And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.
And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.
And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:
For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.
And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said,
As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?
And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.
Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:
And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake.
And it shall turn to you for a testimony.
Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:
For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.
But there shall not an hair of your head perish.
In your patience possess ye your souls.
And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
Then let them which are in Judea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.
For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.
And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
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;
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.
And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;
When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.
So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.
Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.
Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
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.
For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
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.
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.
And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him.
Luke 21 is a pivotal chapter, marking the culmination of Jesus's public ministry in Jerusalem and setting the stage for the dramatic events of the Passion Narrative – His final days, betrayal, crucifixion, and resurrection (Luke 22:1-24:53). This chapter, nestled between discussions of Jesus's authority (Luke 19:28-20:47) and the unfolding of His suffering, offers profound insights into His authority, the future, and the call to faithful living.
The Widow's Offering: A Lesson in True Devotion (Luke 21:1-4)
Jesus, having just rebuked the scribes for their hypocrisy and exploitation of the vulnerable, now contrasts their actions with the genuine devotion of a poor widow. While wealthy individuals ostentatiously dropped large sums into the temple treasury, a humble widow quietly contributed two small copper coins (Luke 21:1-2). To onlookers, her offering seemed insignificant. However, Jesus declared that she had given more than all the others (Luke 21:3).
The key is found in the proportion of her giving. The wealthy gave from their excess, demonstrating little dependence on God. The widow, in contrast, gave out of her poverty, offering all she had to live on. Her act revealed a profound trust in God as her ultimate source of provision. This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts: Are we giving God our leftovers, or are we sacrificing for Him, trusting that He will provide? The widow's virtue serves as a rebuke to those who devour "widows' houses" (Luke 20:47) and a powerful reminder that God values the heart behind the offering more than the amount given.
Prophecies of Destruction and Tribulation (Luke 21:5-24)
As some disciples admired the magnificent temple, adorned with beautiful stones and votive gifts (Luke 21:5), Jesus shocked them with a prophecy of its complete destruction: "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" (Luke 21:6). This prediction was fulfilled in AD 70 when the Roman general Titus conquered Jerusalem and leveled the temple.
The disciples, understandably bewildered, asked Jesus when this would happen and what signs would precede it (Luke 21:7). Jesus then began to outline a series of events leading up to the temple's destruction and, ultimately, His return.
He cautioned them not to be deceived by false messiahs and the turmoil of wars and insurrections (Luke 21:8-9). He warned of earthquakes, famines, and pestilences, as well as terrifying signs from heaven (Luke 21:10-11). These events are not necessarily signs of the immediate end, but rather indications of the distress that will mark the period between His ascension and His return.
Jesus then turned to the specific challenges facing His followers. They would be persecuted, arrested, and brought before rulers and authorities (Luke 21:12). Even family members would betray them (Luke 21:16). However, Jesus assured them that these trials would provide opportunities to bear witness to the truth (Luke 21:13). He promised wisdom and words that their adversaries could not withstand (Luke 21:15). Through God's sovereign protection and provision, they would endure (Luke 21:17-19). This section speaks powerfully to the reality of persecution faced by believers throughout history, especially those who become believers during the tribulation, and the promise of God's sustaining grace.
Jesus then returned to the specific event of Jerusalem's destruction. When they saw Jerusalem surrounded by armies, they would know that its desolation was near (Luke 21:20). He urged those in Jerusalem to flee and those outside not to enter (Luke 21:21). This would be a time of great distress, with many Jews killed or taken captive, and Jerusalem trampled by the Gentiles (Luke 21:23-24). This refers to the "times of the Gentiles," a period when Israel would no longer possess or live in peace in their homeland and the Messiah would not yet sit on the throne of David.
This prophecy has a dual application. While it certainly refers to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, it also points forward to a future "abomination of desolation" (Luke 21:20, cf. Daniel 9:27) when the antichrist will defile the temple and demand worship, leading to further persecution.
The Coming of the Son of Man (Luke 21:25-36)
Jesus then shifted His focus to the events preceding His second coming and the establishment of His millennial kingdom. He described cosmic disturbances – signs in the sun, moon, and stars – and earthly anxieties caused by the roaring of the sea and the waves (Luke 21:25). People would faint from terror, anticipating what was coming on the world (Luke 21:26).
