Luke 21:5-24 What is prophecy? Speaking forth what God says: both present and future. Jesus is the ultimate prophet, all that he says is from God. But this text deals with the future.
Notice how Jesus uses a normal event to introduce important matters of consequence for the disciples.
3 areas of prophetic importance, only focusing on two this morning: the destruction of the temple and city, persecution of Christians, and the coming of the Son of Man.
The uniqueness of Luke’s perspective is that he is writing a two part book, unlike both Mark and Matthew, he has the benefit of recording the fulfillment of the persecution part of the prophecy. Historically, we know about the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, which gives us confidence that the third part of the prophecy will also come to pass.
Notice how Jesus has already clearly prophesied about his own persecution and death as well as his resurrection. In this context, even if the disciples are having a hard time understanding this, Jesus wants them to know that the same treatment is coming their way, and they need to prepare their hearts for it.
Notice how everything seems to be going very well so the disciples don’t see what is going on behind the scenes.
Jesus begins by focusing on the destruction of the temple, and the events that will take place in the world.
Then he focuses on preparedness that prevents deception: vs 8.
Fearful events, destruction of Jerusalem, famines, wars and plagues – see Agabus and his warning of a great famine – Acts 11:28
Vs. 12 these things must happen first, before the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem: suffering of the disciples. Prophecy and fulfillment:
Hand you over Acts 8:3 ( also same as Jesus: 9:44, 18:32)
Lay hands on you Acts 4:3, 5:18
Persecuting Acts9:4, 22:4
Synagogues Acts 9:2, 26:11
Prisons: Acts: 5:19, 8:3, 12:4, 16:23
Kings: Acts 12:1, 25:13
Governors: Acts 23:24,26; 26:30
Account of my name: Acts 4:7; 5:28
Persecution comes from those we love the most, in the form of betrayal. Vs. 16, the murder of James in Acts 12:1-2
Vs. 17, hated by all, reflects the beatitude: when people hate you. Lives are spared. Endurance and patience is critical.
These things are not just historically fulfilled, but are warnings to disciples today. Our focus and trust needs to be centered on the one who is the judge of our souls and not on the false promises of those who cannot fulfill them.