Luke 21:25-38 Lesson 154

Read both the "King James Bible" and the "New Living Translation."

In this lesson:

The conclusion of the Olivet Discourse.
A continuation of lesson 152 and 153. Jesus is still teaching in the Temple.

"There shall be signs."
The parable of the fig tree (21:29-31)

Review lesson 153 before going on.

Study Tip:

Read the Margin Notes in blue to help clarify tough passages.

The Gospel According to St. Luke

The King James Bible

Luke 21:25-38
More on the future

25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;

26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

29 And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;

30 When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.

31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.

32 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.

33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.

35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.

36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

37 And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives.

38 And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him.

Margin notes:

"There shall be signs." (21:25) - "There shall be miracles." Verses 21:25-28 list some of the signs the world will witness just before Jesus returns.

"Then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud." (21:27) - Jesus will come again, just as predicted in Daniel 7:13-14 2,500 years ago. Review Luke 21:8-19 (lesson 153) to refresh your memory on what will happen between the first and second comings of Jesus.

"When they now shoot forth." (21:30) - "When they sprout leaves."

"Overcharged with surfeiting." (21:34) - "Weighted down with debauchery."

"Snare." (21:35) - A trap for small animals that catches them in a noose.

"Abode in the mount." (21:37) - "Stayed on the mountain."

Matthew 26:64, Revelation 1:7 and 14:14 all tell us the Christ will return in a "cloud."

New Living Translation

Luke 21:25-38

25 "And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. 26 People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. 28 So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!"

29 Then he gave them this illustration: "Notice the fig tree, or any other tree. 30 When the leaves come out, you know without being told that summer is near. 31 In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that the Kingdom of God is near. 32 I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things have taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.

34 "Watch out! Don't let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don't let that day catch you unaware, 35 like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. 36 Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man."

37 Every day Jesus went to the Temple to teach, and each evening he returned to spend the night on the Mount of Olives. 38 The crowds gathered at the Temple early each morning to hear him.

This second Bible text from the "New Living Translation" (Tyndale House, Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois) is a paraphrase and not an accurate word for word translation of the Bible. However, it is a helpful tool when read with the "King James Version."

Today's question:

1. What is the message in verses 21:34-36?

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Answer: (Do you agree?)

1. The message in verses 21:34-36 is to watch and prepare for Jesus' return. Although it's two thousand years since Christ gave us this warning, His words are as valid today as ever. Christians need to be morally and spiritually ready to meet Jesus. Don't get caught up in worldly things or let yourself become distracted from doing what is necessary to secure your salvation.

Application thought for the day:
Read verses 21:33-35 when tempted to sin and "pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy" (21:36).

Thanks to the writings and commentary of John Wesley and Adam Clarke. Also, "The Layman's Bible Study Notebook" by Irving Jensen published by Harvest House Publishing, Irvine, California; the "Life Change Series" published by NavPress Books, Colorado Springs, Colorado; the "Life Application Study Bible" published by Tyndale House Publishing, Carol Stream, Illinois; "The Quest Study Bible" published by The Zondervan Corporation, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "Robertson's New Testament Word Studies"; "The MacArthur Bible Commentary" by John MacArthur published by Thomas Nelson, Nashville, Tennessee; "Wisdom of the Bible" CD by Topics Entertainment, Inc., Renton, Washington for their inspiring pictures; "My utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers published by Barbour publishing, Inc., Uhrichsville, Ohio; The "Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge" by Reuben Archer Torrey; "Hope For Each Day" by Billy Graham published by J. Countryman, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee; "Easton's Bible Dictionary" by Matthew George Easton; "Unger's Bible Dictionary" by Merrill F. Unger, published by Moody Press, Chicago, Illinois; "Halley's Bible Handbook" by Henry H. Halley, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "The Living New Testament" published by Tyndale house; "The New Living Translation" published by Tyndale House; BibleGateway.com for all their wonderful links; and of course the "King James Bible". All were critical in putting these lessons together.
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Read both the "King James Bible" and the "New Living Translation."

The Gospel According to St. Luke

The King James Bible ​

The King James Bible