By The Rev. Ron Purkey
Guest Columnist

Read Luke 21:1-38

“And it shall turn to you for a testimony” (Luke 21:13)

The Rev. Ron Purkey

First, Trouble (Luke 21:1-7). Jesus Christ was not impressed with the beauty of the temple, for He knew that it was a “den of thieves” (Luke 19:46) that had been left desolate by God (Matthew 23:38). When Jesus announced that the temple was destined to be destroyed, four of His disciples asked for details about this event. “Tell us, when will these things be?” (Mark 13:3-4) This is Luke’s version of the Olivet Discourse, found also in Matthew 24-25 and Mark 13.

Second, Encouragements (Luke 21:8-9). Since he was writing especially for Gentiles, Luke did not include all the prophetic details that relate particularly to the nation of Israel. Jesus told His disciples that difficult times lay ahead of the church, but that they should heed His Word and not be led astray by deceivers. Neither should they be frightened by national, international, and natural calamities, or give up when persecution becomes intense. Times of tribulation can be times of testimony, and the Spirit would give them the wisdom and words that they needed.

Third, Admonitions (Luke21:20-24). In this paragraph, Jesus prepared His people for the fall of Jerusalem, which took place in 70 A.D. He admonished the people to get out of Jerusalem and Judea, and those who heeded His Word were spared. “The times of the Gentiles” refers to the period when the Gentiles would overrun Jerusalem and be in control. “The times of the Gentiles” began with the captivity of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 606-586 B.C. (2 Chronicles 36), and it will end when Christ returns to earth at the Second Coming (not the Rapture) (Zechariah 13-14).

Fourth, Signs (Luke 21:25-33). Jesus teaches what will happen in the last half of the Tribulation period, just before He appears in glory at the Secon Coming to the earth (not the Rapture). The last half of the Tribulation will be a very distressing time, with great judgments from heaven and great distresses on the earth (Revelation 13-19). Believers will find great encouragement from the signs that point to His coming, and they will look up expectantly as they await His return.

Fifth, Dangers (Luke 21:34-38). In view of the fact that Jesus could return at any moment, it befits us as believers to be ready when He comes. We must beware of worldliness and the cares of this life. While we must not ignore our daily duties, we must be careful to live in the light of eternity. By reminding ourselves daily that Jesus may return before the day ends, we will walk carefully so that we will not be caught unprepared when He comes (1 John 2:28).

“This generation” (Luke 21:32) refers to the generation alive when all these things take place. God will preserve His people and see them through their sufferings so that they can enter into their glorious kingdom. That will be a happy day!

Read Ron Purkey’s Bible study outlines free at rcpbibleoutlines.com. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.