Que Sera, Sera
February 5, 2006 - Luke 21:5-38: The lesson for this week is from Matthew 24.1-8. This study guide is based on a parallel passage in 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? (Luke 21:5)
How did the disciples respond to Jesus' prediction concerning the temple? (Luke 21:7)
What did Jesus say could deceive Christians in the last days? (Luke 21:8)
What signs of the end of the age did Jesus tell us to expect? (Luke 21:9-13)
What promises did Jesus give to His disciples? (Luke 21:18-19)
What will be the result of "standing firm" in the last days? (Luke 21:19)
What signs will usher in the end of the age? (Luke 21:23-26)
What should be the response of Christians to the many signs of the end? (Luke 21:28)
What final advice did Jesus give? (Luke 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 unbeliever you can tell about the saving grace of the gospel? How?
Notes
Luke 21:5-6: The temple the disciples were admiring was the on that 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., reconsecrated 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. In the end, Jesus promised that he would return in power and glory to save them. Jesus' warnings and promises to his disciples also apply to us as we look forward to his return.
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 (Phil. 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.
Luke 21:18: Jesus was not saying that believers would be exempt from physical harm or death during the persecutions. Remember that most of the disciples were martyred. Rather he was saying that none of his followers would suffer spiritual or eternal loss. On earth, everyone will die, but believers in Jesus will be saved for eternal life.
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. This means working faithfully at the tasks God has given us.
Luke 21:36: 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).