But amidst this chaos, Jesus offered a message of hope: "Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near" (Luke 21:28). The end of evil is close at hand, and the deliverance of God's people and the promised kingdom blessings will be near.
To illustrate the need for watchfulness, Jesus used the parable of the fig tree (Luke 21:29-33). When the fig tree sprouts leaves, we know that summer is near (Luke 21:30). Similarly, when His followers see the signs He described, they should recognize that the kingdom of God is near (Luke 21:31). These events will continue uninterrupted until the conclusion of Christ's second coming. The generation that witnesses these signs can be certain that all these things will take place (Luke 21:32). While heaven and earth will pass away, Jesus's words will never pass away (Luke 21:33). This is a powerful claim of absolute sovereignty and authority over the fulfillment of His prophetic words.
Therefore, Jesus warned His followers to be ready at all times for the coming day of God's judgment (Luke 21:34-36). They should not become entangled in the desires and affairs of the world, lest that day catch them unexpectedly (Luke 21:34). Instead, they should be alert and pray for strength to escape the coming tribulation and stand before the Son of Man (Luke 21:36). This call to vigilance is not just for those who will live during the tribulation, but for all believers today. We must be alert, ready, and living in anticipation of the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18), when Christ will come in the clouds to summon believers to "always be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
Jesus's Routine in Jerusalem (Luke 21:37-38)
Luke concludes the chapter with a brief note about Jesus's daily routine during this time. By day, He taught in the temple, enjoying the favor of the people (Luke 21:37). By night, He would leave the city and spend the night on the Mount of Olives (Luke 21:37). This detail sets the stage for the events of the next chapter, where Judas, knowing Jesus's nightly location, betrays Him to the religious leaders (Luke 22:47-53).
Luke 21 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faithful living in light of future events. It calls us to examine our hearts, to give sacrificially, to be watchful and prayerful, and to remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that our redemption is drawing near. The chapter underscores the need to be prepared for His second coming (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18), when Christ will come in the clouds to summon believers to “always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.
And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.
And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:
For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.
And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said,
As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?
And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.
Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:
And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake.
And it shall turn to you for a testimony.
Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:
For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.
But there shall not an hair of your head perish.
In your patience possess ye your souls.
And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
Then let them which are in Judea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.
For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.
And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
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;
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.
And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;
When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.
So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.
Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.
Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
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.
For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
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.
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.
And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him.
Luke 21 is a pivotal chapter, marking the culmination of Jesus's public ministry in Jerusalem and setting the stage for the dramatic events of the Passion Narrative – His final days, betrayal, crucifixion, and resurrection (Luke 22:1-24:53). This chapter, nestled between discussions of Jesus's authority (Luke 19:28-20:47) and the unfolding of His suffering, offers profound insights into His authority, the future, and the call to faithful living.
The Widow's Offering: A Lesson in True Devotion (Luke 21:1-4)
Jesus, having just rebuked the scribes for their hypocrisy and exploitation of the vulnerable, now contrasts their actions with the genuine devotion of a poor widow. While wealthy individuals ostentatiously dropped large sums into the temple treasury, a humble widow quietly contributed two small copper coins (Luke 21:1-2). To onlookers, her offering seemed insignificant. However, Jesus declared that she had given more than all the others (Luke 21:3).
The key is found in the proportion of her giving. The wealthy gave from their excess, demonstrating little dependence on God. The widow, in contrast, gave out of her poverty, offering all she had to live on. Her act revealed a profound trust in God as her ultimate source of provision. This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts: Are we giving God our leftovers, or are we sacrificing for Him, trusting that He will provide? The widow's virtue serves as a rebuke to those who devour "widows' houses" (Luke 20:47) and a powerful reminder that God values the heart behind the offering more than the amount given.
Prophecies of Destruction and Tribulation (Luke 21:5-24)
As some disciples admired the magnificent temple, adorned with beautiful stones and votive gifts (Luke 21:5), Jesus shocked them with a prophecy of its complete destruction: "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" (Luke 21:6). This prediction was fulfilled in AD 70 when the Roman general Titus conquered Jerusalem and leveled the temple.
