*Luke 21:25-38
Jesus instructs his disciples to be alert for the signs of his return, urging them to watch and pray.
- Signs in the Cosmos and the Coming of the Son of Man:
- Jesus describes cosmic signs that will precede His return: disturbances in the sun, moon, and stars, along with turmoil on earth among nations, confused by roaring seas and strange tides.
- People will be terrified, anticipating what will happen to the world as the heavenly bodies are shaken.
- Then, they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory, a vision that combines awe and majesty.
- Parable of the Fig Tree:
- Jesus tells the parable of the fig tree to illustrate how to recognize these signs. He explains that just as one knows summer is near when the fig tree buds, similarly, these signs will indicate that the kingdom of God is near.
- He emphasizes the certainty of His words, stating that heaven and earth will pass away, but His words will never pass away.
- Exhortation to Watchfulness:
- He warns His followers to be on guard so that their hearts are not weighed down with the cares of life, leading them to be caught off guard on the day of His return.
- Jesus instructs them to be vigilant, praying for strength to escape the coming trials and to stand before the Son of Man.
- Jesus’ Teaching at the Temple:
- The passage concludes with a note on Jesus’ routine during this period: teaching in the temple by day and retreating to the Mount of Olives at night.
- People came early in the morning to listen to Him at the temple, indicating His growing influence and the eagerness of the people to hear His teachings.
Luke 21:25-38 reminds us to stay alert, trust God, and be ready for Jesus’ return. Jesus talks about signs in the world that will show His coming is near and warns us not to be distracted by worries or temptations. Instead, we should stay strong in our faith, pray, and live in a way that honors God. We can apply this by keeping our focus on what really matters—loving God, helping others, and making good choices. Rather than being afraid of the future, we should trust that God is in control and be ready to meet Him with faith and confidence.
Luke 21:25-38 (WEB)
21:25 “There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars; and on the earth anxiety of nations, in perplexity for the roaring of the sea and the waves; 26 men fainting for fear and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 But when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near.”29 He told them a parable. “See the fig tree and all the trees. 30 When they are already budding, you see it and know by your own selves that the summer is already near. 31 Even so you also, when you see these things happening, know that God’s Kingdom is near. 32 Most certainly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things are accomplished. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away.34 “So be careful, or your hearts will be loaded down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day will come on you suddenly. 35 For it will come like a snare on all those who dwell on the surface of all the earth. 36 Therefore be watchful all the time, praying that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.”37 Every day Jesus was teaching in the temple, and every night he would go out and spend the night on the mountain that is called Olivet. 38 All the people came early in the morning to him in the temple to hear him.