The Destruction of Jerusalem

20 “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies,(A) then recognize that its desolation(B) has come near. 21 Then those in Judea must flee(C) to the mountains!(D) Those inside the city[a] must leave it, and those who are in the country must not enter it, 22 because these are days of vengeance(E) to fulfill all the things that are written. 23 Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days,(F) for there will be great distress in the land[b] and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the edge of the sword(G) and be led captive into all the nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles[c](H) until the times of the Gentiles(I) are fulfilled.

The Coming of the Son of Man

25 “Then there will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars;(J) and there will be anguish on the earth among nations bewildered by the roaring sea and waves.(K) 26 People will faint from fear and expectation of the things that are coming on the world, because the celestial powers will be shaken.(L) 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud(M) with power and great glory.(N) 28 But when these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near!”(O)

The Parable of the Fig Tree

29 Then He told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 As soon as they put out leaves you can see for yourselves and recognize that summer is already near. 31 In the same way, when you see these things happening, recognize[d] that the kingdom of God is near. 32 I assure you: This generation will certainly not pass away until all things take place.(P) 33 Heaven and earth will pass away,(Q) but My words will never pass away.(R)

The Need for Watchfulness

34 “Be on your guard,(S) so that your minds are not dulled[e] from carousing,[f] drunkenness,(T) and worries of life,(U) or that day will come on you unexpectedly(V) 35 like a trap. For it will come on all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 But be alert at all times,(W) praying that you may have strength[g] to escape(X) all these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man.”

37 During(Y) the day, He was teaching in the temple complex,(Z) but in the evening He would go out and spend the night on what is called the Mount of Olives.(AA) 38 Then all the people would come early in the morning to hear Him in the temple complex.(AB)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Luke 21:21 Lit inside her
  2. Luke 21:23 Or the earth
  3. Luke 21:24 Or nations
  4. Luke 21:31 Or you know
  5. Luke 21:34 Lit your hearts are not weighed down
  6. Luke 21:34 Or hangovers
  7. Luke 21:36 Other mss read you may be counted worthy

Bible Gateway Recommends