Comment: Jesus is obviously here talking about future events. The question (v4) asked by the disciples was almost certainly related to Jesus’ statement about the destruction of the physical temple which they were admiring. Jesus’ answer is much wider! I think that there has been much division caused between Christians and confusion in unbelievers because individuals have tried to date things and prophesy ‘the date on which the world will end’! Nevertheless what Jesus said is ‘True Truth’.
1 And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” 2 And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” – This is in the past. The Romans destroyed the temple in AD 70.
3 And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” – The answer which follows is given to a specific question but which ranges much more widely, and begins with the following warning! 5 And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. 6 Many will come in my name, saying, I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. 7 And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains. – the warning mixed with a foretelling of the future.
9 “But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. – An answer is given for the immediate future for those asking the question and referred to many who have followed Jesus since – and is also relevant for our day! Remember that all of the apostles except perhaps John were martyred! And still today many lose their lives in different countries because of their faith in Jesus. 10 And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. 11 And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12 And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. 13 And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. – The gospel is promised to be preached to all nations! The Holy Spirit is to give the persecuted help with the answers they are to give their persecutors. (Answers which their persecutors don’t always hear, but God does!) Sadly often the division is within families. Faithfulness until the end is underlined!
Luke 6: 27-29 – “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either.“
Prayer: It doesn’t seem an easy path, Jesus. Give me the strength to be true to You. You, who have given and gives to me so much!
As I read it! 