 21:7ff: Jesus did not leave his disciples unprepared for the difficult years ahead. He warned them about false messiahs, natural disasters, and persecutions; but he assured them that he would be with them to protect them and make his kingdom known through them.
Luke 21:12-13: These persecutions soon began. Luke recorded many of them in the book of Acts. Paul wrote from prison that he suffered gladly because it helped him know Christ better and do Christ's work for the church (Philippians 3:10; Col. 1:24). The early church thrived despite intense persecution.
Luke 21:14-19: Jesus warned that in the coming persecutions his followers would be betrayed by their family members and friends. Christians of every age have had to face this possibility. It is reassuring to know that even when we feel completely abandoned, the Holy Spirit will stay with us. He will comfort us, protect us, and give us the words we need. This assurance can give us the courage and hope to stand firm for Christ no matter how difficult the situation.
Luke 21:34-36: Jesus told the disciples to keep a constant watch for his return. Although nearly 2,000 years have passed since he spoke these words, their truth remains: Christ is coming again, and we need to watch and be spiritually fit.
Luke 21:36: Only days after telling the disciples to pray that they might escape persecution, Jesus himself asked God to spare him the agonies of the cross, if that was God's will (Luke 22:41-42). It is abnormal to want to suffer, but as Jesus' followers we are willing to suffer if by doing so we can help build God's kingdom. We have two wonderful promises to help us as we suffer: God will always be with us (Matthew 28:20), and he will one day rescue us and give us eternal life (Rev. 21:1-4).