The Judean Ministry at Various Cities (18.1-24.53), 21.10-28

When we left off last time, Jesus had just predicted the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple, which occurred about 30 years later in 70 AD. He’s not done telling the disciples about the future however, and continues his monologue in verses 10 through 28. Jesus mentions in passing that there will be world wars, natural disasters and supernatural judgments, but before that comes to pass they will each endure persecution at the hands of their countrymen. The disciples were to expect arrest, trials before governors and kings, imprisonment and worse all because they identified with Messiah.

My favorite translation, and the one we quote from exclusively here at Think-Biblically.com, translates verse 13 as: “This will be a time for you to serve as witnesses.” Not a bad translation as it goes, however with all the supernatural movies and TV shows lately defining “witnesses” as the two men who appear during the tribulation period, and since this passage is about future events, it could be misunderstood as the disciples would serve in this capacity at that time. This is not the case. A better translation in this case comes from the NASB, “It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony.” The intended idea is that due to their persecution the disciples will have an opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus in meaningful ways.

The 12 may have been inclined at this point to start thinking of their defense strategy, but Jesus tells them not to bother. Instead they were to lean upon the Holy Spirit, who would provide them answers that would be more compelling than any defense. So great would their testimony be that their accusers would be shamed. This would not result in a catapulting popularity, however, and instead would lead them to be betrayed by friends and family. Jesus warns them, “You will be hated by all men because of my name.” Just like the first disciples, we too should expect the world’s hatred. The Messiah doesn’t leave them on this discouraging note, explaining that they belong to God and that, as long as they remain faithful (endure) they will be preserved for eternal life.

These persecutions are not to distract the disciples from understanding the times. Getting back the the destruction of the temple, it will happen when Jerusalem is besieged by her enemies to suffer a judgment from God. They had better be far from the city before that time occurs, as the city will become a ruin and the Israelites led away into captivity yet again until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. While we do not know when that time will end, it will in fact do so and Israel will once again play a pivotal role in world affairs and God’s plan.

Many believe this prophecy was fulfilled in 1948 when Israel once again became a nation. While this could be true, it could also be that Israel will once again suffer a defeat and the times of the Gentiles continue. Until that happens, however, we should continue to watch for other signs to be fulfilled. What signs? Jesus continues teaching the disciples (and us) to know what to look for, starting in verse 25. The first signs are astrological. When God sends a sign to Gentile nations he does so through the sun; when he wants to send a message to Israel, he does so through the moon. A great resource on these distinctions is the book Blood Moons, by Mark Biltz. While he details the possible meaning of the four blood moons in 2014 and 2015, his analysis applies universally to such signs.

The second sign is nations in distress. The nations are in distress over environmental factors, such as rising seas. Sound familiar? The current Climate Change debate matches up quite well. Fear of an impending environmental catastrophe will cause people to faint. The third sign will be spiritual shake-up in the heavenly realms. This is not an astrological sign as previously discussed, but rather a spiritual conflict or uprising – possibly an increase in demonic activity on the earth. These signs all lead up to one event: The second coming. While the rest of the world is in terror, we should raise our heads in hopeful anticipation for our Messiah is coming to rescue us.