The disciples, understandably bewildered, asked Jesus when this would happen and what signs would precede it (Luke 21:7). Jesus then began to outline a series of events leading up to the temple's destruction and, ultimately, His return.
He cautioned them not to be deceived by false messiahs and the turmoil of wars and insurrections (Luke 21:8-9). He warned of earthquakes, famines, and pestilences, as well as terrifying signs from heaven (Luke 21:10-11). These events are not necessarily signs of the immediate end, but rather indications of the distress that will mark the period between His ascension and His return.
Jesus then turned to the specific challenges facing His followers. They would be persecuted, arrested, and brought before rulers and authorities (Luke 21:12). Even family members would betray them (Luke 21:16). However, Jesus assured them that these trials would provide opportunities to bear witness to the truth (Luke 21:13). He promised wisdom and words that their adversaries could not withstand (Luke 21:15). Through God's sovereign protection and provision, they would endure (Luke 21:17-19). This section speaks powerfully to the reality of persecution faced by believers throughout history, especially those who become believers during the tribulation, and the promise of God's sustaining grace.
Jesus then returned to the specific event of Jerusalem's destruction. When they saw Jerusalem surrounded by armies, they would know that its desolation was near (Luke 21:20). He urged those in Jerusalem to flee and those outside not to enter (Luke 21:21). This would be a time of great distress, with many Jews killed or taken captive, and Jerusalem trampled by the Gentiles (Luke 21:23-24). This refers to the "times of the Gentiles," a period when Israel would no longer possess or live in peace in their homeland and the Messiah would not yet sit on the throne of David.
This prophecy has a dual application. While it certainly refers to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, it also points forward to a future "abomination of desolation" (Luke 21:20, cf. Daniel 9:27) when the antichrist will defile the temple and demand worship, leading to further persecution.
The Coming of the Son of Man (Luke 21:25-36)
Jesus then shifted His focus to the events preceding His second coming and the establishment of His millennial kingdom. He described cosmic disturbances – signs in the sun, moon, and stars – and earthly anxieties caused by the roaring of the sea and the waves (Luke 21:25). People would faint from terror, anticipating what was coming on the world (Luke 21:26).
But amidst this chaos, Jesus offered a message of hope: "Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near" (Luke 21:28). The end of evil is close at hand, and the deliverance of God's people and the promised kingdom blessings will be near.
To illustrate the need for watchfulness, Jesus used the parable of the fig tree (Luke 21:29-33). When the fig tree sprouts leaves, we know that summer is near (Luke 21:30). Similarly, when His followers see the signs He described, they should recognize that the kingdom of God is near (Luke 21:31). These events will continue uninterrupted until the conclusion of Christ's second coming. The generation that witnesses these signs can be certain that all these things will take place (Luke 21:32). While heaven and earth will pass away, Jesus's words will never pass away (Luke 21:33). This is a powerful claim of absolute sovereignty and authority over the fulfillment of His prophetic words.
Therefore, Jesus warned His followers to be ready at all times for the coming day of God's judgment (Luke 21:34-36). They should not become entangled in the desires and affairs of the world, lest that day catch them unexpectedly (Luke 21:34). Instead, they should be alert and pray for strength to escape the coming tribulation and stand before the Son of Man (Luke 21:36). This call to vigilance is not just for those who will live during the tribulation, but for all believers today. We must be alert, ready, and living in anticipation of the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18), when Christ will come in the clouds to summon believers to "always be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
Jesus's Routine in Jerusalem (Luke 21:37-38)
Luke concludes the chapter with a brief note about Jesus's daily routine during this time. By day, He taught in the temple, enjoying the favor of the people (Luke 21:37). By night, He would leave the city and spend the night on the Mount of Olives (Luke 21:37). This detail sets the stage for the events of the next chapter, where Judas, knowing Jesus's nightly location, betrays Him to the religious leaders (Luke 22:47-53).
Luke 21 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faithful living in light of future events. It calls us to examine our hearts, to give sacrificially, to be watchful and prayerful, and to remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that our redemption is drawing near. The chapter underscores the need to be prepared for His second coming (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18), when Christ will come in the clouds to summon believers to “always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17).