Luke 22:3-6 Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. 4 And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. 5 They were delighted and agreed to give him money. 6 He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.
 
AS we have consistently written of the Jewish religious authorities’ pride and self-view, perhaps pride is the answer to, “Why, Judas, would you betray Jesus?” Surely we do not know his exact motivation for Judas’ betrayal. The bottom line is, though, that somewhere along the way Judas’ attention turned from Savior to self. You can say he broke the first commandment from Exodus 20:3 “You shall have no other gods before me.”  Judas realized that Jesus’ plans were different that Judas’ plans. In response, Judas acted to intercept the Messiah, so Judas’ will would be done.  
    This is Satan’s attack plan against God’s will, isn’t it? In Genesis 3 you can see how Satan entered into the Garden and Eve’s mind. Read further and see how Satan entered into the world in the days of Noah. Satan’s way caused such terrible sin the Lord recreated the world through the Great Flood. See, too, Satan enter even into Jesus’ life to tempt him to reject the Father. Then Jesus rebuked Peter to even say, “Satan, get behind me.” (Mark 8:33) as Peter sought to intercept Jesus from the cross. Be alert! Know Evil’s intent is to enter our minds to intercept God’s will for our lives. He turns our attention from the Savior to satisfy our own pleasures and purposes.
    Are you tempted? Then consider Judas’ condemnation. Think how he had been one of the world’s most favored men. How dynamic and life-giving would his life had been as he walked three years with the Lord of life? How valued and affirmed to know Jesus had chosen him! But then Satan entered. All changed. In Satan’s evil, Judas became one of the world’s most hated men.
    Beware of the devil striving to intercept your life, your relationships and your discipleship. Your position in the church, your years of service, your faithfulness to Christ can be intercepted in a moment. Be always faithful as we learned in Luke 21:34-36 to “Be careful…be always on the watch…be able to escape…be able to stand before the Son of Man.” Resist temptation. Worship God above all. When the devil attempts to enter in and intercept your faith, “Take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” 
 
Prayer: Father in heaven, deliver me from the Evil One. In Jesus’ name and the Spirit’s power I pray. Amen.

 

Luke 22:1-2 Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, 2 and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people.
 
A different way to describe the authorities’ actions is they “were plotting how to kill Jesus.”  (NLT) We have seen in our Luke lessons why these teachers and priests would consider this horrible act. Pride ruled their lives. Love of money, power and prestige shaped their cold, callous hearts. Self-focus easily binds our souls to cast away those who dare to warm and soften us. Sin’s trappings are deadly bonds. Psalms 10:4 In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.
    Such is the authorities’ motivation to kill Jesus. But why were the priests and teachers afraid of the people? After all, if one disobeyed their rules, he could be separated from temple worship. They held the power. Did they not have the power to do with Jesus as they pleased?
    They did. But then they realized they didn’t. Something bigger than their rules and structures was building in Judea and Jerusalem. The Jews’ and even Gentiles’ expressed a growing passion for Jesus’ soul-building teachings and his life-transforming healings. Huge crowds came early to hear and see the Maser at work. To further publicly accuse and arrest Jesus could cause a general riot. In Jesus, the Jews were beginning to see the light of hope break through centuries of storms. When there is a glimmer of hope, the light is not easily darkened. “The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” (Matthew 4:16)
    Fear for themselves – not love, compassion, mercy, kindness, or gentleness for the people – motivated the authorities’ plots and schemes. How sad are the lives of all who fear Jesus. How blessed are the lives all who hope in Jesus.
 
Prayer: Lord God, I pray I, “Show proper respect to everyone: I love the brotherhood of believers, I fear God, and I honor the king. (from 1 Peter 2:17) Amen.  

Luke 21:37-38 Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives, 38 and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple.
 
