This week we
will continue to study the Gospel of Luke.
(1) These messengers from the religious leaders gave a rather detailed description of the character of Jesus. Examine yourself in light of Jesus’ character and reflect on how you may imitate Jesus in the following ways:
a. Speaking and teaching what is right
b. Not showing partiality
c. Teaching the way of God in accordance with the truth
(2) If these religious leaders could describe Jesus as such, why then did they not believe in Him?
(3) Why would they think that such a question or issue might give them the excuse to hand Jesus over to the authorities (meaning the Roman government)? Did they not expect their Messiah to overturn the Roman Government?
(4) Without reading Jesus’ reply, come up with your own reply to their question about “Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar?” (Remember, like most Caesars who were ruthless and violent, Tiberius who was the Caesar in Jesus’ time, was also slothful, self-indulgent, hypocritical and greatly despised by historians, not to mention being a foreign occupying ruler of the Jews.)
(5) If the “image” on the coin confers authority to Caesar, what “image” confers God’s authority on earth?
(6) Since what belongs to Caesar really belongs to God, how does Jesus’ reply speak to our relationship with the government of our land? (Refer to Dan. 2:21 and Rom. 13:1.)
(7) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?
“Then give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” (Lk. 20:25)
Jesus wisely sidestepped the trap set by the Pharisees who allied with their enemies, the Herodians, in order to trap their common enemy, Jesus. (Matt. 22:15-22) In His famous declaration: “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s”, He used the portrait on the Roman denarius to make His point. In essence, He was saying that the image on the coin confers authority to Caesar. The question I can’t help but ask is, “What image confers God’s authority on this earth then?”The Sadducees are believed to be a priestly class that elevated the Law of Moses above all other OT scriptures, and since the Law of Moses does not touch on the resurrection, they “say there is no resurrection” (See COBTAEL, Vol. IX, 236)
(1) Read 2 Timothy 3:16. What might be the danger of elevating one book of the Bible over the rest, and in the case of the Sadducees, how do they suffer spiritually by their denial of the resurrection?
(2) Do the Sadducees really want to know the truth or are they simply trying to prove their point?
(3) Do you detect a similar attitude in you at times?
(4) The Sadducees are quoting from Deuteronomy 25:5-10. What is the intention of the Law of Moses in this respect?
(5) In their opinion, why would such a case (which is probably hypothetical) make “resurrection” improbable?
(6) What kinds of mistake did they make? (See Jesus’ comment in Mk. 12:24.)
(7) Reflect on Jesus’ words in vv. 34-36:
a. What is the difference between this age and the age to come?
b. Who are worthy to be part of the age to come?
c. Do you belong to the age to come? How then should you live out this reality? (See Col. 3:1-4)
(8) Let’s learn from Jesus’ interpretation of Exodus 3:6. What is the context of this statement? What is the main purpose of this statement by God? How does Jesus interpret it?
(9) How does Jesus’ interpretation of the Scriptures differ from that of the Sadducees?
(10) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?
“(A)nd they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection.” (Lk. 20:36)
I like the analogy used by Rev. David Ng in explaining this life and the next. He said it was like a play in the theatre. As we play our parts in a play, as sons, daughters, mothers, fathers and spouses, as good and faithful actors, we would not just play our parts, but would immerse ourselves in the characters. As a result, the laughters are heart-felt, the tears are real and the struggles are emotional. Without such identification with the characters in the play, we cannot be faithful actors, good actors. But once we come off the stage, if we still harbor the hatred, the hurt and struggles, it would be foolish. If we still cling to the filial relations it would be laughable. It is how it is with this earthly life, as Paul puts it, “We are a theatron” (1 Co. 4:9).(1) In silencing the Sadducees over their challenge against resurrection, Jesus surprisingly received the commendation of the teachers of the law. Do you know why these scribes who intended to arrest Him (20:19) would commend Jesus for a change?
(2) However, Jesus now turned His rebuke against these scribes as well. How then did Jesus show them the truth of what they said of Him in v. 21?
