20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, 22 for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. 23 Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
(ESV)
STOP! Think a little 🤔 What is God saying to you?
- What is the writer saying?
- How do I apply this to my life?
Jesus now addressed their second question, “what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” (Luke 21:7)
When they saw Jerusalem surrounded by armies then they would know the destruction He spoke of was near. That would be a time when they should flee from the city or remain out of it. That would be a particularly difficult time for pregnant and nursing mothers. The Jewish nation would face great distress, war, destruction, and dispersement. Because of their refusal of the Messiah they would experience the curse of the Deuteronomic Covenant (Deut 28-30). Israel would face a time without their homeland and without a Davidic King on the throne.
Then Jesus transitioned to the signs at the end of the age that would signal His return. The heavens and the oceans and international distress and foreboding will signal Christ’s return. Jesus will return with power and glory. At that time they need not flee. Instead, they can take heart because the redemption of Israel would be near. The Jewish nation will be delivered from all their enemies and will enjoy the covenant blessing God has promised them.
When life gets tough we need to rest in God’s promises. This world is not all there is. Christ will return. We must live our lives in light of eternity.
Major Stories of the Bible Reading Plan
The Valley of Dry Bones: Ezekiel 37