On Line Bible Study - For the Week August 15-21, 2011

Lesson 506

Luke 21: ⁵ 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.”

⁷ “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”

⁸ 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 uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”

The apocalyptic passages in the Bible are among the most challenging to interpret. In the three synoptic gospels - Mark, Matthew and Luke - the material is introduced with the disciples admiring the Temple in all its glory. Jesus' teaching on the 'end times' has as its prelude the admiration of a historic monument laden with tradition.

What is the history behind these passages? There are several possible tributaries that contribute to the main river of apocalyptic in the Gospels:

1. Jewish apocalyptic thought.
2. St. Paul. (Some of the writings attributed to Paul precede the gospels in terms of their date of authorship.)
3. The early Christian Church - the hope that Christ would soon return.
4. Jesus himself. Scholars debate which of these texts in the gospels are quotes taken from the mouth of Jesus and which get reinterpreted and placed on the lips of Jesus as a result of First Century Christianity's persecuted status and hopes for a better day.
   

Let's think about this section in several ways. (You can read all of Luke 21 by clicking here .)

First, consider the pride exhibited by the disciples as they direct Jesus' attention to the glory of the Temple. As Hurricane Irene hit the state, Vermonters watched as storied and historic bridges that had stood for generations like sentries were suddenly washed away. Given the magnificence of the Temple, how could it be that "not one stone will be left upon another..."?

The Temple represents stability, and stability is something of a hallmark of religion. However, Jesus points to an 'end time', a new time - a time worth waiting for and watching for.

Watch ... As stabilizing as it can be, religion can also be misleading. People will attempt to point to various "signs" as harbingers of the 'end times'. Don't be fooled, counsels Christ. Much will happen, including the destruction of the Temple and the fall of Jerusalem. Watch at all times, says Jesus in verse 36.

Fear ... Do not be frightened, says Jesus. Religion leads to security (which is not always the same thing as stability). As Jesus comes to the conclusion of his teaching he posits himself as the one who is trustworthy. Even in the midst of persecution and all the cares of this world, as people watching for the 'end times', the followers of Jesus need not be afraid.

This is our last study on Luke's Gospel. As with Matthew and Mark, we will stop here and wait to cover the passion and crucifixion as a single unit. Our next study will take us into the Gospel of John.