(3) According to Mark 12:35, it was the scribes who taught that “Christ is the son of David”. Now Jesus appeared to be challenging them with the words of David in Psalm 110:1.
a. Based on common sense, if someone is called the son of David, must he then be a human being?
b. But if David is to call him, Lord, who then can this person be?
c. What then is Jesus trying to clarify to them?
d. If they choose to be the enemies of Jesus, what would be the outcome according to this Psalm?
(4) V. 45 is an interesting verse in that Jesus was addressing the disciples "while all the people were listening" and that group included the teachers of the law. Why didn’t Jesus address the teachers of the law directly?
(5) As “teachers” of the law, what had been entrusted to them? What might be their equivalent in today’s church?
(6) Reflect on the following instances of conduct of the teachers of the law. Describe each one with respect to:
(i) Why would they do it
(ii) What
kind of sin was involved
(iii) What might be the equivalent in today’s church
a. Walking around in flowing robes
b. Loving greetings in the marketplaces
c. Having the most important seats in the synagogues
d. Having the places of honor at banquets
(7) It appears that because of the spiritual status they commanded, they were entrusted with the care of the widow’s estate and often the invocation prayers at certain occasions:
a. The teachers of the law "devour widows’ houses". Did they know that this was, in fact, an open secret?
b. Why did they think that their prayers had to be lengthy?
c. What would be the result of their deeds?
(8) As Jesus was addressing His disciples, in what aspect(s) might you likely sin like the teachers of the law?
(9) What is the main message to you today and how can you apply it to your life?
Note:
In the Maccabean period the scribes were prominent leaders of society; they were now an institution. “Scribe” became a title for a learned guardian of the Law. According to Ben Sira, a scribe was also a wise man who had comprehensive knowledge.
“How is it that they say the Christ is the Son of David?” (Lk. 20:41)
In chapter 20, Luke focuses on the tense exchange between Jesus and the teachers of the law. The latter were supposed to be experts of the law and, by virtue of their status in the community, they thought they should command the respect and the following of the people. Therefore, their hatred towards Jesus was partly fueled by jealousy because Jesus preached with such power that none of them could equal, and also because of His claim to be the Son of God.
Interestingly, when their long-time rivals, the Sadducees were completely silenced by Jesus over the issue of the resurrection, some of them could not help but express their appreciation of Jesus’ insight, “Well said, teacher!” (Lk. 20:39). What followed immediately appeared to be Jesus’ continuous attack on these teachers of the law with His question of what David said of the Messiah (i.e. the Christ) in Psalm 110:1 and His direct and harsh rebuke of them in 20:45-47.
However, I believe that Jesus was really giving those who began to set aside their jealousy a chance to also come to understand who He is.
These scribes saw the Messiah only as David’s son — great and mighty, but only human. However, they failed to see His deity which is so plain in these words in Psalm 110:1. If David addresses the Messiah as his “Lord”, the Messiah has to be none other than God, and that is who Jesus is!
However, for the teachers of the law to be saved, they not only had to recognize Jesus as the Messiah-God, but they had to repent from their sins as well — of their pride, their love to be honored by people, their stealing from widows and their religious phoniness.
I think there is certainly a parallel today in that many, who profess Jesus as the Christ and even their personal Savior, have clung to their pride, their love to be honored, unethical behavior or their phony piety. Just like the scribes, I believe, “such men (if they do not repent) will be punished most severely”. (Lk. 20:47)
21:1-4–The Widow’s Mites
(1) In general, our tithing
to the Lord, should come out of a recognition that:
Which do you think represents the heart of the widow? (Note that the temple did provide something like a soup kitchen for the poor, but would it then diminish the action of the widow?)
(2) Why was her offering so special to Jesus?
(3) How should the widow’s offering affect your offering?
(4) If you were responsible for the counting of the weekly offering in the church, how does this story change your attitude toward counting of small change?
21:5-7–The magnificent temple
(5) The disciples heard Jesus’ prophecy about the temple back in 19:44, so what did their remark here mean? (See Mk. 13:1 for details of their remark.)
(6) What was Jesus’ immediate reply?
