Prepare for Sunday

November 1, 2026

This week we will continue our journey through Luke's history of Jesus. In chapter 21:20-28, Jesus is standing with his disciples on the Mount of Olives, which is facing the Temple Mount with a valley between them.

20 “When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. 22 For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. 23 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
25 “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

The New International Version (Lk 21:20–28). (2011). Zondervan.

A passage like this is hard to grasp, and so it is tempting to read past it. But Jesus thought it was important for his first disciples, and Luke thought it was important to record for every generation of disciple. Why? Verse 28 is our clue. We do not need to fear the chaos of judgment if our hope is in Jesus. We can stand up and lift our heads.