*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.
21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 21:26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
21:27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
21:29 And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; 21:30 When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.
21:31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.
21:32 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.
21:33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
21:34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
21:35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
21:37 And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives.
21:38 And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him.