(7) What did the disciples understand as the significance of the destruction of the temple? (Read Matt. 24:3 as well to see to what did they relate this event to.)
(8) Given the understanding of these disciples, did the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by Titus in AD 70 represent the fulfillment of this prophecy? Why or why not?
(9) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?
Note:
With the help of King Herod, the temple at Jesus’ time was still under major restoration. Though it might not be as imposing as the first temple, it was adorned by marble columns that were 40 feet high. In addition to these beautiful stones, there were other decorations like the golden vine at the entrance portal which had branches as tall as a man. (Josephus, Ant.)
“'Teacher', they asked, 'when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?'” (Lk. 21:7)
Jesus once again prophesied about the destruction of the temple (the first time was in Lk. 19:44). According to Matthew, the disciples immediately associated this prophecy with the return of Jesus and asked, “When will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and the end of the age?” (Matt. 24:3).
Judging from their question, I cannot help but sense that they were more curious of His coming and its sign than they were longing to see Him again. I suspect that might be our attitude today as well. I am deeply touched by Watchman Nee’s intense desire to see the Lord again which was expressed in some of his writings, and especially in the song, part of which I quoted in this week’s Invocation Prayer. Allow me to share with you the lyrics of the entire song (my own translation) and let’s examine our hearts to see if we too, have such an intense desire for His coming:
1
Since your departure from the Mount of Olive, you have yet to call us. Through the long years we have longed to see you, you seem not to have heard our prayers.2
Beloved Lord, since the year you ascended to heaven, everything here has become tasteless and dry; often in prayers, often in watching, and in every movement, we think of your return.3
The scenery is beautiful, but when will we gather again? Nature is wonderful, but where are you now? The birds and flowers do not appeal to me, because I am thinking of the light of your countenance.4
Lord, our long wait has made us impatient, we do not know how long it will take; every sunrise and every sunset, we long for your imminent return.5
On every rainy day, at every surge of the wave, every blow of the wind and every beam of the moon, we wish that you had come; yet alas you have not!6
If not for the parting command you have given, we would have given up in despair; but you desire that we keep serving faithfully and live for you while we wait.7
O Lord, remember that the days have been lengthened, your promise has remained unfulfilled for many years. We hope and hope and are endlessly hoping that you will come. Will you come even today?
(Watchman Nee, 1903-1972)
(1) Matthew adds that the disciples were relating the destruction of the temple also to Jesus’ second coming and the end of the age. (24:3) In light of this, what was Jesus’ immediate reply as they asked for signs? Why?
(2) Jesus said many would come in His name and say, “I am he.” (21:8)
a. In the last 2,000 years, do you know whether there have been those who claimed that they were Christ?
b. Why did people believe in them and follow them?
c. How do we know that they were not Christ?
(3) After this warning, Jesus did give us signs leading up to “the end”. The first one is about wars:
a. Why should we not be frightened by the news of wars and revolutions? Would you?
b. How do “wars and revolutions” differ from “Nation ris(ing) against nation, and kingdoms against kingdom”?
c. If you lived during the time of WWI or WWII, how might you interpret your time? What is the lesson we can learn from the two World Wars concerning this prophecy of the signs of “the end”?
d. How then should you face the news of wars?
(4) Apart from the sign of warfare, Jesus gave signs concerning (i) earthquakes, (ii) famines, (iii) and pestilences.
a. What marks the earthquakes of “the end” from normal times?
b. Are you alarmed by the news of an earthquake? (Go to sites like www.emsc-csem.org and get an idea of how widespread earthquakes are on a daily basis. You will be amazed.)
c. What marks the famines and pestilences of “the end” from normal times?
d. Compared to earthquakes, do famines and pestilences make much impact today?
(5) In addition to warfare, earthquakes, famines and pestilences, there will be signs from heaven:
a. How unusual will they be? (See v. 25 as well.)
b. Have we seen any such signs yet?
(6) So, judging from all of the above, which signs have already happened, which signs are imminent and which signs have yet to occur?
(7) Is the Lord’s coming near? Why or why not?
(8) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?
