Christ s Cautions About The Future Luke 21:5-11 Introduction

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Christ s Cautions About The Future Luke 21:5-11 Introduction"

Austen Cooper
6 years ago
Views:

1 Introduction This section of Chapter 21 (vv.5-38) contains what has been called The Olivet Discourse to Christ s disciples. It has been called the greatest sermon on prophecy ever preached. The sermon is expanded in Matthew and Mark 13. We certainly will need to compare these accounts as we think about the future. Matthew s gospel has a strong Jewish emphasis and Luke s gospel, though it presents deeply interesting and vitally important information, places less emphasis on these Jewish elements while retaining essential truth about the future. We cannot escape the fact this message was given by a Jew about the future of the Jewish nation and the Jewish Temple. Does that mean there is no application for God s people today? There are important truths we need to know about the future. The message is also given by the Messiah, Jesus Christ, Lord of the Gentiles about the future of the world. I suspect the emphasis is less on the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ for his church, and more on God s immediate plan and purpose for the Jewish nation. In my opinion Jesus could come at any moment for the Church (1 Cor.15:51-58; 1 Thes.4:13-18). Paul wrote; For Jews request a sign (1 Cor.1:22); but the Church of Jesus is not looking for a sign, but for a Savior (Phil.3:20-21). I believe this section of Scripture is about the past and the future. Certainly there was a time when Christ s words were immediately fulfilled in the destruction of the Jewish Temple and the Roman occupation of Jerusalem. But I suspect there is more a time in the future, a time the Bible calls the Tribulation when God pours His wrath and judgment upon a world that has rejected Jesus Christ as Lord. Some Bible students believe the Tribulation will begin after the Lord comes in the air to take His church to Heaven (1 Thes.4:13-5:11). The tribulation will climax with the visible return of Jesus Christ to the earth, at which time Jesus will defeat all earthly enemies and establish his kingdom on the earth (Rev.19:1-20:6). We begin an adventure. Thomas Campbell, British poet and educator said, coming events cast their shadows before. We must look back to the past, think about the present and ask questions about the future. It has been my experience that some do not have a healthy view of Bible prophecy; they obsess over it, to the point where they neglect the very practical and essential elements of Christian life and Christian living. So called prophecy teachers have caused untold millions to buy guns, gold and groceries and head for the hills in failed predictions and date setting schemes. Be not deceived. The only way to keep your head, and keep your balance in a world filled with false teachers, false prophets, and false prophecies is to know the Scriptures and obey what God tells us to do. 2 Peter 3:17-18 (NKJV); You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. 1

2 Thinking About The Present (vv.5-6) Luke 21:5 (NKJV); Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and donations ; Mark 13:1; Then as He went out of the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, Teacher, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here! The Temple in Jerusalem was an awesome sight. To the average person it seemed an impregnable fortress of beautiful white Jerusalem limestone and marble encrusted with gold and silver and precious stones. It could hold thousands. The gates were solid brass. It had several porches like Solomon s porch and the Royal porch which could hold thousands more. Imagine four people holding hands and making a circle and you get some idea of the massive circumference of just one pillar. Josephus wrote that the exterior of the building wanted nothing that could astound either mind or eye. For being covered on all sides with massive plates of gold, the sun was no sooner up that it radiated so fiery a flash that person s straining to look at it were compelled to avert their eyes, as from solar rays. To approaching strangers it appeared from a distance like a snow-clad mountain; for all that was not overlaid with gold was purest white. From its summit protruded gold spikes to prevent birds from settling upon and polluting the roof. Some of the stones in the building were forty-five cubits in length and five in height and six in breadth (J.W ). Luke 21:6 (NKJV); These things which you see the days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down. Mark 13:2 Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another, that shall not be thrown down. Jesus uses the admiration of the disciples in the present for an object lesson about the future. Many groups in the first century expected the temple to be judged. In spite of the differences between the Herodians, the Sadducees and the Pharisees, they all found in the temple a symbol of Jewish nationality, identity and unity. The thought of its destruction would have been abhorrent. The thought that God would allow the Temple to be destroyed and the sacrifices to cease seemed unimaginable to the observant Jew. The tension with Rome existed well before the ministry of Jesus and would soon ignite in 66 AD and result in the destruction of the Temple in 70AD. Jesus predicts the destruction of the Jewish Temple. The words of Jesus seemed impossible! The Romans did not typically destroy great works. You don t tear down the Parthenon or the Temple of Diana in Ephesus. The stones in the Temple each weighted 40 tons! The prophecy was literally fulfilled in late August, early September 70 A.D. Josephus wrote; God, indeed long since, had sentenced (the temple) to the flames; but now in the revolution of the years had arrived the fated day; the day on which of old it had been burnt by the king of Babylon (=tenth day of the Hebrew Month of Ab; 29 August A.D. 70) Jer. 52:12-13) Josephus goes on to say that Titus so destroyed Jerusalem that except for certain towers and wall portions deliberately left, one would scarcely have guessed it was ever inhabited (J.W ). 2

