42: Widow’s offering & the Destruction of the temple and Jerusalem (Luke 21:1 – 24)

This chapter contains an apocalyptic message about the near future—the fall of Jerusalem—and the far future—the return of the Son of Man. Jesus tells us how to gain our lives.

👉 Read Luke 21:1-24

Q1. By what criteria did the poor widow donate more than everyone else?

She out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.

This is a literal translation of verse 4. For they all offered their gifts out of their abundance (περισσεύοντος overflowing abundance), but she, out of her deficiency(ὑστερήματος, lacking), put in all the life(βίον, living, not life(ζωή) as in ‘life or death’)  she had. 

Jesus doesn’t mean that the widow gave 100% of her possessions while the others did not. She made her livelihood more difficult by giving, whereas the others could give without experiencing any difficulty in their daily lives. They did not risk their livelihood, but she did by giving the two coins she needed to buy that day’s meal. She brought herself as an offering.

Also note that Jesus didn’t accuse the others; He simply commended the widow. This contradicts our usual way of thinking. Jesus wants us, but we often bring only what we have.

Q2. When His disciples were proud of the size and beauty of the temple, Jesus foretold its total destruction. When they heard this, they wanted to know the sign that such a disaster was coming. What would be the sign of the beginning of such destruction? What should they do? (8-9)

Pseudo (false) Christ & reports of wars and tumults. 

Do not follow false Christ. Do not be terrified.

It is interesting why we should not be terrified. The end will not be at once. That means you would notice the end is approaching and the disaster would be gradually intensified. Thus, you need to make your mind to stand firm to be Christ’s witness, rather than seeking how to escape the disaster. 

Q3. Because the disciples asked about the signs, Jesus explain more about the signs and what to do at that time. Also, He confirmed their security which they were most worried about. Please summarize 10-19 in these three categories: what would be the signs (10-12, 16-17), what to do(13-15, 19), and promise of protection (18-19).

The Signs: Nation against nation, disasters in the created world, terrors and signs from heaven (God), and persecution of believers.

What to Do:

1. Testify about Jesus Christ. It will be our opportunity to bear witness.

2. Do not meditate on how to answer. The Lord will give you what to say at that time.

3. Endure.

Promise of Protection: No hair of your head will be harmed; you will gain your life through endurance.

Verse 19 answers the disciples’ concern about how to survive the coming destruction. It is also an answer for us when we fear the persecution that will come in the last days.

Q4. The Jews had thought that Jerusalem was a sign of God’s love and favor toward Israel. However, the destruction of Jerusalem was intended by God and became, paradoxically, a sign of His love for the Gentiles (24). The Bible describes the severity of the disaster (vv   ~     ). But, the desolation of the city would last only for a limited time and was a part of God’s salvation plan for the Gentiles (v     ).

21-23

24

Why does God leave Jerusalem in humiliation until the salvation of the Gentiles? To save the Jews.

Romans 11:11 — Israel’s stumbling is not final; salvation has come to the Gentiles “to make Israel jealous.”

Lord, please bring spiritual revival to Your churches so that the Jews may become jealous of Your love among us.

Q5. Believers will be persecuted amid war, earthquakes, famine, plague, and great confusion. But don't (       ) how to deal with such situations, only focusing on the ministry to be (     ) of the Lord. The Lord will guide and protect you in times. 

ANS: Believers will be persecuted amid war, earthquakes, famine, plague, and great confusion. But don't ( meditate ) how to deal with such situations, only focusing on the ministry to be ( witness ) of the Lord. The Lord will guide and protect you in times. 

Do you have an unpaid balance in the Lord’s account?

An "unpaid balance" refers to the sacrifices you have made for the Lord that have not yet been rewarded, as well as the unjust treatment you have endured for the sake of Christ and His church. The greater your unpaid balance, the more eagerly you look forward to His return.

On that day, all your hard work will be rewarded. All your tears will be wiped away by His pierced hands, and all the humiliation you faced for the sake of His Name will be crowned with His glory. When He returns, every unpaid balance will be settled. He will repay us abundantly for everything we have endured and sacrificed for His sake.

Oh, Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!

“But when these things begin to happen, stand up and raise your heads because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:28)