In studying Jesus’ apocalyptic teaching, we confront the reality that the permanent structures of our world—much like the stones of the ancient Temple—are temporary. We recognize the tension between knowing that no one can predict the day of Christ’s return and our call to live with a constant, hopeful expectation of His “any-moment” arrival. We understand that the Second Coming is not a source of dread or a “horror movie” scenario, but the long-awaited moment of our ultimate redemption when all brokenness is healed. By choosing to stand tall and raise our heads even in the midst of global turmoil or personal suffering, we demonstrate a faith that relies on God’s presence to sustain us until His Kingdom is fully realized.

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I’m excited that Wednesday Night Live is back at St. Matthew’s tonight. Moving into the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5) for your Bible study is such a perfect follow-up to our time in Luke. Being “salt and light” is exactly how we are called to live while we wait for the things we’re reading about today.

Today we are tackling a large and weighty section of Scripture: Luke 21:5–28. This is often called the “Little Apocalypse,” where Jesus speaks about the destruction of the Temple and His eventual return.

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The Temple and the End of the Age (Luke 21:5–28)

The passage begins with the disciples marveling at the Temple. To them, this was the most permanent, beautiful structure imaginable. But Jesus shocks them by saying, “Not one stone will be left upon another.”

1. The Trap of Date-Setting

Jesus lists signs: wars, insurrections, earthquakes, and famines. Throughout history, whenever these things happen, people start claiming “The end is tomorrow!” You correctly noted that we must balance two truths:

• We do not know the hour: Jesus is clear that we aren’t meant to have a calendar for His return.
• We are called to be alert: We don’t guess the date, but we live in a state of readiness.

As you mentioned, the first Christians (like those Paul wrote to in 1 Thessalonians) expected Jesus to return immediately. Because of this, Paul’s letters are actually the oldest parts of the New Testament—written before the Gospels were even compiled! When it became clear that “soon” might be longer than they thought, the church began the work of recording the life of Jesus for future generations.

2. Redemption, Not a Horror Movie

A lot of modern teaching treats the Second Coming like a horror movie where Jesus is the villain coming to “snatch” us away in terror. But look at how Jesus ends this teaching:

“Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

His return isn’t a threat; it’s a rescue. He isn’t coming to destroy us; He is coming to set all things right. For the person suffering, the person in pain, or the person living in an unjust world, the return of Christ is the ultimate “Good News.” We don’t duck and cover in fear; we stand up and look up.

3. Endurance Over Escape

Notice that Jesus doesn’t promise an “escape hatch” from difficult times. He says we will be betrayed by friends, hated by many, and face persecution. However, He promises:

• Divine Wisdom: He will give us words that no opponent can contradict.
• Ultimate Protection: “Not a hair on your head will perish” (speaking of our eternal soul, even if our bodies suffer).
• Fruitful Endurance: “By your endurance you will gain your souls.”

We don’t avoid suffering by being Christians; we persevere through it because we know how the story ends.