Day 102

Luke 21:20–24 (NIV)

²⁰ “When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. ²¹ Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. ²² For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. ²³ How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. ²⁴ They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

Pray for God to show you something to use from the passage

Read the Passage

Who is in the passage?

What action verbs do you see?

What other words stick out in your mind

Questions

What does Jesus’ predictions say about Jesus?

Why is Jerusalem being destroyed? What does it say about God’s judgment?

What does “the time of the Gentiles” mean? (see Luke 20:9-ff for help)

Notes

Jesus comes to tell what will happen to Jerusalem. Actually answering the question in vs 7. These verses deal with the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. The Romans had answered a revolt by Zealot Jews in 66. It took years to finally conquer Jerusalem. During the rebellion the Jews even fought amongst themselves. The living conditions in Jerusalem were awful during this time. The war ended with the fall of Masada in 73 AD.

vs 20 Rome surrounded Jerusalem in siege which was the standard practice of the day.

vs 21 The city was not the place to be. The rest of Israel had already been conquered with some towns fighting and some not. At one point during the siege of Rome the Romans allowed visitors in to Jerusalem for Passover only to refuse to let them leave so the towns resources would be pushed to the limits. The best place to be during the occupation would have been in the wilderness.

Jerusalem before the first destruction in 587 BC by the Babylonians was thought to be protected by God. Nothing would happen to the city because it was God's. Perhaps some would have thought the same thing this time that God wouldn't allow Jerusalem to be destroyed.

vs 22- Fulfillment of Jerusalem's destruction would once again happen from prophecies such as Micah 3:12.

vs 23 The conditions during the siege and civil war with in the city were horrific. At one point anyone caught trying to leave the city were crucified. Up to 500 in one day were crucified. Obviously such conditions would be terrible for pregnant women. It is all about the judgment of God for not recognizing Jesus. It is interesting to note that even though they are to be judged, Jesus is warning about how to best avoid it.

vs 24- up to 1.1 million died during the siege both from Rome and the Civil War. 97,000 were carried off for deportation.

Time of the Gentiles- could mean Jewish strength in Judea would be controlled by Gentiles till God chooses to begin the events of the end of the world. Or could mean that God was now going to reveal Himself to the Gentiles to the final days. (Rom 11:25-26)

A Faith Issue- If you are one who doesn't believe in Jesus being able to predict such events then you would say the gospels writers added these words to Jesus after the events happened. Therefore the gospels would have been written after 70AD.

However, that would put the writings past when scholars believe they were written. Mark is commonly viewed as the first to be written in the 50s with Matthew and Luke being written in the early 60s. Only John is believed to be later than 70 AD by scholars who believe that Jesus really could predict future events.

Day 101

Word Study on "Stand Firm"

Stand Firm Luke 21:19 - it is a term used over and over again in the New Testament

Matthew 10:22

All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Matthew 24:13

but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Mark 13:13

All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Luke 21:19

By standing firm you will gain life.

1 Corinthians 10:12

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!

1 Corinthians 15:2

By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:58

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

1 Corinthians 16:13

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.

2 Corinthians 1:21

Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us,

2 Corinthians 1:24

Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm.

Galatians 5:1

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Ephesians 6:14

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,

Philippians 1:27

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel

Philippians 4:1

Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!

Colossians 1:23

if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

Colossians 4:12

Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.

1 Thessalonians 3:8

For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.

2 Thessalonians 2:15

So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you,

Titus 1:9

He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

Hebrews 3:14

We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.

Hebrews 4:14

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.

Hebrews 6:19

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,

James 5:8

You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.

1 Peter 5:9

Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

1 Peter 5:10

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

2 Peter 1:12

So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have.

Pray for God to show you something to use from the passage

Read the Passages

What keeps coming out as you read these passages with the idea of standing firm in them?

Why should a Christian stand firm?

What helps you stand firm? What does god gives us to stand firm?

What keeps you from standing firm?

Day 100

Luke 21:5–19 (NIV)

⁵ Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, ⁶ “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.”

⁷ “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?” ⁸ He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. ⁹ When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”

¹⁰ Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. ¹¹ There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. ¹² “But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. ¹³ This will result in your being witnesses to them. ¹⁴ But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. ¹⁵ For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. ¹⁶ You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. ¹⁷ All men will hate you because of me. ¹⁸ But not a hair of your head will perish. ¹⁹ By standing firm you will gain life.

Helpful Information

‎The setting of Jesus’ great eschatological discourse is the disciples’ expressed admiration for the Second Temple, the religious center of the nation, which Herod the Great refurbished as part of a large national reconstruction Herod built new foundation walls and enlarged the temple area to 400 yards by 500 yards, about twice its original size. The refurbishing started in 19 b c. and continued for over eighty years, not being completed until a.d. 63–64, just a few years before the city and the temple fell. Bock, D. L. (1996). Luke Volume 2: 9:51-24:53. Baker exegetical commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Books.