HERE is a blessed account of God’s people drawing near to him. The Holy Spirit was empowering hearts and minds to be witnesses of the Word. Following are some scriptures regarding the benefits of hearing and obeying God:
    Ezekiel 36:27-32 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. 28 You will live in the land I gave your forefathers; you will be my people, and I will be your God. 29 I will save you from all your uncleanness. I will call for the grain and make it plentiful and will not bring famine upon you. 30 I will increase the fruit of the trees and the crops of the field, so that you will no longer suffer disgrace among the nations because of famine. 31 Then you will remember your evil ways and wicked deeds, and you will loathe yourselves for your sins and detestable practices. 32 I want you to know that I am not doing this for your sake, declares the Sovereign Lord. Be ashamed and disgraced for your conduct, O house of Israel!
    Matthew 11:29-30 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my teaching is easy and my burden is light.
    2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 
    John 15:10-11 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 
    Knowing and obeying God’s Word leads us to God, into his eternal rest and joy at the end of our earthly life’s journey. But see, too, how there is the promise of physical assurance as we obey God’s laws. This is not to say that we read God’s Word, so we will  have earthly possessions. But it is to say God’s Word gives us earthly comfort. Think how different our families, our churches, our nations and our world would be if we lived as if God’s Word mattered. What would happen if we were ashamed of our sins and truly believed God’s word is useful for our lives?
    Physical comfort and blessings, though, are not an absolute. Persecution, poverty and imprisonment can victimize faithful Christians. Yet, spiritual blessings are absolute. When we journey more deeply into Jesus, we will experience the intimate presence of our holy, merciful and loving God. Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?...37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  
    Go early each morning to meet Jesus.
 
Prayer: I pray, Lord, that I will delight in hearing your word to meditate on your teaching day and night. (from Psalm 1:1) Amen.

Luke 21:34-36 “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
 
FOR 31 verses, Luke records Jesus’ prophetic warnings and assurances. These three sentences are an excellent summary. Further, as Jesus says, “Be careful…be always on the watch…be able to escape…be able to stand” you could also summarize these “be” phrases with, “Always be faithful.”  
    Yes, focus on the word “be”. Much of the Bible teaches us how we are to be – to exist, to live – in the image of God. “You will be my people.” (Leviticus 26:12) the Father promises. “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.” (John 10:9) Jesus proclaims. “Show yourselves to be my disciples.” (John 15:8) Jesus calls. This is God’s way for you to become a new person in Christ. John 3:7 You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.”  Wow! What a way to be!
    Born anew in Jesus, you will become knowledgeable of the differences between a careless life and a careful one. Saved in Christ, you will be always on the watch against temptation to protect your heart and your family. Counted as one of God’s people, you will be able to stand before his throne one day. Jesus teaches trouble is real. Jesus teaches he is eternal. Jesus teaches, so you become as he is.
    Always be faithful to remember the eternal overpowers the temporary. The heavenly overcomes the worldly. Always be faithful to know this is the eternal God’s world: Revelation 1:8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
    How easy it is, though, to be overwhelmed with daily issues. Too quickly we focus on our own abilities or lack of them to resolve issues. We allow limiting circumstances to burden our thoughts. We worry about things that never happen, and we imagine harm that never comes. Nervously, we wonder, “What about tomorrow?”
    But be not anxious. Be always faithful. Time and again, Jesus reminds us tomorrow is in his hands. New in Christ, you can in the Spirit’s power always be careful and always be on the watch. Then you will always be able to stand before your omnipotent God. Be in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I end with these words from Job, a man who certainly could have experienced great anxiety: Job 22:21-23a “Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you. 22 Accept instruction from his mouth
and lay up his words in your heart.  23 If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for your great teachings. I pray I am always faithful to you. Amen.

Luke 21:29-33 He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30 When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 “I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”
 
ONE of the Bible’s great controversies is Jesus’ saying, “This generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.” You’ll recall he has told his disciples of prophecies that included Jerusalem’s destruction, the disciples’ persecution, the Lord’s protection and his own return in power as the Son of Man. This last point in particular opens the door for many to claim Jesus was mistaken about “this generation will not pas away’. How do we defend Jesus’ words? After all, we are called to defend our Savior, aren’t we?
    “Generation” is defined three ways. The first is our understanding of a generation equating to 40 years. We have seen that many of Jesus’ warnings occurred in that generation.
    Second, “generation” can apply to the time of the church age – from the beginning of the church until Jesus comes. We must always be mindful that God’s eternal view. Be encouraged to know, despite its many challenges and detractors, the church will not pass away. Indeed, the church is God’s means to prepare mankind for the Son of Man’s return.
    Third, Jesus could have used “generation” to speak of the people who would be alive at the time of his return. This underscores the Lord’s urging to be on the watch, to be prepared. Each day we must live in anticipation of Christ. This is an urgent call, also, to prepare the next generation for the Son of Man. 
    Sometimes it can seem unfaithful to question the Lord’s words. Or we might say, “I don’t understand. I just have faith.” Yes, faith is the greatest thing. Knowledge, though, is needed to stand for Jesus. The disciples often yearned for greater understanding. They wanted the truth! When they came to fully understand Jesus, every ounce of their lives became focused on their risen Lord.
    We must be the same. Face your questions. Find the truth in Christ. Jesus made no mistakes. He is your Lord. He is the Living Word. Earnestly seek him. Fully follow him.
 
