According To Luke: People Get Ready Part II

 According To Luke: People Get Ready Part II

Opening Illustration:

One of my favorite shows growing up as a kid was Seinfeld. I tuned in each week to see what Jerry, George, Kramer and Elaine were up to. Seinfeld was the show about nothing and I found it hilarious. On one particular episode, George waltzes into his girlfriend’s father’s men’s clothing store. As he enters, he notices a stern looking guard. The guard wore a scowl. He was serious looking. He would look over the store making sure that nothing criminal was taking place in the store. He was sharply dressed, stood straight with tremendous posture, and gave a sense of authority. George noticed that the security guard was standing. He had no where to sit. No where to rest his back or give his aching feet a break. George was incensed. He couldn’t believe that this guard was treated so harshly, even though it was his job to stand attentively and make sure that thieves were deterred. 

George made it his mission to return to the store with a comfortable chair. A few days later, George walked into the store with a beautiful rocking chair. He gifted it to the guard and the guard finally sat down. He commented on its comfort. The chair supported his back. His aching feet could finally relax. The chair was a dream come true. 

Finally, the guard could be off his guard. 

Well, you know the rest of the story. At the end of the episode, the store is being robbed. The thief is demanding that the owner empty out the cash register. Where was the guard? He was asleep in George’s rocking chair. 

Brothers and sisters, that show displays a powerful spiritual truth. There will be some Christians who will have let their guard down. They will think that Jesus will not return in their lifetime. They will think that they have time to get their lives right, time to repent. They will have time to work on their sanctification, they will have time to grow closer to Christ. 

Then suddenly, without warning, Jesus returns. They will be caught napping. Their guard will be down and their sin will be on full display. 

Friends, Jesus’ return will not be the stuff that comedies are made from. Jesus’ return will be serious. The entire world will know that all of human history has drawn to a close. Jesus’ return will be marked with suffering. In Luke 21, Jesus tells His followers that they will be betrayed, they will be persecuted, they will even die at the hands of pagan because of Him. Not only will there be suffering, there will also be wondrous signs. We will talk about these signs and wonders in a few minutes. Lastly, when He returns He will ride the clouds. He will be accompanied by the heavenly hosts, the angels. There will be trumpets, singing, thunder and lightening. It will be a spectacular event, a moment of great splendor. Jesus will then be recognized as the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. 

Before we move on, fill in those blanks this morning. Jesus’ return is marked with suffering, signs and splendor. 

Jesus’ Return Is Marked With Suffering, Signs, and Splendor 

Background and Context:

Today we are back in Luke 21:5-38. Jesus is speaking to His disciples and He is telling them to be on their guard. He is commanding them not to fall asleep but to stay alert. He is ushering them to take notice of the signs that are taking place all around them. If they and other pay attention, there are warnings of Jesus’ return. 

Recall that the Jews were under Roman rule at the time. They were looking for a Savior. A Messiah. They were hoping that Jesus would be this King. The disciples, at least at this point in Jesus’ ministry, did not have a good handle on Jesus’ intent. Jesus was not coming to set up an earthly Kingdom. Rather He came to provide a pathway to God’s eternal Kingdom, a Kingdom that existed in heaven. The disciples wrestled with the reality of Jesus’ birth. They are quoted in Scripture as saying “does anything good come from Nazareth”. This was said about Jesus. To those that followed Jesus, He appeared like any other man. 

So imagine when Jesus made the statement that the temple, that is Jesus himself, would be destroyed and then rebuilt again in 3 days. We know that Jesus is talking about His death, burial, and resurrection. The disciples didn’t have a clue as to what Jesus was saying. Jesus then talks about His second coming. This really left the disciples scratching their heads. 

Come again Jesus?

Jesus is claiming that He will suffer, that He will die, and that He will be resurrected. After His death He will ascend to heaven. Then the clock begins ticking down. Eventually, suddenly, miraculously Jesus will come back. Jesus tells HIs disciples that no one knows when this will occur. Not even Jesus Himself knows the hour or the day of His return. 

People of today, if someone tells you that they know when the end of days will occur, they are lying to you. Time and time again throughout history people have made attempts to guess the day and the hour only to be embarrassed. 

The date was October 22nd, 1844. That was the date that Adventist preacher and leader William Miller said that Jesus was going to come back. So sure was Miller that he told his followers to sell their possessions. He told them not to bother plowing or harvesting their crops. He told them that they could close their shops for good, quit their jobs, and don’t worry about paying your debts. Miller and his followers took what little money they had and they bought an unused cemetery. It was here that they dug their own graves. Miller and his followers jumped into their graves and there they waited. They waited and waited. The day finally came. Miller was heard shouting from his grave, “any moment now”! The time ticked by and the 22nd turned into the 23rd. No Jesus! 

