April 2 / Luke 21:5-24

Luke 21:5-24

Dear RTB’ers,

It seems in today’s reading that the Pharisees, scribes and Sadducees are no longer troubling Jesus, but that He is speaking to a smaller group of His followers. As they praise the Temple building, He warns them of the future destruction, nearly four decades later. I’ve gone back and forth on this “destruction of Jerusalem” vs. “end of the age” issue, but my Study Bible helped out this morning. It suggested that much of Luke 21:8-18 in today’s reading could easily apply to both of these events. That is, we may not be choosing between an either/or position. So that’s helpful. Typically, back in those days, when an invading army was approaching, the citizens would flock to the safety of the city and its city walls. Not so this time, Jesus says, with three warnings: if you are in Judea, flee to the mountains; if you are in the city, you must leave; and if you are in the country, do not enter the city (Luke 21:21). He saw in the future that Jerusalem would be trampled, as it was in 70 A.D.!

What struck me today was a New Testament – New Testament connection. Jesus speaking:

But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.

Luke 21:12-15

Some three weeks down the road we will begin reading the Book of Acts. In Acts 4 we will see Jesus’ words played out, as Peter and John are testifying before the Council: Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13) They had been with Jesus. That was enough!

Blessings!