43: Be ready and Stay alert for His return (Luke 21:25 – 38)

The disciples wanted to know about the signs of the last days. Maybe they wanted to escape the disasters or to be well prepared. However, rather than telling us how to avoid such disasters, the Lord tells us that we will face persecution and that these times will instead provide us with an opportunity to be His witnesses. It is the time of redemption, and we should be alert to stand before Him.

👉 Read Luke 21:25-38

Chapter 21 can be analyzed as followings. Please fill the blanks.

21:1–4 People are impressed by the offerings of the rich, but the Lord values the offering of the poor widow more, because she gave her life.

21:5–6 The magnificent and glorious temple? It will be destroyed.

21:7–9 The disciples wanted to know the signs of such disasters. Perhaps they wanted to prepare themselves for the tribulation and have more control over the situation.

Jesus’ answer (8-9) works as a brief introduction to the following details (10-26). Here are two points: 1) Don’t be misled by rumors (8) for they will see coming of the Son of Man (27). 2) Don’t be terrified at rumors for it is not yet the end. 

But you will be protected (18) and will gain your life through endurance (19). Furthermore, such period of persecution will be the (              ) for you to be His witness (13). Even Jerusalem will be laid ruin until the times of the (               ) are fulfilled (24). Yes, these things will surely happen just as I have told you (v        ).

But you will be protected and will gain your life through endurance. Furthermore, such period of persecution will be the ( opportunity ) for you to be His witness. Even Jerusalem will be laid ruin until the times of the ( Gentiles ) are fulfilled. Yes, these things will surely happen just as I have told you (v 33).

21:10-19 Looking for the signs? Focus to bear witness. Jesus briefly described the signs for they had asked (10-11). However, before those signs, (         ) will come. While the disciples focused on the signs, the Lord emphasizes to become witness of Jesus Christ.

Persecution

Seeking the signs: wanting to be relax until the time comes. They want to control when to rest and when to work hard. The reason we seek knowledge is probably to have more control over the situation, which is not God’s intention.

Literally, verse 13 can be translated as, “This will become a testimony from your standpoint.” The lives and confession of believers who have hope of the Lord amid situations of persecution become a testimony to the people of the world to the gospel of the cross.

21:20-24 It is shocking that how Jerusalem will be destroyed and terrible disaster will come. But it is a part of God’s plan for greater salvation for the (              ).  

Gentiles 

It is God’s mysterious grace that His chosen city would be trampled by those whom God decided to save. Jesus was betrayed and nailed to the cross by those whom He came to save. In this way, God’s forgiving grace is greater than our sins, even the sins of those who pierced Him.

In this sense, we Christians and the church will testify the gospel of the cross through our sacrifice. The church is not to reign (in worldly sense) but to serve the world. 

21:25-28 When the signs of the sky appear the people faint with (          ). They will see the coming of the (                   ). At that moment, raise your head your (               ) is near. 

When the signs of the sky appear the people faint with ( fear  ). They will see the coming of the ( Son of Man ). At that moment, raise your head your (  redemption  ) is near. 

Verse 8 says, ‘do not go after them.’ They will see the coming of the Son of Man, not merely hearing.

When the Son of Man comes, it means the end of persecution, the restoration of His children, the completion of our salvation, and the compensation for our suffering. That’s why, as the end draws near, as we see these days with wars and natural disasters, we should expect His return soon and rejoice.

“The powers of the heavens will be shaken.” The universal order and hierarchy will fall down. These days, we see an environmental crisis, a chaotic world filled with terror and wars, and the loss of human identity and the uncertain future that AI will bring.

21:29-33 ‘Haven and earth will pass away; but my (         ) will not pass away.’ Before the (                 ) is completed, all these things will surely come.

‘Haven and earth will pass away; but my (  words  ) will not pass away.’ Before the ( kingdom of God  ) is completed, all these things will surely come.

If we want the kingdom of God to be consummated, we will prepare ourselves when the signs appear.

21:34-37 ‘Stay alert.’ This is the final command regarding the last day. ‘Stay alert’ if not, you cannot escape the ‘trap’ and fell into (           ), (         ), and (               ). (34) 

‘Stay alert.’ This is the final command regarding the last day. ‘Stay alert’ if not, you cannot escape the ‘trap’ and fell into ( dissipation ), ( drunkenness ), and ( cares of this life ). (34) 

Dissipation: too exhausted with the affairs in the world (sometimes even with ministry as the ministry itself becomes the goal)

Drunkenness: pleasure of this world.

21:38-39 People’s eagerness for the kingdom of God vs Jesus’ going out and staying on the mount of crucifixion. See the contrast. 

Though they were eager to know about the gospel, they could not fully understand the depth and breath of the salvation God planned through the cross.

Why does Jesus call Himself the Son of Man in this passage? He will do the things written in Daniel 7. At the end of age, He receives the eternal kingdom from God, exercises universal authority, overcomes the oppressive powers of the world, and brings God's people into their promised kingdom.