‏ Luke 21

Christ Commendeth the Poor Widow

This short story is also told in Mark, showing how important it is. Jesus wanted to teach that charity, especially to the poor, is very important in true religion. He had just warned about the scribes who took advantage of poor widows (Luke 20:47 ^a). Now He shows that even poor widows can be the most generous givers. Jesus also watches what we give to the poor and to good causes. He sees not just how much we give, but how willing and sincere our hearts are. Even small gifts, if given with love and faith, are precious to God. Christ especially notices and values the charity of those who have little, yet give what they can for God's glory.

v. 1: Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury (Luke 21:1 ^b). He also saw a poor widow put in two small coins. The amount was very small, but Jesus saw her heart and valued her gift more than all the others. He did not criticize her for giving what she needed for herself. Instead, He praised her faith and generosity. She trusted that God would provide for her needs—she believed the Lord would take care of her (Jehovah-jireh). Jesus teaches us that even if we have little, we can still honor God by giving cheerfully and trusting Him to provide.

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Judgments Predicted

This section explains Jesus’ teaching about the coming destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and the signs that would precede it. When some of his disciples admired the beauty of the temple, Jesus warned them not to trust in outward things, because everything they saw would soon be destroyed. He also gave his followers instructions about what to expect in the future, especially during times of trouble, and encouraged them to remain faithful and not be afraid.

v. 5: Some of Jesus’ disciples were amazed by the beauty and size of the temple. They pointed out the beautiful stones and the gifts that had been offered to decorate it. They seemed to think that Jesus would also value these outward things. However, Jesus wanted them to focus on what really matters—God’s presence and the worship that happens in the temple, not just its outward appearance.

v. 6: Jesus replied by warning them that the time would come when the temple would be completely destroyed. He said, “The days will come, in which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” This was shocking to his disciples, since the temple seemed so strong and beautiful. But Jesus wanted them to know that even the greatest human buildings would not last forever. This prophecy was fulfilled when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and the temple in AD 70.

v. 7: The disciples were curious and asked Jesus, “Master, when shall these things be? And what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?” They wanted to know exactly when the destruction would happen and what signs would show it was near. Like many people, they were interested in knowing the future, but Jesus wanted them to focus on their faith and how to live in difficult times.

v. 8: Jesus warned them to be careful and not to be deceived. He said that many people would come pretending to be him or claiming that the time had come. He told them, “Take heed that you be not deceived.” This was important because many false teachers and leaders would try to lead people away from the truth during times of trouble.

v. 9–11: Jesus spoke about many terrible things that would happen before the end—wars, earthquakes, famines, plagues, and fearful events. He told his followers not to be terrified when they heard about these things, because these troubles have to happen first, but the end will not come right away. He explained that nations would fight each other and there would be disasters in many places. These would all be signs that God’s judgment was coming, but they were not the immediate end.

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v. 12–19: Jesus also warned his followers that before all these things, they would face persecution. They would be arrested, put on trial, and hated because they followed him. Even their own families might turn against them. But Jesus encouraged them not to worry about what to say, because God would give them wisdom and words to speak that their enemies could not resist. He promised that not a hair of their head would perish and that by standing firm in their faith, they would save their souls.

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Judgments Predicted

In this passage, Jesus warns about the coming destruction of Jerusalem. He explains that this event will be a kind of “day of judgment” for the Jewish people, and a symbol of what will happen at the end of the world. The fall of Jerusalem would be a terrible time, especially for those who were attached to the city and its traditions.

v. 20: Jesus said that Jerusalem would be surrounded by armies (Luke 21:20 ^c). He was talking about the Roman armies. When the disciples saw this, they would know that the city’s destruction was close. God always finishes what He starts, whether in mercy or in judgment.

v. 21: Jesus warned the people to escape when they saw these signs. He told those in Judea to flee to the mountains, and those inside Jerusalem to leave quickly before it was too late. People outside the city should not try to enter for safety. It was better to leave a city that God had decided to judge. As it says elsewhere: Come out of her, my people (Revelation 18:4 ^d).

v. 22–23: These would be days of God’s vengeance, fulfilling what the Old Testament prophets had warned. All the predictions and judgments written in scripture would come true. It would be especially hard for pregnant women and mothers with babies, as they would suffer the most. The whole land would be filled with distress and confusion, and people would not know what to do.

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v. 24: Many Jews would be killed by the sword, and others would be taken away as captives to many nations. Jerusalem would be destroyed and ruled over by Gentiles (non-Jews) for a long time. The city would be trampled down until the period called the times of the Gentiles was finished (Luke 21:24 ^e). Jesus also said that Jerusalem would be under the control of Gentiles until their time was complete. Some people think this means Jerusalem would stay in foreign hands until many Gentiles became Christians and even the Jews would one day believe in Jesus. Others think it means that the time of the Gentiles would last until God’s plan for the nations was finished, and then Jerusalem would no longer be ruled by foreigners.

v. 25–26: There would be strange and frightening signs in the sky—in the sun, moon, and stars. The sea would roar with storms. People everywhere would be terrified and confused, not knowing what would happen next (Luke 21:25–26 ^f). Their hearts would fail from fear. This language also looks ahead to the end of the world, when even greater disasters will come (2 Peter 3:10,12 ^g).

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v. 27: Jesus said, “Then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (Luke 21:27 ^h). The destruction of Jerusalem would show Jesus’ authority and judgment. It was a sign that He truly was the Messiah. But this also hints at His second coming, when He will return with even greater power and glory.

v. 28: Jesus encouraged His followers. He said that when they saw these things begin to happen, they should look up and be glad, because their redemption was near (Luke 21:28 ⁱ). While others would be afraid, believers could have hope, knowing they would soon be rescued by Jesus.

Judgments Predicted

As Jesus finished His teaching about the coming troubles, He encouraged His followers to pay attention to the signs of the times. He explained that just as people can tell when summer is near by looking at the trees, they can also understand when God’s judgments are close. Jesus also warned them to stay alert and not be distracted by the pleasures or worries of life, so they would be ready for what was coming.

v. 29–31: Jesus told a parable about the fig tree and other trees. He said that when the trees sprout leaves, people know that summer is near (Luke 21:29–31 ^j). In the same way, when the disciples saw the signs He described, they would know that God’s kingdom was near. Events in history are connected like seasons in nature. When people or nations turn away from God, judgment is close. When evil rulers lose power, God’s kingdom will grow stronger. We should watch what happens in the world and be ready for God’s work.

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v. 34–35: Jesus warned His followers to be careful and not let their hearts be weighed down by too much eating, drinking, or worrying about daily life (Luke 21:34–35 ^k). If people are not careful, the day of judgment could come suddenly and catch them by surprise, like a trap. This is especially dangerous for those who only think about earthly things and forget about God (Ecclesiastes 9:12 ^l).

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v. 36: Jesus gave wise advice—to always be watching and praying. He said, “Watch therefore, and pray always, that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man” (Luke 21:36 ^m). We should guard our hearts, be ready to meet Jesus, and keep close to God in prayer. Those who watch and pray will be ready to serve Jesus forever in His kingdom (Psalm 1:5; Revelation 7:15 ⁿ; Matthew 18:10 ^o).

v. 37–38: During these last days before His death, Jesus spent His days teaching in the temple and His nights on the Mount of Olives. Early every morning, people came to the temple to hear Him preach (Luke 21:37–38 ^p). Even though the religious leaders opposed Him, many ordinary people wanted to listen to His teaching. Their desire for God’s word was greater than any opposition.