3 Remember Jesus has already made it clear that what Israel does with Jesus will determine the fate of the Temple. The prophetic principle is your future is determined by what you do with Jesus! Don t be impressed with things that make no impression on Jesus! Don t be impressed with things that Jesus reveals will pass away! When they crucified Jesus some in the crowd shouted You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! If you are the Son of God come down from the cross (Matt.27:40). Many in the early church believed three events, the destruction of the Jewish Temple, the Lord s return and the end of the world would follow in rapid succession. Jesus did not give a timetable. He did not say when the three events would take place but that they would take place. Jesus gave signs that would occur before these events, signs that would point to the end of Jerusalem and the end of the world. It is also important to note that the signs Jesus points to have occurred throughout history, however this is the difference, the signs would increase and intensify right before the end of Jerusalem and right before the end of the world. This has been called the beginning of sorrows. Matthew 24:8 (NKJV); All these are the beginning of sorrows. When we think about the present, we should assume there will be a future and Jesus will be waiting for us in the future. Questions About The Future (v.7) Luke 21:7 (NKJV);7 So they asked Him, saying, Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place? They refers to the disciples (Matt.24:3). These things must refer to the destruction of the Temple. The second part of the disciples question asks for a sign (semeion) triggering the event. The answer Jesus gives is in three parts there will be signs that precede the fall of Jerusalem (vv.8-19). The disciples should not overreact to these events. There is one sign that will signal the destruction of the city the Roman armies surrounding the city (v.20). Then Jesus provides a prophetic glimpse of the destruction itself (vv.20-24). How should we think about the future? In Luke s gospel the emphasis is not on the time of the coming of the Son of Man, but on the time of waiting before that coming... (Ray Summers; Commentary on Luke, p.253). Luke certainly believes Jesus is coming back. But why the delay? The future is left open as God works out His redemptive plans. What did the disciples of Jesus really expect about the future? Did they expect Jesus to die? No even though Jesus has repeatedly told them he would go to Jerusalem, be rejected by the religious establishment, killed and 3

4 come back to life (9:22). They were still expecting the Messiah s rule and reign in righteousness! They expected Jesus the Messiah to overthrow the yoke of bondage and oppression and bring in the glorious Davidic reign. We should remember the advice of Jesus. Don t be deceived. Expect false alarms. Anticipate false messiahs. Don t let world violence, natural disasters, or atmospheric anomalies throw you into a tailspin. Jesus knew what was going to happen. Jesus wanted to prepare His disciples for His imminent death and resurrection from the dead and departure from the earth. Jesus knew His disciples were going to face harsh times of doubt, disappointment, personal trial, imprisonment, torture and even death. Jesus knew there would be personal trials and national disaster. The Jewish temple was going to be destroyed. People might guess, but Jesus knew exactly what was going to take place. Jesus knew disciples in every age would tire, and some would see and experience so much trouble, so much trial, some would stumble in their faith, some would fall away, some would scream; Where is the promise of his coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation (2Peter 3:4). Answers For The World To Come (vv.8-11) Luke 21:8 (NKJV); And He said: Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, I am He, and, The time has drawn near. Therefore do not go after them. WARNING #1: False Messiahs Jesus begins the discussion about the future with a warning. Take heed that you not be deceived. Who is His audience? The disciples. Why does Jesus begin with this specific warning? Because people are easily mislead when it comes to evaluating endtime prophecy claims. People have been duped in every generation. People can be mislead into thinking that one event, or a series of events becomes the cataclysmic trigger that spells end-times doom! The net result is disappointment, disillusionment and discouragement in one s faith. Be on the lookout for false messiahs. They come in My name saying I am He and the time has drawn near. They come in the name of Jesus; by the authority of Jesus, or Jesus sent me! That means they come claiming a special revelation, an end-times breakthrough, coming to the conclusion that the the time has drawn near. Jesus said there would be many. They would make claims of being the reincarnation or resurrection or return of Jesus. They would claim deity I am He (eimi). This is the name God used to reveal Himself to Moses I am. They claim they either will usher in the Messianic Age or they can predict the Messianic Age. What is Jesus advice? Therefore do not go after them. The real Messiah has already come. 4

