Knowing The Word in Luke 21:5-9

Jesus Foretells Destruction of the Temple

21:5 And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, 6 “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” 7 And they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” 8 And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. 9 And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.”

Comments

The rest of chapter 21 deals with eschatology, meaning the end times. In this account, Jesus told of the destruction of the temple. It has huge stones and golden adornments given by Herod the Great, who rebuilt the temple. Jesus indicated total destruction of the temple, which happened in A.D. 70 when the Romans broke down the city walls and destroyed not only the temple but most of the city as well. While a sign was requested of Jesus, he did not give one. He did warn that false Christs would come “in his name,” who would try and lead his followers astray. Jesus said the time of deliverance was near, but he gave them a different deliverance than what they expected the Christ to give when he died on the cross. The future will bring troubles among the nations, warns Jesus, but do not worry. There will be an indefinite time before the end of the world as we know it.

Application

Would you like to know the date of the end of the world as we know it? Would it be helpful to know or perhaps terrifying? Since God has chosen not to let us know, then it must be a good thing for us.

Prayer

Father, I trust you today to hold the whole world in your hand and minister to your people. I will sing your praises and keep my eyes open to see your leading.