Remember Jesus’ words captured in Matthew 24:36-40 ESV

Matthew 24:36-40 ESV

36 “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. 37 For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, 39 and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. 42 Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.

Point:

So, do I know when Christ will return? Absolutely not. Do I think that Jesus will come back in our lifetimes? I don’t know. I hope so but I don’t know. Why doesn’t Jesus come back already? Our world is so messed up. There are wars raging. Racism. Political infighting. Why doesn’t He just come back and fix all of this? The answer to that question is time. Jesus is giving us time. Time to repent. Time to share the Gospel. Time for people to receive it. Time is the answer. Think about it. If Jesus came back today, how many millions of people would not hear the Gospel? How many millions of people could have hear the Gospel but not had enough time to make a call yet? Jesus is being patient and because of His patience, our world spins on with all the problems and issues. 

Point:

So, let’s take a moment and read from God’s Word this morning. Let it encourage us to be on our guard and be about God’s business. We do not want to be caught napping when the King of Kings return. 

Luke 21:5-38 ESV

5 And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, 6 “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” 7 And they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” 8 And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. 9 And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.”

10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. 13 This will be your opportunity to bear witness. 14 Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. 17 You will be hated by all for my name's sake. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your lives.

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.”

29 And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

34 “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

37 And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet. 38 And early in the morning all the people came to him in the temple to hear him.

Last Week We Learned That…

Before we move to points 3 and 4. Let’s talk briefly what we learned last week. As Jesus gives us insights into the end of days, He reveals some powerful truths. Namely, that the church will outlast the building. Jesus lays claim that the temple, the sanctuary, will be destroyed. He is alluding one to himself. Jesus would be destroyed. He would be crucified and would die. 3 days later, He would be restored and resurrected. Jesus was also talking about the physical building, the temple found in Jerusalem. The temple was the center of worship in the ancient world. It was impossible to imagine that this building which was thought to house the very presence of God would be destroyed. Of course we know that God is not housed in a building made from sticks and bricks. God is housed in us. His Spirit lives in people. People are the temple. People are the church. When time draws to a close, the building that houses ministry and worship will be destroyed like everything else. Yet the church will remain because people are eternal. The people regarded the temple as a sanctuary. Sanctuary is a place where you can find refuge, where you can be safe, where you can be secure. What happens when the place that gives us refuge, safety, and security is destroyed? Where do we run? The answer is of course that we run to Christ. If you are searching for refuge in these last days, you will find it in Jesus. Run to Him. 

Next, you will remember that Jesus tells us that cheats will be everywhere. As the last days approach Jesus warns His followers that there will be many who look like the Messiah, talk like the Savior, do miracles like the Son of Man, and even teach teachings similar to Jesus. Yet, they will not be the real McCoy. They will all be counterfeits. Jesus tells His followers not to trust them and to be sure not to follow these wolves in sheep’s clothing. 

So the church is everlasting and cheats are everywhere. Now, let’s get into the third point. Today we discover that clues are examined. 

I. Church Is Everlasting vs. 5-6

II. Cheats Are Everywhere vs. 8

Today We Discover That…

III. Clues Are Examined vs. 10-28

Luke 21:10-11,16,20-26 ESV

10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.

16 You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death.

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.

Point:

So, what does Jesus have to say about the end of time, judgement day, His second coming. Well, before we examine Christ’s words, what do you think about His second coming? Christian, do you believe that Jesus will return? Do you really believe that He is coming back? Will He come back in our lifetime? Good question. Here is what I have learned from Scripture about Christ’s return: as long as people are looking for His return, He will not come. As long as people are predicting His return, they will be made to look foolish. Saying that, I believe that we are getting closer and closer to His return. I believe this because of what Christ says in Luke 21, the signs are all there that He may well return sooner rather than later. 

Let’s break down some of words of Christ regarding the end times. He covers what we can expect, the signs, when we begin to approach His return. 

First, there will wars. Nation versus nation. Kingdom against kingdom. The warfare will be global and it will be catastrophic. Currently, the weapons of war are creatively brutal. I believe that nothing will be off the table. I believe that biological warfare along with nuclear warfare will be something that people will experience. Notice that Jesus says that His followers will be there to experience this horrible war among the nations. 

Next, not only will there will national disasters, but there will also be natural disasters. There will be earthquakes. There will be disease and famine. Men and women, boys and girls will live with want. Their will be tremendous hunger like the world has never seen before. The Greek word for pestilence is loi-mo's. When it is translated into the Greek it means plagues. The world will be thrown into terrible disorder and food shortages will cause men to rise up against men and there will challenges to feed families. 