5 Matthew 24:5 (NKJV); For many will come in My name, saying, I am the Christ, and will deceive many. Acts 5:36-37 (NKJV);36 For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. Other pseudo-messiahs took center stage before the destruction of the temple. They claimed supernatural deliverance from Rome s armies. WARNING #2: WORLD VIOLENCE Luke 21:9 (NKJV); But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately. Believers will hear of wars and commotions (akatastasias); the word means tumults, uproars, riots, terrorism, insurrections, treasons, confusions of governments. Rome would soon experience a major civil war that would shake the foundations of the Empire (66-70 AD). War can turn our world upside down. Christians like every one else can become confused, and concerned over national and global news. Will Durant wrote; War is one of the constants of history, and has not diminished with civilization and democracy. In the last 3,421 years of recorded history only 268 have seen no war. The simple advice of Jesus is do not be terrified. The word terrified is the Greek word ptoethete. Our hearts are not to be troubled or afraid. We believe in God. We believe God is control of our life, our family, our community, our country our world. World violence upsets and controls the hearts of the unbelieving world but not us. Our heart and our life is centered in Christ, we trust His care, His security for ever eternally. God is not caught off guard. God is in control of world events. If you maintain God is in control, that the world is not spinning helplessly out of control, if God is in control of the world He is in control of your world! We expect a sinful world, a corrupt world, to be sinful and corrupt. We anticipate trials and tribulations. We accept them. We stay close to Jesus as we anticipate trial and suffering. This world s problems should cause us to place our hope on nothing less, than Jesus blood and righteousness. We dare not trust this world, but we wholly lean on Jesus name. On Christ the solid rock we stand, all other ground is sinking sand! We look for a new heaven and a new earth. 5

6 Titus 2:13 (NKJV); looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,...but the end will not come immediately. Is this the end (telos) of the world or the end of Jerusalem? WARNING #3: NATURAL DISASTERS Luke 21:11 (NKJV);11 And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. Four disasters in nature are mentioned; (1) earthquakes; (2) famines; (3) pestilences; (4) astronomical anomalies or signs in the sky. There will be dread portents (phobeta). Josephus describes a star and a comet like a sword ( a star with a tail) that continued for a year. Josephus also talks about lights in the sanctuary, a cow giving birth to a lamb (kind of weird). Josephus describes Many who were emaciated and tongue-tied from starvation, when they beheld the sanctuary on fire, gathered strength once more for lamentations and wailing. Peraea and the surrounding mountains, contributed their echoes, deepening the din. He also describes 6,000 refugees who perished in the flames of the temple porticos, deluded by a false prophet who had on that day proclaimed to the people in the city that God commanded them to go up to the temple court, to receive there the tokens of their deliverance. They were deluded by frauds and charlatans, false messengers of God. Conclusion In this chapter Jesus points to the signs in this present age, the tragic sign prior to the end (vv.12-19); persecution. He speaks of the destruction of Jerusalem (vv.20-24) and the coming of the Son of Man (vv.21-28). He will then present the parable of fig tree (29-33). Prepare, endure, keep looking for Jesus. Jesus was dealing with the end of the Temple and the end of the world. Jesus points to the signs, the events that cause and occur during the judgment of both the temple and the world. Scripture teaches that the same sins and events result in the same kind of judgments. There is a reason why the temple was judged and destroyed. There is a reason why this earth and everything in it will be judged and destroyed. The signs that preceded and led to the judgment of the temple; will be the very same signs that will precede and lead to the judgment on the earth and the end of the world. I suspect that what Jesus was saying has a double meaning and a dual application. The last days began with the death, burial and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As long as the earth continues, the disciples in the last days will face much of the same pain and persecution that our brothers and sisters faced in the days preceding and leading up to the destruction of the temple. There is one difference the signs leading up to the judgment 6

7 of the whole world will increase and intensify and will be called the day of sorrow, the day of Jacob s trial, the day of tribulation which is to come on the whole earth. Not all Bible teachers agree on exactly how the end-time scenario will unfold. All Christians who embrace the historical, Biblical faith agree on several things when it comes to the future. All Christians believe there are significant predictions in the Bible that have not yet come to pass. All true Christians believe in the immortality of the soul. In other words all people go somewhere they survive death. By immortality I mean the eternal, continuous, conscious existence of the soul after the death of the body (Lightner p.33). All Christians believe in what has been called the intermediate state. By that Lightner points out the realm or condition in which souls exist between death and the resurrection (Ibid). All Christians believe in a future bodily resurrection. All Christians believe in a future divine judgment and the future return of Jesus Christ. All Christians believe in what has been called the future eternal state. This means evangelical Christians believe in heaven and hell, that they are real places peopled with human beings the Bible clearly teaches that these places will be occupied by humans throughout eternity. The thing evangelicals disagree about most is whether or not there is an intermediate body for the believer in the intermediate state. Americans love polls. Even American Christians. The Barna Research Group discovered 81% of all people polled believed God helps those who help themselves. The Biblical view is that we are helpless, we must rely on God. 56% of people polled believed the most important task in life is enjoying and taking care of your family. Matthew records the most important thing in life is to love God with your whole heart, soul and mind and strength (22:37). People are blessed by God so they can enjoy life as much as possible (72% believed that statement). The Bible teaches people are blessed to be a blessing to others. 34 % of all people polled believed the Bible is not totally accurate in all that it teaches. 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. The Bible is 100% accurate! 7

Acts 5:17-42 Apostles Arrested by High Priest and Sadducees Freed by Angel Apostles arrested and imprisoned. Freed by Angel

Acts 5:17-42 Apostles Arrested by High Priest and Sadducees Freed by Angel Apostles arrested and imprisoned 17 Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees),