Luke 21

When reading this chapter it can seem hopeless and discouraging. The disciples at the time might have felt afraid or maybe they were in disbelief. 

I’ve been told some terrifying news from my doctor before. That my baby had a 50% chance to live and there was no guarantee that treatment would help. I had to remind myself that the doctor wanted what was best for myself and my baby. She was giving me a fair warning. 

The one who spoke these words. Do we trust his word to be true? Do we trust Him and the peace that He promises throughout scripture (Isaiah 26:3, Isaiah 53:5, Psalm 29:11, John 14:27)? 

When we read this chapter with the knowledge that Jesus is the one who gave these warnings and spoke these words, we can be reminded that it is He who cares for us and wants what is best for us. 

Woven through these prophecies of wars and destruction there is the promise of Jesus’s presence. In verse 9, Jesus tells them to not be terrified. In verse 15 He says, “for I will give you a mouth and wisdom…” In verse 18 He promises, “But not a hair on your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives.” He says this last one right after declaring that they will be hated by everyone (including family) for His name. Yet his presence is promised. 

In John 16:33 Jesus makes it aware that in this world we will have tribulation and follows this by saying, “but take heart; I have overcome the world.”

When receiving terrible news, remember that Jesus has overcome the world. When faced with angry questioning about your faith, remember that Jesus will give us a mouth and wisdom to speak. When going against worldly desires and cultural norms to follow after our King, remember that “by your endurance you will gain your lives” (Luke 21:18). 

These things shouldn’t make us want to run from Jesus to escape the hurt, but to run to him. Paul gets it right when he writes to the Philippians saying, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). 

If this chapter is confusing or a little terrifying I invite you to do further studying into what it all means. Read your study Bible or search Luke chapter 21 on Enduring word. Ask your leader to read it with you and unpact all that it says. Walk into it with trust that Jesus’s words are true and that He is always with you.

What is Jesus saying directly to His disciples at the time and what relates to us today?

How can you find peace in knowing that Jesus is present in all times?