Advent is rapidly coming to a close; I hope our brief review of Luke’s gospel is helping you to see a bigger picture of Christmas and how those early events set the scene for the rest of Jesus’ ministry. In chapter 21, Jesus warns his disciples that God’s plan for the world will one day also come to a close.
Have you watched the news lately? It sounds a lot like Luke 21! There are wars in Gaza and Ukraine. Earthquakes have destroyed homes in Indonesia, Central America, and even California. Famines in Sudan and Gaza have left children with empty bellies. Environmental issues have triggered dramatic changes in our weather. In chapter 21, Jesus points to the clues that would indicate that judgment would be coming.
Neither Jesus’ birth nor his return was an unexpected event. Gal. 4:4 tells us that “in the fulness of time, God sent his Son into the world to be born of a virgin.” Jesus existed long before the world was ever made. But “in the fulness of time”—at the time appointed by the Father—Jesus was sent to be born of Mary. And there is an appointed time when he will return to gather us into his presence.
We can have confidence when Jesus predicts future events…and we should be alert! Jesus reminds us in v. 13, “This will be your opportunity to tell them about me.”
