Jesus, Judgment and the End (preaching resource for Advent 1: 12/1/24)
This post, which exegetes Luke chapter 21, provides context for the RCL Gospel reading on 12/1/24 (Advent 1). Insights are drawn from the commentary of Warren Wiersbe ("Bible Expository Commentary"), Howard Marshall ("New Bible Commentary") and Robert Farrar Capon ("Kingdom, Grace, Judgment").
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| "The Siege and Destruction of Jerusalem" by David Roberts (public domain via Wikimedia Commons) |
Introduction
In chapter 21, Luke continues the story of Jesus’ journey through Holy Week. At this point, Jesus is still in the temple courts—teaching his disciples and others. The light of his presence in the House of God exposes people’s true colors. It is within this context of judgment in the shadow of the cross and the empty tomb, that Luke continues…
1 As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3 "I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4 All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."
Compared to gifts given by the rich and powerful (like the Jewish religious leaders), this poor widow’s “mite” seems quite insignificant. But not in the eyes of Jesus—he says that she gives more to God than the others combined. Why? Because she gives her all. Sadly, the disciples are more impressed with the material wealth so evident in the temple…
5 Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, 6 "As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down."
In essence, Jesus’ reply is this: “Is this what impresses you? If so, I’ve got bad news.” Jesus earlier announced the coming destruction of Jerusalem as a whole (Luke 19:41–44). Now he announces the destruction of the temple. This raises the disciples’ concern and curiosity. Mark and Matthew indicate that at this point, Jesus takes them up to the Mount of Olives. There the disciples have some questions for Jesus…
7 "Teacher," they asked, "when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?"
Jesus’ reply is often called “the Olivet discourse,” which is recorded in greater detail in Matthew 24–25 and Mark 13. Luke focuses on four topics of particular interest to his Gentile readers:
1. Signs of the times
8 He replied: "Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them. 9 When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away." 10 Then he said to them: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. 12 "But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13 This will result in your being witnesses to them. 14 But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 All men will hate you because of me. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By standing firm you will gain life.
The disciple’s are (understandably) wondering when the end will come (they wrongly see the destruction of the temple as coincident with the end of the age). And so they ask, “When will these things be?” Jesus replies by noting that though the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple is soon to come (it happened about 40 years after Jesus spoke these words), it is not to be equated with the “end.” Moreover other end-time-like situations will arise: wars, famines, false prophets, religious persecution, etc. These will be scary and dangerous circumstances for Jesus’ followers, but they are not to get side-tracked or discouraged—a long journey lies ahead. And when they are persecuted (and they will be), they must persevere, knowing that they suffer not arbitrarily, but for the name of Jesus (v12).
Such times will provide opportunity to be Jesus’ “witnesses” (v13, and note that the English word martyr comes from the Greek word martus which means “a witness”). Because of official persecution, the witnesses of Jesus will stand before important people; and when that happens, they need not panic—God will give them the words to speak. Implied is the promise to provide whatever else they need (including courage).
Persecution will come not only from the government, but also from family and friends. But they need not despair, for God is in control—not a hair on their head can perish apart from his will. Knowing this, they can have endurance and face the challenges with faith and courage. And so Jesus’ message to them is this: “Don’t be deceived! Don’t be afraid! Don’t worry! Stand firm!!”
2. Destruction of Jerusalem and the temple
20 "When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. 22 For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. 23 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
Now Jesus addresses their concern about the timing of the destruction of the temple, which eventually happened in A.D. 70. It was a terrible time—Josephus claimed that nearly a million people were killed by the Romans, and over 100,000 taken captive when Roman General Titus invaded Judea and destroyed Jerusalem. As a result, the “times of the Gentiles” commenced. This seems to be a reference to Gentile domination of Jerusalem, though perhaps it has more to do with the start of a period of Gentile conversion to Christianity (see Rom. 11:25). Jesus says nothing about what will happen to Jerusalem at the end of this age. However he says what he will do, and that takes us to Luke’s next topic.
3. The return of the Lord
25 "There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
In mentioning these cosmic signs (what Matthew calls “the sign of the Son of man”), Jesus employs Old Testament apocalyptic imagery that symbolizes the destruction of Israel’s Gentile enemies. What exactly this points to in and around 70 AD and (perhaps) final events at the end of the age, we can’t say. One thing is clear—when Jesus returns in glory, every eye will see him (Rev. 1:7), and there will be no more deception; no more denial. And just as Jesus’ presence in the temple is now creating judgment, so then his presence before all humankind will bring final (conclusive) judgment (Dan. 7:13-14).
In the light of Jesus, all will see who he is and thus who they truly are. And thus all will have opportunity to respond to Jesus—either in worship or rejection. Jesus’ return will be glorious, and with great power (Luke 21:27; Daniel 7:13-14). Believers can raise their heads high anticipating that time, for it is the fullness of their redemption (v28).
4. Living in the presence of the kingdom
Having answered the disciples’ questions about the destruction of Jerusalem, Jesus next gives a parable about their present responsibilities.
29 He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30 When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 "I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. 34 "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."
Jesus’ admonition is not that they be consumed with “prediction addiction,” but that they have eyes (and hearts) wide open—fixed on Jesus and the present and future reality of his kingdom. Indeed, Jesus’ kingdom is not far away, but “near” (v31). Despite troubling circumstances that might seem to indicate Jesus’ absence, he is ever present—and his promises and power never fail!
Bible students debate what Jesus means here by “this generation” (v32). Clearly it includes the disciples standing with Jesus as he speaks these words—they lived to see Jerusalem destroyed. And though Jesus has not yet returned in glory—they, along with all generations of people, will stand with Jesus in the general resurrection at his return. The Greek word translated “generation” can also mean “race” and might refer to the Jewish people as a whole—indeed, they will not pass away in the destruction about to come, nor at any other time prior to Jesus’ return.
We may not be sure about the details, but the over-arching message is clear: God can be trusted to see us through whatever may come upon us and the whole world. In light of this assurance, we have two responsibilities: to “know” the truth (v31) and to “be always on the watch” in light of this truth (v36). These admonitions apply to believers in every age, and note that “watch!” is not an invitation to stand around looking for signs. Rather, it means, “Be alert! Don’t get caught napping!” This is important, because it’s so easy to “get weighted down” with the cares of this life and the temptations of the world and of our flesh (Luke 12:35–48). Especially during difficult times, it’s easy to give up and revert to living as though Jesus is absent.
Conclusion
Through these events and teaching, Jesus is addressing the issue of judgment and his eventual return, which speaks to final judgment. All this must be seen in the context of Holy Week—the week of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. It is Jesus, bearing our sinful humanity that is judged on behalf of us all, who dies on our behalf, and rises with us and for us to new life. God’s judgment involves Jesus’ representative, substitutionary (vicarious) life with us and for us.