Luke 21:29–38

content/bible_journal/luke_21:29-38.md

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+title = "Luke 21:29-38"
+date = "2023-02-02"
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+
+### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Lk21.29-38)
+
+The parable of the fig tree is pretty easy to understand. Fig trees grow their
+leaves in the spring, like most trees, and when you see them, you know that
+summer is coming soon. In the very same way, when all of these signs and
+wonders are seen, you will know that the end of the current age is coming to a
+close. What is harder to understand is the statement that "this generation will
+not pass away until all has taken place." (_v. 32_) Certainly everyone who was
+alive in the first century have passed away, so how could Jesus say "truly"?
+The answer is that the Greek word translated "generation" has more than one
+meaning. The most common is what we usually think of for "generation": everyone
+alive at a particular time. But it can also mean a type or kind of person, like
+wicked or righteous, and it can also mean "race", which would refer to the Jews
+in this case.
+
+Jesus's next statement is also interesting to think about. "Heaven and earth
+will pass away, but my words will not pass away." (_v. 33_) People tend to
+think that the earth they stand on and the skies above them are unshakable and
+everlasting, but Jesus tells us that's not true at all. Even naturalists
+understand that the Sun can't burn forever and the universe would eventually
+grind to a halt. But our lives seem so short in comparison that such knowledge
+doesn't affect us. However, this view is wrong too because the Bible teaches
+that we shall all last for eternity, either living in the light of the Lord's
+glory or dying forever in the lake of fire.
+
+Because of this reality, Jesus warns His listeners to live their lives in the
+expectation that He will come back at any moment. If we waste our lives on
+useless pleasures that are only good for the short moment we experience them,
+then that day will come upon us like a trap springing closed. Or, if not that
+day, then the day of our deaths could come at any time, and the end result is
+the same. Beloved, be ready for your Lord to come home, so that He does not
+find your service wanting.
+
+Finally, Luke gives us a note on how Jesus spent His days during this time. He
+would come into Jerusalem to teach in the temple each day, but then at night He
+would leave to stay on the Mount of Olives.
+
+* * *
+
+Keep us watchful, waiting patiently for Your return. Let us not grow weary in
+doing good.