Prayer: Lord God, clear my mind of any doubts. Teach me your words. Help me to defend you and to serve you. Amen.

Luke 21:27-28 “At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
 
HERE Jesus points us to his own return. “Son of Man” is a term he often used to identify himself. He did so because the Jews would understand the reference from Daniel 7:13-14 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”
    “Son of man” here is one who represents mankind. He goes to the Ancient of Days – the eternal God – to receive his kingdom. This is the prophecy of Jesus, fully man, fully God, who would intercede to the Father for our sins. The Father now welcomes Jesus to his right hand. From there he will reign in power and glory over the earth. Here’s why God the Father will establish the kingdom unto the Son: Philippians 2:8-11 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus very knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
    Remember a few lessons back. As Jesus foretold Jerusalem’s destruction in Luke 21:6, the disciples wanted to know, “When will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?” (Luke 21:7) Jesus took some time to answer their question. Although he did not give specific dates – and in fact warned against those who did so – he gave to them and to us a picture of a sure future. We are not to be concerned for the future, but we are to be Jesus’ disciples as we prepare for it.
    God demonstrates throughout the Bible that he will tell his people of judgment and prosperity. He will give them signs to prepare them. And he will act in his time for his good purpose.
    Live in expectation and submission to God’s eternal future. He has told you. And he will make it real for you one day.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Eternal God, for your eternal plan of salvation. Thank you for the signs of the cross, the empty tomb and the ascension, so I can know you will come in glory. Amen.

Luke 21:25-26 “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.”
 
ONE challenge with interpreting Bible prophecy is to understand, “Do these words speak of the present, near future, future generations or eternal future?” The prophets of the Old Testament often intermingled these time frames. They declared God’s actions to happen immediately, in the next few years, centuries later or into the eternal future.
    In Luke 21, Jesus has been warning the disciples of hardships to come to them. Then he spoke of Jerusalem’s destruction. And here, many conclude, he prophesies into the distant future to speak of the end of time.
    But there is evidence that his words also relate to the near future of Jerusalem’s destruction. Noted and accepted historians who lived at that time, record actual disturbances in the heavens before Jerusalem fell. And why not? Astronomers often record unique displays of comets, meteor showers, eclipses and other natural happenings. Earthquakes, too, of various strength and power occur every day. Tidal waves can ravage an ocean coast at any time. Yes, God could have formed these natural signs to disclose his judgment was near to Jerusalem.
    Jesus clearly spoke of the city’s downfall. He warned the disciples of false teachers, persecution and family abandoning believers. He talked of many disciples being put to death. Nearly all the Twelve died violently. Plus, thousands of Christians were martyred by the evil Roman emperor Nero. If Jesus words are true about earthly signs, surely, he would speak of corresponding heavenly signs.
    God purposefully speaks to us. Yes, sometimes we must take care to know his words to understand him. But our understanding begins within the truth of the Holy Bible. If we look to his Word to see what God has done, we will be more attuned to what God is doing. Then to follow, we will gain a greater understanding to know what God will do.
    Listen to his words from the past, and you will see your life with him into your eternal future. Heed the signs on earth. Be aware of the signs in the heavens.
 
Prayer: Open my ears, Lord, to hear and believe your remarkable words pointing to my future with you. Amen

Luke 21:8-19 He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. 9 When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.” 10 Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13 This will result in your being witnesses to them. 14 But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 All men will hate you because of me. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By standing firm you will gain life.”
 
THE disciples have asked Jesus when Jerusalem would be destroyed as he prophesied in Luke 21:6. Jesus’ response is essentially a prophecy of the disciples’ lives until that day. He wants to turn their focus from an event most will not see, to instead, be prepared for the hardships they will experience.
    How would you respond to Jesus if you had stood before his very hard words that day? Would you respond, “I don’t want any part of this! Is there another way to the kingdom of God?” Perhaps the Savior’s prophecy of personal and national trouble stirred Judas’ doubting heart to betrayal.   
    A true disciple, though, would focus on Jesus spoke three assuring prophecies: 1) I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 2) But not a hair of your head will perish. 3) By standing firm you will gain life.
    True disciples keep their eyes not on suffering and sacrifice, but on Jesus’ promises. His blessed assurance points us beyond expected troubles to see into his love for those who faithfully follow him. In return, the Lord rewards faith with soul-changing wisdom, eternal protection and eternal life. The apostle Paul experienced such hardships and rewards. Hear his words of blessed assurance:
    Romans 8:37-39 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  
    Stand firm in the conflicts. Trust the Savior’s blessed assurance is for eternal life.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for your blessed assurance of salvation. Amen.
 
