Thirdmill Study Bible

Notes on Luke 20:46-21:38

Luke 20:46

scribes. See note on 5:17. beware. Jesus condemned the pride and hypocrisy of the teachers of Israel in his day. He gave four examples to show the scribes' love of attention and popularity. long robes. Unlike the common people of Israel, the scribes wore full length robes as a sign of their wealth. These had long mantles with unusually tassels on the four corners to emphasize their piety (see Num. 15:38-39). special greetings. People were expected rise and greet the scribes with a formal greeting (see 11:43). chief seats. Benches along the walls of a synagogue (see note on 4:15). The chief seats were those closest to the front where the entire congregation could be seen and addressed. chief places. Seats nearest the host at dinner parties (see note on 14:7).

Luke 20:47

The scribes were spiritual hypocrites. Despite their reputation (v. 46), they lack true godliness. devour widow's houses. Widows were some of the most vulnerable people in ancient society. Unless cared for by other family members or friends, they had no regular means of support. Thus, God commands the care of the widowed (Isa. 1:17; Jas. 1:27). Yet, these men preyed on widows, robbing them of their wealth. long prayers. The length of their prayers did not flow from their desire for fellowship with God. It was a pretense of godliness rather than a sign of genuine piety. greater condemnation. Pride and taking advantage of the poor and needy are especially grievous sins in God's eyes (see 12:47; Prov. 6:16-19; Jer. 7:5-7).

Luke 21:1

treasury. This was the treasury of the Jewish temple, which was located in the Court of Women (see notes on 2:27; 19:45). Money was collected in thirteen brass, horn-shaped receptacles. These offerings were used to support the temple itself as well as the Levities who had no land as an inheritance (Deut. 10:8-9).

Luke 21:2

mites. The Romans called these coins leptas, from a words which means peeled or fine because of its thin size. One of these mites equated one-one hundredth of a denarius (that is, about a day's wage).

Luke 21:3-4

Jesus contrasted the rich men (v. 1) who were giving large sums and the poor woman (v. 2) who had very little to give. put in more. Despite the tiny amount she gave, it was counted as more than the gift of the wealthy because she gave everything she had. It is not the quantity, but the quality of the offering that concerns God (Matt. 6:1-4; Jam. 2:5). She offered her gift with superior faith (see Gen. 4:1-5; Heb. 11:4).

Jesus Prophesies About the Fall of Jerusalem and His Return - Luke 21:5-38

This passage can be hard because Jesus brings together two related but distinct events—the Jewish temple's destruction in A.D. 70 and the time of his return. He talks about both, because they would have been linked in the minds of his disciples and because one points to the other. Jesus began by saying the temple would be destroyed and the disciples asked when and by what sign (21:6-7). Jesus responded by warning against being led astray by false signs of the end (21:8-9). Then, Jesus explained what to expect before the end and how his disciples should live (21:10-19). In contrast, they should flee when they saw similar signs in Jerusalem (21:20-24). Next, Jesus taught about the true signs of his coming (21:25-28). Finally, Jesus assured his disciples that they would know when his return was close (21:29-33) and gave a final exhortation to persevere in watchfulness (21:34-36).

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