Luke 21

Chapter Summary

Luke 21 begins with Jesus observing the wealthy putting their gifts into the temple treasury, while a poor widow puts in two small coins, highlighting the importance of giving from the heart. Jesus then predicts the destruction of the temple, which sparks a discussion about the end times. Jesus teaches His disciples about the signs of His return, including wars, earthquakes, and persecution, and warns them to be cautious of false prophets and to stand firm in their faith. He also emphasizes the importance of being prepared for His return, using the parable of the fig tree to illustrate the need for watchfulness and readiness. Throughout the chapter, Jesus emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and providence, even in the midst of uncertainty and persecution.

Context for the Chapter

Luke 21 is part of the larger narrative of Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, where He will ultimately be crucified and resurrected. The chapter is also part of the broader context of the Bible, which teaches about God's sovereignty and control over all things, including the end times. The chapter can be seen as a culmination of Jesus' teachings on the kingdom of God, which emphasizes the importance of faithfulness, obedience, and trust in God's sovereignty.

Heart Application

As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of being prepared for Jesus' return and of trusting in God's sovereignty and providence, even in the midst of uncertainty and persecution. We are called to be faithful and watchful, and to stand firm in our faith, even when faced with challenges and hardships. By applying these teachings to our lives, we can deepen our trust in God and our commitment to following Jesus, and we can be prepared to stand before Him at His return.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about Jesus teaching His followers about the end times and how to be prepared for His return. He warns them about false prophets and the importance of being faithful and watchful. Jesus also teaches them about the signs of His return, such as wars and earthquakes, and encourages them to trust in God's sovereignty and providence. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of being prepared for Jesus' return and of trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Luke 21:36.

Voices from the Church

“The Lord Jesus Christ is the great Teacher of His people, and He teaches them to watch and pray, that they may be prepared for His return.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The destruction of the temple was a sign of the end times, and a reminder that God's judgment is always near.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. The Widow's Gift (Luke 21:1-4) — Jesus observes the wealthy putting their gifts into the temple treasury, while a poor widow puts in two small coins, highlighting the importance of giving from the heart.
2. The Destruction of the Temple (Luke 21:5-6) — Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple, which sparks a discussion about the end times.
3. The Signs of Jesus' Return (Luke 21:7-19) — Jesus teaches His disciples about the signs of His return, including wars, earthquakes, and persecution.
4. The Importance of Watchfulness (Luke 21:20-24) — Jesus emphasizes the importance of being prepared for His return, using the parable of the fig tree to illustrate the need for watchfulness and readiness.
5. The Call to Faithfulness (Luke 21:25-38) — Jesus calls His followers to be faithful and obedient, even in the face of uncertainty and persecution, and to trust in God's sovereignty and providence.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God

This chapter teaches that God is in control of all things, including the end times, and that His sovereignty is a source of comfort and strength for His people.

The Importance of Faithfulness

The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience, even in the face of uncertainty and persecution, as a key aspect of the Christian life.

The Return of Jesus

The chapter teaches that Jesus will return, and that His followers must be prepared for His return by being faithful and watchful.

The Judgment of God

The chapter warns of the judgment of God, which will come upon those who are not faithful and obedient to Him.

Lessons from Luke 21

1. The Importance of Giving from the Heart — The story of the widow's gift teaches us about the importance of giving from the heart, rather than just going through the motions.
2. The Dangers of False Prophets — Jesus warns us about the dangers of false prophets, who can lead us astray and cause us to lose our faith.
3. The Importance of Faithfulness and Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience, even in the face of uncertainty and persecution.
4. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches us about the sovereignty of God, and how He is in control of all things, including the end times.
5. The Call to Watchfulness and Prayer — The chapter calls us to be watchful and to pray, that we may be prepared for Jesus' return and stand before Him at His coming.

Themes from Luke 21

1. The End Times — The chapter teaches us about the end times, and the signs that will precede Jesus' return.
2. Faithfulness and Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience, even in the face of uncertainty and persecution.
3. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches us about the sovereignty of God, and how He is in control of all things, including the end times.
4. Watchfulness and Prayer — The chapter calls us to be watchful and to pray, that we may be prepared for Jesus' return and stand before Him at His coming.
5. The Return of Jesus — The chapter teaches us about the return of Jesus, and the importance of being prepared for His coming.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some signs that Jesus' return is near, according to Luke 21:7-19?
2. How can we be faithful and obedient to God, even in the face of uncertainty and persecution, as seen in Luke 21:36?
3. What is the importance of watchfulness and prayer in preparing for Jesus' return, as emphasized in Luke 21:36?
4. How does the destruction of the temple relate to the end times, according to Luke 21:5-6?
5. What is the ultimate goal of the Christian life, according to Luke 21:36?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Luke 21

	Sermon	Description
	At the End of Time - Part 1 by Derek Prince	This sermon delves into the themes of the end of time, eternity, and the importance of focusing on the eternal realm rather than just temporal matters. It emphasizes the contrast b
	Be Still by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being still and knowing that God is in control. He encourages the audience to develop a deep and loving relationship with
	Burn, Burn Your Black and White Sins by Corrie Ten Boom	In this sermon, the speaker encourages the audience to not worry about defending themselves, as God will provide them with eloquence and wisdom to overcome any opposition. He warns
	A Prophetic Message by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher warns of fearful times ahead and the calamities that will come upon the nation. However, he encourages the listeners not to fear but to run to God in t
	A Christian’s Response to Calamities by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the response of Christians to calamities happening in the world. They emphasize that while the world may be alarmed and nervous, Christians ha
	(2008 Usa Tour) Preachers in the Last Days! by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for preachers to separate themselves from worldly influences and dedicate themselves fully to preaching the word of God. He critici
	(Dangers in the Way Series): Dangers of Prosperity and Adversity by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the dangers that Christians face in their journey towards heaven. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and addressing these perils,
	The Way to Overcome by Smith Wigglesworth	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of unwavering faith in Jesus. He highlights that those who believe in Jesus are definite in their faith and can trust that wh
	An Urgent Message by David Wilkerson	This sermon emphasizes the warning signs that God sends before times of trouble, drawing parallels between past events like the Great Depression and current natural disasters as in
	(John) 11 - the Light Refused by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the speaker uses an illustration of a plane losing engine power to explain the Christian life. He emphasizes the importance of relying on the power of the Holy Spir

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Luke 21

In this chapter, Jesus teaches His disciples about the end times and the signs of His return. He warns them about the dangers of false prophets and the importance of being faithful and obedient, even in the face of uncertainty and persecution. Jesus also emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and providence, even in the midst of turmoil and chaos. As Matthew Henry notes, 'the destruction of the temple was a sign of the end times, and a reminder that God's judgment is always near.' The chapter teaches us about the importance of being prepared for Jesus' return, and the need to stand firm in our faith, even in the face of challenges and hardships. By trusting in God's sovereignty and providence, we can be confident that He is in control of all things, and that His plan will ultimately be fulfilled. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?