Luke 18:1-8
The Parable of the Persistent Widow
Luke 18:9-14
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Luke 18:15-17
Jesus Blesses the Little Children
Luke 18:18-27
The Rich Young Ruler
Luke 18:28-34
Jesus Predicts His Death
Luke 18:35-43
Jesus Heals a Blind Beggar
Luke 19:1-10
Jesus Brings Salvation to Zaccheus’s Home
Luke 19:11-27
The Parable of the King’s Servants
Luke 19:28-40
Jesus Rides into Jerusalem on a Donkey
Luke 19:41-48
Jesus Cleansing of the Temple
Luke 20:1-8
Religious Leaders Challenge Jesus Authority
Luke 20:9-18
The Parable of the Wicked Farmers
Luke 20:19-26
Paying Taxes to Caesar
Luke 20:27-40
The Resurrection and Marriage
Luke 20:41-47
Leaders Didn’t Understand Who Jesus Was
Luke 21:1-4
The Widow’s Offering
Luke 21:5-19
Signs of the End of the Age
Luke 21:20-28
Jesus Tells About His Return
Luke 21:29-34
Jesus tells them to Remain watchful
Luke 21:35-38
Jesus Tells them to Remain Watchful
Luke 22:1-13
Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus
Luke 22:31-38
Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial
Luke 22:39-53
Jesus Arrested in the Garden
Luke 22:54-71
Peter Denies Knowing Jesus
Luke 23:1-12
Jesus Stands Trial Before Pilate and Herod
Luke 23:13-25
Pilate Hands Jesus Over to be Crucified
Luke 23:26-43
Jesus is Led Away to be Crucified
Luke 23:44-49
Jesus Dies on the Cross
Luke 23:50-56
Jesus is Buried in a Borrowed Tomb
Luke 24:1-12
Jesus Rises From the Dead
Luke 24:13-27
Jesus Appears on the Road to Emmaus
Jesus Tells them to Remain Watchful
Luke 21:35–38
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The fig tree in this parable is thought by many to be a symbol of Israel. Jesus is teaching that we can tell what is coming by watching the signs. As the fig leaves sprout in the spring, we know that summer is near. As the budding of the fig tree indicates that summer is near, so the occurring of these signs indicates that the Lord’s return is near (vv. 29-30).
Jesus was assuring the disciples that, in spite of all the difficulties Israel would endure, they as a nation would be protected by God and not be destroyed (vv. 31-33). Satan has attempted many times to destroy the nation of Israel, but he has not succeeded. A good example of this was when Hitler and Nazi Germany tried to destroy all Jews during World War II.
The generation spoken of in this passage is probably referring to the generation that will be alive on the earth at the time all of these things take place (v. 32). The exhortation to “Watch“ certainly does not mean for us to stand around looking for signs (vv. 34-36). It means to “Be awake,” or “Be alert,” and don’t get caught unprepared! It is so easy for us to get weighed down with the cares of this life and forget that the Lord is coming back to rapture His own. Jesus often discussed the Word in the temple, and He spent the last week before His death teaching the Word in His Father’s house. He was quick to take advantage of the opportunity, and the people were glad to hear Him (vv. 37-38).
Application
I do not know when our Lord is coming back, and so it behooves me to be faithful and to simply be ready when He comes. I can actually say that I am ready.
Luke 21:35-38 (English Standard Version)
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