LUKE 21 LOOKING AHEAD. v.1-4. GIVING AND KEEPING:
- It is not what we give, but what we keep that counts.
- What looks small in the eyes of men, may be large in the eyes of God.
- Do not pass a judgment on an act of the heart.
v.5-19. HEARING AND KNOWING:
- Listen with discernment. The words one speaks may sound good but be false.
- Increase of false teaching [v.8-11] often accompanies false claims made by those who deliberately deceive or those who unwittingly follow them.
- Increase of natural disasters and political upheavals will precede the coming of the Lord.
- Increase of persecution of believers [v.12] will be experienced in many nations, cultures and families.
- Increase of power to witness [v.13-19]: they can take your physical life, but no ultimate harm can come to a disciple. The comment about “put to death” and, “not a hair of your head perish,” is looking at two different aspects of a believers life. The physical life is very distinct from eternal life.
v.20-24. DYING AND SURVIVING:
- The destruction of Jerusalem happened in AD.70.
- Fulfilling of scripture [1Kg.9:6-9; Da.9:26; Mic.3:12].
- Edge of the sword: 1 million Jews died in the war when Titus overcame the rebellion of AD. 70. 97,000 were taken captive into Egypt (Josephus).
v.25-33. SIGNS AND SEASONS:
- Predicted signs [v.25-26].
- Following the signs [v.27].
- Obeying the signs [v.28]: Look around – these things happen. Look up – beyond the event. Stand up – lift up you heads. Shape up – your redemption draweth nigh.
- Trusting the signs [v.31]: These things … all things [v.31].
- This generation [v.32] – the near view: that generation who lived when He spoke; the far view: the generation before His return.
v.34-38. WATCHING AND PRAYING:
- Avoid sin.
- Be careful how you live.
- Consider the unexpected.
- Do keep in fellowship with God.
- Events predicted by the Lord, will happen.