Notes on Luke 21:20-34

Luke 21:20

armies. See note on 21:20-24. destruction. That is, the Jewish temple's destruction (v. 7).

Luke 21:21

The Romans put up a perimeter around Jerusalem before attacking (see note on v. 9). Many were trapped in the city and close to a million Jews perished. Jesus knew this would happen and warned his disciples to stay away.

Luke 21:22

vengeance. The nation was judged for their unfaithfulness to God and refusal to accept Jesus as the Christ (10:13-15; 13:33-34; Jer. 22:5; Mic. 3:12). fulfilled. Luke emphasized God's faithfulness to keep his promises in Scripture (4:21; 18:31; 21:22; 24:44).

Luke 21:23

Normally, pregnancy was a blessing (Ps. 127:3-5). During Jerusalem's fall, it made escape and survival more difficult. wrath. See note on v. 22.

Luke 21:24

Jerusalem would fall by violence and end in death and captivity (see Deut. 28:64; Zech. 7:14.). times of the Gentiles. For a time, the Gentiles would be in prominence in God's plan. However, Israel's time of judgment would not exist forever (Rom. 11:25-26).

Luke 21:25

After the time of the Gentiles is fulfilled, Jesus will return for his people (Matt 24:14; see 1 Pet. 3:9-10). signs. Jesus drew on the imagery given in the Old Testament for the last day (see Isa. 13:9-10; 24:18-20; 34:4; Ezek. 32:7-8; Joel 2:10).

Luke 21:26

Though some would be fearful because of the signs of Jesus' return, he desired his disciples to be encouraged (v. 28).

Luke 21:27

Son of Man. Jesus drew on the imagery of Dan. 7 to describe his return (see note on 5:22-24). cloud . . . glory. Jesus emphasized his return would be marked by divine power and kingly authority (see Exod. 14:20; 34; Num. 10:34; Ps. 104:3; Isa 19:1). As the Daniel passage indicates, Jesus would return to vindicate his people (Dan. 7:18, 22, 27; see v. 28).

Luke 21:28

these things. Jesus' appearance with cosmic signs of his return (vv. 25-27). stand . . . lift up your heads. Physical stance that reflected hope. Rather than being fearful, Jesus' disciples in every age live confidently in his return. deliverance. When Jesus returns he will deliver his people from this fallen world (see Rom. 8:18-24). See WCF 33.3; HC 52.

Luke 21:29-31

The end will be evident by the signs seen by the disciples just as the oncoming of summer is evident by the evidence of the change in trees. parable. See note on 8:4. kingdom. See note on 4:43.

Luke 21:32

generation. This word has various interpretations. The most likely meaning would be the generation alive when Jesus spoke these words. The term can also be translated "race" or "age." Those that see the signs of the end will also see the end itself. Christ will come quickly (12:35-40).

Luke 21:33

Jesus' disciples can trust what he says because his word is permanent (see Isa. 40:8).

Luke 21:34

Jesus said that his return would be delayed. One of the temptations for his disciples would be to grow careless and indifferent while they waited for him. In every age, his people are tempted to grow comfortable in this world, rather than expectant for Jesus' return (see 8:14; 12:13-34; 17:26-30).

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