The Gospel of Luke: Jesus is for everyone – Jesus’ prophesy and promises in times of turmoil and trouble

Luke 21:5-19

1. Jesus’ shocking prophecy (vs 5-7) – It was inconceivable to the Jews for their temple to be destroyed or for God to allow this to happen. Everything in Jewish society revolved around the temple. The stones of the temple were huge. How could not one stone be left upon another? When Jesus prophecies something it is guaranteed to be forfilled. Jesus was telling His followers here how to live before these prophecies would be forfilled in 70AD. We today are living in a time of waiting for Jesus’ return. There will be a coming Day of Judgement. Jesus’ teachings here are relative to us today as we await His return. We have the Holy Spirit living within us. We need to be listening to His voice in our lives.
2. Jesus’ instructions in the waiting time:
   1. Do not be deceived (vs 8) – Jesus said there would be false prophets, false teachers and false Messiahs.
   2. Do not be frightened (vs 9-11) – Put your faith in Jesus in frightening times. Be still and knows that He is God (Psalm 46). Jesus is the answer to all our anxiety. Jesus gave further prophecies in verses 12-17. Jesus is not shocked by what happens in the world.
   3. Do not worry (vs 14) – Be determined not to worry. Worry is an epidemic in our society today. What do you worry about? We are called to be warriors not worriers! Persecution is an opportunity for witness and evangelism.
3. Jesus’ promises in the waiting times:
   1. I will give you words and wisdom (vs 15) – We see this in Acts 3-4 where Peter and John were given words of wisdom and the authorities took note that they had been with Jesus.
   2. I will protect you and you will win life (vs 17-19) – God promises to protect us and to reward us in eternity. We have the hope of resurrection. We are not called to live our best life now. We are on a journey to live in heaven forever. We should not seek to be persecuted, but we should be living radical Christian lives. We should be daring to be different and swimming against the tide of society.