Pray for God to show you something to use from the passage

Read the Passage

Who is in the passage?

What action verbs do you see?

What other words stick out in your mind

Questions

Is there a danger of worshipping magnificent buildings instead of God? What is the proper way we should look at the buildings we worship in?

What does Jesus want His disciples to focus on and watch out for as they wait for His second coming?

What is God’s promise as the disciples (and us) face persecution for our faith?

Notes

vs 5- The temple was a glorious structure. Nothing in the region compared with its structure and beauty.

vs 6- Don't get caught up in its beauty, it will not last. Do we do the same thing with the beautiful church structures of our day? Jesus' point is it is not the temple that is to be worshiped. It is God.

vs 7- Mark identifies the disciples asking the question (Mark 12:3). Jesus' comment will get the disciples asking about the end of times. (then as today followers want to know about how this age will end and how Jesus' kingdom will be completed)

vs 8- There will always be people saying that the end is here or that they are the Christ. Do not believe them! This is an echo of 17:22-25. It will be clear when Jesus comes back. (see 21:27)

vs 9 -11 this age will have its wars, there will be physical calamity throughout the world. This isn't a sign of the end. --It is a sign for this age to wake up and realize that because of sin all the world, even creation is affected. There is something more than this world, there is another kingdom that lasts. Just as the Jews were too caught up in the beauty of the temple, all the world is caught up in this age. Neither group realizes that this world, just like the temple will be destroyed. (Paul talks of it in Rom 8:18-25)

vs 12- 19 The end is going to be a while (end of vs 9). Also before the fall of the temple believers will be persecuted. Handed over to Jewish leaders and imprisoned (see Acts 8:3) But look at these persecutions as a chance to witness (isn't that what Jesus did?, The example of Stephen Acts 6:15-7:53) You will even have the chance to witness to kings (Paul did so in Acts 26:2-ff)

Don't worry because

· vs 15-God will tell you what to say (repeats 12:11-12)

· adversaries will not be able to destroy your testimony

· vs 18- you will not be harmed (means spiritually because Jesus points out some will be killed (vs16))

· vs 19- you will gain life (9:23-25)

vs 16- repeat of 12:52-53- Shows how harsh the persecution will be. Family and friends will betray you.

Jesus doesn't make following Him seem easy. It will not be! But it is worth it. It is the only way to true life!

Jesus point, the end of the temple will come, so will the end of the age. But for the disciples (and us) the concern should be on what they will face and maintaining their witness of Jesus. Also to not be led astray by false teachings.

Day 99

Luke 20:41–21:4 (NIV)

⁴¹ Then Jesus said to them, “How is it that they say the Christ is the Son of David? ⁴² David himself declares in the Book of Psalms: “ ‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand ⁴³ until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” ’ ⁴⁴ David calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?”

⁴⁵ While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, ⁴⁶ “Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. ⁴⁷ They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely.”

¹ As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. ² He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. ³ “I tell you the truth,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. ⁴ All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

Helpful Info

‎vs 45-46 Like their Greek counterparts, some Jewish teachers wore a special identifying garb, in this case a long, white linen robe, similar to those of priests and temple officials. People normally greeted teachers with titles of honor; marketplaces, which were full of people, would provide many opportunities for teachers to receive such recognition. Seating at banquets marked one’s rank in society. (remember 14:7- 11) Keener, C. S., & InterVarsity Press. (1993). The IVP Bible background commentary : New Testament. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press.

vs 21:1-Thirteen trumpet-shaped receptacles in the temple forecourt by the Court of Women served to collect freewill offerings that were used to underwrite temple worship. Bock, D. L. (1996). Luke Volume 2: 9:51-24:53. Baker exegetical commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Books.

Pray for God to show you something to use from the passage

Read the Passage

Who is in the passage?

What action verbs do you see?

What other words stick out in your mind

Questions

What point is Jesus making in saying that the Christ is Lord of King David?

What are the things Jesus accuses the teachers of the law of doing against God? How would we see these types of things today?

What do we learn about how God values gifts given to Him? What is most important in giving according to Jesus?

Notes

vs 41-44 Jesus comments on Ps 110. Jesus denotes David as the author of the Psalm and thus how it starts out refers to God saying to David's Lord (the one with authority over David) that He will be sitting at the right hand of God. This means it is a position of power and prestige. It is a permanent position based on recognizing this one as sitting.

