Scripture to Read: Luke 21:20-24
Jesus then shifted back to the destruction of Jerusalem. In Luke 21:20, Jesus spoke of a sign that the end was near: when armies surrounded Jerusalem. That’s what happened in AD 70. The destruction of Jerusalem is associated with the “abomination that causes desolation” mentioned in Matthew 24:15. In Luke 21:21, Jesus told them they needed to be ready to flee to the mountains. Normally, when an army surrounded a city, people sought protection inside the walls of the city, but Jesus told His followers that safety would only be found by fleeing to the mountains since the city would be utterly destroyed. The answer to why Jerusalem would be destroyed is found in Luke 21:22. God’s justice would come because of the faithlessness of the nation of Israel. God had His prophets speak of this in Isaiah 63:4, Jeremiah 5:29, and Hosea 9:7. Then, Jesus referenced the time of the Gentiles. The Gentiles would have both spiritual opportunities (Matthew 24:14, Mark 13:10, Luke 20:16, Romans 11:25) and domination over Jerusalem, which has happened for more than 1,900 years since Jerusalem fell in AD 70. But a time is coming when this will end, and God’s purposes for the Gentile domination will be completed. We live in the times of the Gentiles, and we must be about our Father’s business (Matthew 28:19–20), leading others to know Jesus intimately and follow Him wholeheartedly. Our time is coming to a close, and when it does, our Lord will return for His bride.
Challenge & Application
Jesus warned His disciples about the destruction of Jerusalem; how are you living in readiness for His return?
With all the spiritual opportunities that God gives us as His children, how are you taking advantage of them each day?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!