Prop. 28C - Lk 21:5-19 - Key Questions

v7-9 The disciples asked for a sign of the destruction of the temple. What does Jesus mean by 'the end' in verse 9? Is 'the end', the end of the temple, or the end of the world? Reading this passage in the context of the verses that follow, it is clear that Jesus is not merely here talking about the fall of Jerusalem. Verse 27 talks about the coming of the Son of Man. Verse 34-35 talks about the coming of 'that day', which will come for all who live on earth. Verse 24 indicates also, that there is an era for the Gentiles. Jesus addresses the fall of Jerusalem (which is somewhat synonymous with the temple) in v20-24.

The disciples want to know when. Looking at the 'when' verses (those where Jesus describes a timeline of events, we have v9, 12, 20, 24, 27, 32.

Summarized:

v9 wars and revolutions will come, but these are not necessarily a part of the end
v12 persecution will come before wars
v20 when Jerusalem surruounded, the desolation (?) is near.
v24 Jerusalem will fall under Gentile control for a period of time.
v27 The end will come after major signs
v32 this generation/race will not dissappear, until all these have happened

This seems as clear as mud.

v8 What is Jesus getting at, by warning against deception, and false prophets in this passage, when the rest of what he says is removed from that idea altogether?
Jesus emphasis in answering the question, is not on the 'when', which was the focus of what the disciples wanted to know. Jesus answer has more to do with each disciple standing strong and sure in the fact that Jesus WILL return again. Jesus indicates that there will be signs, (v9 wars and revolutions), but his point is that the end will not come right away.

The disciples wanted to have a hard and fast proof of God's plan.

v13 What does 'being a witness to them' look like?
This is what it looks like...
Acts 4:8-12

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 He is"'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone. '12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."

... and this
Acts 5:29-32

29 Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men! 30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead--whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him."

The disciples witnessing boldly in the face of a hateful judge and jury. Empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Introduction
1. Structural Diagram
2. Surrounding Context
3. Key Cross References
4. Key Questions
5. Thoughts and Meditation


the king of the hill