There will be war, there will be want, there will also be wrongs. Jesus tells us that because of our faith in Him, we will be dragged before the courts and wrongly prosecuted. He even says that we will be put to death for our faith. 

Jesus says you are going to get persecuted by the Jews. He’s talking about persecution in the synagogue. You’re going to get persecuted by the Jews. Then you’re going to get persecuted by governors, this is a Roman term. The Gentiles are going to hurt you. Basically everybody is going to try to hurt you because you claim to be Jesus’s follower. Right now all over the world (go to persecution.org) millions are suffering greatly because they claim the name of Jesus Christ. Jesus says, “Don’t freak out about it! Don’t worry. God knows exactly what you’re going through. He didn’t forget. He didn’t leave the throne for just a second. God knows what you’re about to experience.” By the way, don’t worry ahead of time about how you are going to answer them. God will give you the exact words to say so that what you say will go deep into the heart of the people around you.

There will be war, want, wrongs, and next is waste. People will be killed. Horrible things will take place and atrocities on genocidal levels. There will be an attack on women, pregnant women. There will be an attack on the unborn. Jesus says that innocent children will be trampled under foot. Is any of this sounding familiar? People will flee their homes. They will seek refuge in the wilderness and the mountains. People will be taken captive as slaves. Oppression will be the norm of the day. Do I think that Jesus is going to return? Yes. Will His people undergo horrible events in the lead up to that return? Sadly yes. 

Lastly, letter E is Wonders. God’s people will see unusual astronomical events. People will see the sun, the moon, even the stars doing things that are unusual and abnormal. I imagine that we will see solar and lunar eclipses. We will see shooting stars and meteors will pierce the skies. Because of what happens to the sun and moon, the waves will be affected. We will see drastic changes in the tides. Scholars have said that Jesus is using terminology that refers to a rise tsunamis and hurricanes. Tornados. Volcanos. Eruptions. The world will be thrown into geographic and astronomical chaos.

So there will be war, want, wrongs, waste and wonders. This all sounds like terrible news and it is. There is no sugar coating it. These will be discouraging and difficult days.  Paul speaks to Timothy about the last days in 2 Timothy 3:1-5. I am going to read that Scripture for you this morning and then I will give you some good news.  

A. War vs. 10

B. Want vs. 11

C. Wrong vs. 12, 16

D. Waste vs. 20-24

E. Wonders vs. 25-26

2 Timothy 3:1-5 ESV

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

IV. Christ Will Endure vs. 27-28

Luke 21:27-28 ESV

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.”

Point:

There is the destruction of Jerusalem Jesus is talking about today and then you have these disasters that Jesus is describing for us. Then he talks about the darkening of the sun, the moon, and the stars. You can’t miss that. Everybody is going to see this one when it happens. Jesus says when that gets close hang on to your faith. When that gets close don’t throw in the towel and don’t give up because Heaven is waiting for you on the other side. Heaven is worth it. Literally the language that he is using today is look up stop looking down and being enamored by your problems and by the difficulties around you. Put your focus on Jesus and on Heaven because that’s what’s coming for you. I sometimes think Jesus is speaking to my heart in this passage. He’s saying, “Jeff, be careful that you don’t fall in love with the stuff that you see around you. Don’t fall in love with the stuff that this society and this culture offers you. Don’t let it steal your heart away because all of this stuff is going to be gone. The only thing that lasts are the things of God. Fall in love with that. Put your focus on that. Don’t focus on the stuff that’s around you. Don’t get your head down when the problems get bad. Put your head up. Stand up. Sit up straight in your chair and focus on Heaven because it’s totally worth the wait.

Point:

Jesus is telling His disciples that when everything falls apart, it is really falling together for Him. When things are at their darkest, the dawn is about to take place. When suffering is at its maximum, the Savior is about to return. Yes, bad things will come, terrible in fact. Jesus will end all of that. When Jesus returns, it will be a global event and no one will miss it. For the record, no one will doubt it either. No one will have to guess who this is that is parting the clouds. Isn’t that going to be something. There will be people that do not believe in Jesus, people that have said their entire lives that Jesus is a myth, a figment, a story, but they will automatically know in their heart that it is Jesus who comes riding on the clouds. In a world that demands recounts, court proceedings, and protests, when Jesus returns it will be definitive and defining. His return will bring an abrupt end to human history, human governments, and human sin. His will be a reign that will last forever and ever and ever. 

People get ready, Jesus is coming. 

Revelation 22:12 ESV

“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done.

People Get Ready, Jesus Is Coming!