Luke 21:5-24
When the Temple Will Fall
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5As some of the disciples were remarking how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and consecrated gifts, Jesus said,
6“As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”
7“Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”
8Jesus answered, “See to it 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.
9When you hear of wars and rebellions, do not be alarmed. These things must happen first, but the end is not imminent.”
10Then He told them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
11There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places, along with fearful sights and great signs from heaven.
12But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. On account of My name they will deliver you to the synagogues and prisons, and they will bring you before kings and governors.
13This will be your opportunity to serve as witnesses.
14So make up your mind not to worry beforehand how to defend yourselves.
15For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.
16You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you will be put to death.
17And you will be hated by everyone because of My name.
18Yet not even a hair of your head will perish.
19By your patient endurance you will gain your souls.
20But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that her desolation is near.
21Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country stay out of the city.
22For these are the days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written.
23How miserable those days will be for pregnant and nursing mothers! For there will be great distress upon the land and wrath against this people.
24They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive into all the nations. And Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
Some people speak about the temple, how it is adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God. Jesus says the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another.
They ask when this will happen and what sign will show that it is about to take place. Jesus warns them not to be led astray by people claiming to be the Christ or saying the time is near. Wars, tumults, earthquakes, famines, and pestilences will occur, but the end will not come immediately.
Before these things, the disciples will be seized, persecuted, handed over to synagogues and prisons, and brought before kings and governors because of Jesus' name. Their suffering will become an opportunity to bear witness. Jesus promises wisdom that their opponents will not be able to withstand.
They will be betrayed even by parents, siblings, relatives, and friends, and some will be put to death. Yet Jesus also says that not a hair of their heads will perish and calls them to patient endurance. Because he has just warned that some will die, this cannot mean that none will be physically harmed. His keeping reaches beyond what their persecutors can do.
When Jerusalem is surrounded by armies, those in Judea must flee to the mountains, those inside must leave, and those outside must stay out. Jesus warns of terrible suffering for pregnant and nursing mothers, death by the sword, and captivity. The city’s religious importance will not shield it from judgment. His disciples must heed his warning rather than trust the stones they have been admiring.
Questions
1 What does Jesus say will happen to the temple?
AnswerNot one stone will remain upon another. The magnificent building will be thrown down despite its beauty and religious importance.
2 What warnings does Jesus give about the future?
AnswerHe warns about deceivers, wars, earthquakes, famines, pestilences, and persecution. These signs do not authorize date-setting or panic.
3 What can persecution become?
AnswerIt can become an opportunity to bear witness. Jesus promises wisdom for speaking when disciples are brought before authorities.
4 What should disciples do when Jerusalem is surrounded?
AnswerThey should recognize its desolation and flee. Faithfulness does not require people to remain in preventable danger to prove courage.
What This Means for Us
Jesus refuses to let beautiful buildings or confident predictions become the center of faith. Structures can fall, and religious voices can mislead; His disciples must remain alert to Him.
The promise of God's keeping does not mean believers avoid every injury. It means persecution cannot finally destroy their belonging to God. Families can prepare for hardship with truth, courage, and practical wisdom rather than sensational fear.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, protect us from deception and panic. Give our household courage to witness under pressure, wisdom to make safe decisions, and confidence that no suffering can remove us from Your keeping. Amen.