Luke 21

The Widow’s Offering

1 Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box.

2 He also saw a poor widow put in two small coins.

3 He said, “I am telling you the truth, this poor widow gave more than all of them.

4 They all gave out of their extra, but she, out of her poverty, put in everything she had to live on.”

The Destruction of the Temple Foretold

5 Some people were talking about the temple, how it was decorated with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said,

6 “As for what you are looking at, the time is coming when not one stone will be left on another, it will all be torn down.”

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

8 He said, “Watch out that you are not deceived. Many will come in My name saying, ‘I am He,’ and ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.

9 When you hear about wars and unrest, do not be afraid, these things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”

10 Then He said, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

11 There will be great earthquakes, famines, and plagues in different 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 hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of My name.

13 This will be your chance to testify.

14 So make up your mind not to worry beforehand about how you will defend yourselves.

15 I will give you words and wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to stand against or argue with.

16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and some of you will be put to death.

17 Everyone will hate you because of Me.

18 But not a hair of your head will perish.

19 By standing firm, you will gain your life.”

The Destruction of Jerusalem Foretold

20 “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that its destruction is near.

21 Then those in Judea should run to the mountains, those in the city should get out, and those in the country should stay out of it.

22 These are the days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written.

23 Woe to those who are pregnant or nursing babies in those days, there will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people.

24 They will fall by the sword and be taken as prisoners to all nations. Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles until their time is fulfilled.”

The Coming of the Son of Man

25 “There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. On the earth, nations will be in distress, confused by the roaring of the sea and waves.

26 People will faint from fear, expecting what is coming on the world, because the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

28 When these things start happening, stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is getting close.”

The Parable of the Fig Tree

29 He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees.

30 When they sprout leaves, you see it and know summer is near.

31 In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near.

32 I am telling you the truth, this generation will not pass away until all these things have happened.

33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.”

Be Watchful

34 “Be careful, or your hearts will get weighed down with distractions, drunkenness, and the worries of life, and that day will come on you suddenly like a trap.

35 It will come on everyone living on the face of the whole earth.

36 Stay alert at all times, praying that you will have strength to escape everything that is about to happen and to stand before the Son of Man.”

37 Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening He went out to spend the night on the Mount of Olives.

38 And all the people came early in the morning to hear Him at the temple.