The point Jesus is making is that David, considered the beginner of the royal line of the Messiah, is saying that he has lower standing than this Messiah figure. This would be unusual because the elder is normally considered greater than his offspring. The Davidic line of Jesus has already been established by Luke in Luke 2:4. So Jesus is making an implied statement about His authority being over David

Also based on his conversation about afterlife it is another proof in there being one. David wouldn't have a Lord come after him if there was no resurrection from the dead.

This statement of the Christ's rule, sitting at the right hand of God and how He fulfills it is something He comes back to in 22:67

45-46 Remember it is the teachers of the law who enjoyed Jesus' rebuke of the Sadducees in 20:27-39.(see vs 39) Jesus makes it clear here that the teachers of the Law also fall short as authority figures. It becomes clear that Jesus is now the only one speaking with the authority of God.

The rebuke reminds us of the woe statements in 11:46-49 focused on the same group. This group was responsible for interpreting the law in everyday life. Jesus points out that these teachers of law have become more interested in their social position than in helping people live for God.

vs 47 In fact not only are they interested in their social position but they are taking advantage of the very people they are suppose to protect.

devouring widows’ houses- There were widows who worked in the temple courts. The property of the widows was suppose to be managed by the temple officials. It appears that the teachers of the law used their power to harm the interest of the widows in their rulings of law.

make lengthy prayers- it is not the length of the prayer as much as it is that the prayer is long to impress people, not pray to God.

Jesus once again notes that there is severe punishment for those who use religion for themselves and not to honor God.

vs 1-4 Where Jesus was teaching in the temple was where money was collected to help offset temple worship expenses. It would be readily seeable what people would put in. Some comment on why Jesus would be looking at those depositing their offering. First of all as God He has that right. Secondly it allows Him to make at point. Don't show favoritism to those who give a lot. It is not about the amount of the gift; rather it is about the sacrifice of the giver.

Day 98

Luke 20:27–40 (NIV)

²⁷ Some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus with a question. ²⁸ “Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and have children for his brother. ²⁹ Now there were seven brothers. The first one married a woman and died childless. ³⁰ The second ³¹ and then the third married her, and in the same way the seven died, leaving no children. ³² Finally, the woman died too. ³³ Now then, at the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?”

³⁴ Jesus replied, “The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. ³⁵ But those who are considered worthy of taking part in that age and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, ³⁶ and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection.

³⁷ But in the account of the bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise, for he calls the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ ³⁸ He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.” ³⁹ Some of the teachers of the law responded, “Well said, teacher!” ⁴⁰ And no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Pray for God to show you something to use from the passage

Read the Passage

Who is in the passage?

What action verbs do you see?

What other words stick out in your mind

Questions

So is the fact that there are no family relationships in heaven disheartening to you? Does that mean we love those we love here on earth less or that we love everyone more?

What does it mean that we are like the angels? In what way are we like them?

How does what is said to Moses at the burning bush prove there is a resurrection?

Notes

In Judaism just as in Christian circles there are areas of disagreement and conjecture. We deal with situations where we see in a mirror dimly, and not face to face. (1 Cor 13:12) For the Jews the idea of resurrection was an area they disagreed on. It was a major debate. The Pharisees called the Sadducees heretics because they did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. So the Sadducees come to Jesus with a valid question, not meant to trip Him up so He could be arrested. They wanted to know where he stood on the resurrection of the dead.

vs 28-33 The Sadducees used a part of the Bible where it talks of a childless widow marrying the brother of the dead husband. (Deut 25:5) Two things were accomplished by this. First the widow was taken care of and secondly any children born of the second marriage were considered the children of the deceased and entitled to the deceased estate.

The Sadducees take this law to the extreme and say what if this happened 7 times. Whose wife would the six-time widow be? Their thought was that this proves there is no resurrection because of how absurd the situation would be in the afterlife.

vs 34-36 Jesus reply is that for those who are "considered worthy" to enter heaven there is no such thing as marriage. We are all God's children, i.e. relationships the way we see them in this world will not be the same in heaven. We are one big family. The love you have for one is as strong as the love you have for another. What Jesus says in Luke 8:21 becomes literally true. Doesn't that thought blow you away! Love isn't lessened between people it is expanded to the point of all being one family!

vs 36- "like the angels" we are like the angels in the fact of not dying. Jesus isn't saying we become angels!

vs 37- Jesus proof of resurrection comes from Moses (the greatest leader of Israel) when Moses talks to God at the burning bush. (Ex 3, especially vs 14,15) . God Himself refers to those who had died as their God also. If Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were not resurrected then God would not still be their God, But because they are resurrected God refers in the present tense as to being their God.

vs 39-40 the teachers of the law, who believed in the resurrection, liked Jesus' answer. The Sadducees like others who disagreed with Jesus having nothing else to say.