 

Luke 21:7 “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”
 
THE disciples have just heard Jesus unexpected prophecy of the temple’s destruction. Now they ask two very appropriate questions – “When?” and “What will be the sign?” Before we look at Jesus’ answer in the next verses, let’s consider the disciples questions for our own lives.
    We want to know the “When?” and “the signs” don’t we? When will a prayer be answered? When will a lost child come home? What are the signs a broken friendship will be restored? We look for signs of change, hoping to see people truly live into the gospel. We faithfully hope the Lord’s will is the same as our petitions to him.
    Jesus’ disciples are to act into the “When?” and “the signs” of the gospel. We are to love our neighbors as ourselves, intentional and urgent to warn, encourage and prepare lost souls for the “When?” of our Lord’s judgment. One day his coming will be “Now.”  People who love Jesus are eager to see the signs of his reign in the new heaven and earth.
    Eagerly, hopefully and with some fear we await Scripture’s grand prophecy: Revelation 3:11-13 “I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. 12 Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name.13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
     Also be mindful, amid the promise, of Jesus’ urgent parable about the bridegroom and ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13. There he describes “ten virgins” awaiting the bridegroom of the wedding. But five were unprepared for his coming and were shut out from the wedding. Jesus urgently teaches, Matthew 25:13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”
    The disciples were not told the date of Jerusalem’s destruction. Yet, it did happen. Likewise, we do not know the hour of Jesus’ coming. We know it will happen. Have ears, hearts and minds to be prepared for his kingdom come, his will to be done on earth. Otherwise, we will be shut out to hear those awful words, “I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.” (Matthew 25:12)
 
Prayer: Lord, make me urgent to be prepared and to prepare my neighbors for your coming again. In the Spirit’s power I seek you, amen.

Luke 21:5-6 Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, 6 “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.”
 
WHAT good is a good building? A good home protects a family. Products are produced in a sturdy factory. People learn in various classrooms. We build worship centers designed for God’s people to be unified in their approach to God. Good buildings can be places where people unite in a common cause. God is a builder. He had an ark, an altar, a tabernacle and then a temple built as places for his people to be safe and to worship him. He built a nation to gather his people together. He formed a cross to draw all men to his eternal goodness.
    Such was the spiritual power of the temple in Jesus’ Jerusalem. Despite their differences, the Jews had the temple in common. Poor and rich, learned and unschooled Jews could gather in that one supreme worship center.
    In response to perhaps seeing the temple for the first time, the disciples exclaimed their wonder, remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. Then Jesus moves their minds from the present into God’s future. He reminds them God has an eternal building plan as Jesus plainly prophesied the temple’s destruction. As we have written before, in 70 AD Rome burned and brought down all of Jerusalem. Even the giant stones of the temple mount became mere rocks. What can we say? Should we marvel at the good buildings that make our lives safe and strong? Or should we minimize such accomplishments? 
    We can answer this with the good Teacher’s gospel lessons. Jesus says all our learning and perspective on life begins when we “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33) As we regard all things in our lives that are good, including good, useful and beautiful buildings, we are to see them with an eye on God’s future building plan for our lives. When, for example, we look at our home, we should be mindful of the eternal home God has prepared for us. When we see his church, keep an eye on God’s future where all the church will worship him in the eternal New Heaven and earth.
    As we’ll see in the next lessons, Jesus prophesied destruction to his disciples to warn them, prepare them and spur them to their good work. Their mission was to get the world’s eyes of the world and focus on God’s future for our lives.
    Yes, we can and should enjoy life’s good things. Yet, Jesus’ disciples – that’s all who call Jesus, “Lord.” – are to have an eternal view. We must know our indestructible beauty is in God’s kingdom to come.
   
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for the many physical blessings you place into my hands. I pray I see them as a glimpse of your eternal provision for my life. In Jesus’ name I rejoice in your wonder. Amen.