26th Sunday After Pentecost

Twenty-Sixth Sunday After Pentecost (Series C)
November 13^th, 2016

Gospel: Luke 21:5–28 (29–36)
Epistle: 2 Thessalonians 3:(1–5) 6–13
Lesson: Malachi 4:1–6
Psalm: Psalm 98

CLB Commentary – Prof. Brad Pribbenow

The Sermon Studies on the Gospels (ILCW Series C)¹ provides a very helpful outline of this fuller pericope text (Lk 21:5–36). They note the similarities of Jesus’ description of the end times in Luke 21 with what is found in Matthew 24 and Mark 13:

The question which sparks this teaching on the end times is found in Lk 21:7, “Teacher, when therefore will these things happen? And what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” The disciples (identified in Mark’s Gospel [Mk 13:3] as Peter, James, John and Andrew) aren’t necessarily asking for an answer to the exact date or time the end will come. Rather they seem to be saying, “We believe what you are saying–that the end is coming. How can we be sure we don’t miss it?”

Jesus shows that he understands the tempestuous nature of the days that are coming. In vs. 8 he expresses his concern for his disciples, that they not be confused, troubled, or (worse) swept away in doubt or error. Sadly, many have been swept away over the centuries, and it continues to happen even today. Why is this? Why are we so easily misled in these matters? Answering this question may call for some deeper reflection on your part as you seek to provide an answer in a way that applies to your congregation. But let me suggest this: we, as humans, have an insatiable desire to be informed. We want to know what will happen and when. This type of knowledge gives us a sense of control and power that we so desperately thirst after. But doesn’t this desire for control also demonstrate our concurrent propensity toward idolatry? We are bent inward on ourselves. And, when all around us seems to be in utter chaos (read vs. 8-26 again!) what we want more than anything else is a sense of control, stability, and assurance. We want it so badly that we’ll follow after anyone who says what we want to hear (2 Tim 4:3-4). We replace the sure word and promise of God for the word of men. I believe this is the Law/malady/fallen condition spoken of in this text.

Jesus does not leave us in this foreboding state, however, but speaks a reassuring word to us: “do not be terrified” (vs. 9). “Straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (vs. 28)!

The events Jesus describes in vs. 8-24 have taken place in various ways. Many of these events (esp. vs. 8-18) continue to occur today. Thus it is good and right for us to be prepared for them. The promise Jesus gives in vs. 14-15 should speak courage into our hearts. Yet it does not mean that oppressed Christians will always find immediate vindication and release from their oppressors (note: we must also caution our hearers about applying this promise to cultural or political battles). What all this does mean is that, ultimately, Jesus wins. And he wins in the way he always wins—through suffering and the cross. “Despite all his good testimony Jesus himself was crucified.” ² And yet it is through this apparent failure—the cross and the grave—that Jesus demonstrates the definitive power and victory of his reign (Kingdom) over all that would oppose it (Isa 53:4-12; Phil 2:6-11)!

Ultimately, the answer to the question posed at the start of this text—We believe the end is coming. How can we be sure we don’t miss it?—is answered in Jesus. Our rescue has come in Jesus. Our redemption from sin is here! He is offering it to us today! And he is bringing a true and lasting rescue from all suffering and tribulation. It is soon coming! Repent and believe in Jesus Christ for salvation. He is the only true and firm foundation—both for these troubling times and for eternity!