Luke 21:20-28 properly displays what happened to Jerusalem back then and then points forward to the coming return of Christ, unencumbered by presuppositions of how the other gospels told the story, like Matthew 24, which so many people have mangled. Of course I dont read Matthew 24 like others do, with some claiming irrationally it is all done, fulfilled, the entire chapter. All of them together, Mark 13, Matthew 24, Luke 17, Luke 21 scriptures are actually consistent in what they say, just with more info and details.
Jesus Predicts the Destruction of the Temple
5 Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was [
c]adorned with beautiful stones and donations, He said, 6 “These things which you see—the days will come in which not
one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down.”
The Signs of the Times and the End of the Age
7 So they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign
will there be when these things are about to take place?”
8 And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am
He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ [
d]Therefore do not [
e]go after them. 9 But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end
will not
come immediately.”
10 Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute
you, delivering
you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. 13 But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. 14 Therefore settle
it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will [
f]answer; 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or [
g]resist. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put
some of you to death. 17 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head shall be lost. 19 By your patience possess your souls.
The Destruction of Jerusalem
20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. 22 For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. 23 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. 24 And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
The Coming of the Son of Man
25 “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 26 men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”
The Parable of the Fig Tree
29 Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 31 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
The Importance of Watching
34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with [
h]carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35
For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may [
i]be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
37 And in the daytime He was teaching in the temple, but at night He went out and stayed on the mountain called Olivet. 38 Then early in the morning all the people came to Him in the temple to hear Him.
