The Olivet Discourse begins with Jesus' prediction of the temple's complete destruction, prompting questions about signs that elicit warnings about false christs, wars, earthquakes, famines, pestilences, and persecutions that will provide opportunities for testimony. Jerusalem's surrounding by armies, the treading down of the city by Gentiles until their times are fulfilled, and cosmic signs preceding the Son of Man's glorious coming on clouds with power are all foretold. The fig tree parable teaches that these signs indicate the kingdom's nearness, this generation will not pass until all is fulfilled, heaven and earth will pass but Jesus' words will not, and constant watchfulness with prayer for strength to escape and stand before the Son of Man is commanded.
Read Luke Chapter 21 Summary
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Characters in This Chapter
Places in This Chapter
The Temple
View on MapThe Temple in Jerusalem was the permanent house of worship built by Solomon on Mount Moriah. Destroyed by Babylon, it was rebuilt by Zerubbabel and later greatly expanded by Herod. Jesus taught in the Temple courts, cleared it of merchants, and predicted its destruction, which occurred in 70 AD.
Position in Book
Birth NarrativesChapters 1-2
PreparationChapters 3:1-4:13
Galilean MinistryChapters 4:14-9:50
Journey to JerusalemChapters 9:51-19:27
Passion and ResurrectionChapters 19:28-24:53
Entry, trial, crucifixion, resurrection, Emmaus, ascension.
Bible Bites
Luke Wrote for Gentiles
Luke is the only Gentile author in the New Testament. A physician by profession, he wrote his Gospel and Acts specifically for a Gentile audience, tracing Jesus' genealogy all the way back to Adam, father of all humanity.
Luke