"He replied: 'Watch out that you are not deceived'.” (Luke 21:8)
It is interesting to read that the disciples were so captivated by the “end-time”. It is true that Jesus was making a very alarming statement about the destruction of the temple, but the disciples immediately thought of “the signs” of His coming and “the end of the age” (Matt. 24:3).
This explains why so many Christians are caught up with and are running around to hear the latest expositions of the “end-time”. However, it is important to note that Jesus’ immediate concern and reply about the “end-time” is, “Watch out that no one deceives you”.
Within our generation, we have already witnessed irresponsible expositions about the end-time by preachers who ended up with eggs on their face — the prediction concerning the European Union (which by now has grown far beyond ten nations), and the pinpointing of Henry Kissinger as the Anti-Christ are prime examples.
While such expositions had their following at the time is understandable, but the following of some of the cult-leaders as Christ is certainly baffling. Doesn’t Jesus ask us to watch out, because “many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he’” (Lk. 21:8)? Amazingly, Jesus also predicts that these false Christs “will deceive many” (Mk. 13:6).
We can’t help but ask, “Why are people so gullible?” I guess the answer is not that hard to understand:
(1) Some of these gullible believers are not really born again: If they are not truly born again, we cannot expect them to have any spiritual discernment.
(2) Some of these gullible believers are attracted to following charismatic leaders: They base their belief on a person, rather than God Himself, and this results in blind submission and belief. These lead ultimately to the shipwreck of their faith as their leaders are eventually revealed as who they really are.
(3) Some of these gullible believers approach faith in God only through their emotions and feelings, and not on a sober-minded faith that grounds itself on the Word of God. As long as the services, the teachings and their faith community can satisfy their emotional needs, they could not care less about what the gospel truth is.
(4) They are never taught to study and understand the Bible on their own. Like spiritual babies, they have never learned to eat solid food, and as a result they fail to “have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:14)
In response to the request of the disciples, Jesus told them signs that would lead to “the end”. Now, He turned His attention to something that would be more immediate. With these words, “But before all this”, their focus should be on the following:
(1) The first focus is about the persecution of believers. Although the immediate setting was in the “synagogues”, it would spread beyond there (v. 12).
a. What will these persecutions “result in”?
b. V. 16 points out that persecutions will extend to our families. Have you experienced or know of someone who experienced persecution at home?
c. There is a report that there are more martyrs in the last century than any time in the history of Christianity. Name five countries that you know are persecuting believers today. Pray for them now (if you have access to the internet, take time to visit www.persecution.org today).
(2) How would you reconcile these two statements?
a. V. 16: “They will put some of you to death."
b. V. 18: “But not a hair of your head will perish.”
(3) How then should we face persecutions? (See also vv. 14-15)
(4) The second focus is on Jerusalem, in particular. Read today’s Meditative Reflection together with vv. 20-24:
a. How does the historical event of AD 70 help you understand this prophecy, in terms of:
- Its severity (v. 23 in particular)
- Being a punishment for their sins (v. 22)
- Its total destruction (v. 20)
b. Do you think the event of AD 70 totally fulfilled Jesus’ words? Why or why not? (See Zech. 14:1-3 as well.)
(5) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?
“When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near.” (Lk. 21:20)
The prophecy by Jesus of the destruction of the temple was accurately fulfilled in 70 A.D., although such a fulfillment did not extend to what the disciples had in mind at the time, i.e. the second coming of Jesus and the end of the age (Matt. 24:3). Allow me to share with you the historical event of the temple’s destruction.
The Siege of Jerusalem in the year 70 A.D. was the decisive event of the First Jewish-Roman War. The Roman army, led by the future Emperor Titus, with Tiberius Julius Alexander as his second-in-command, besieged and conquered the city of Jerusalem, which had been occupied by its Jewish defenders in 66A.D.
The siege ended with the sacking of the city and the destruction of its famous Second Temple. The destruction of both the first and second temples is still mourned annually as the Jewish fast Tisha B'Av.
As the Romans slowly crushed the revolt in outlying areas, refugees flooded into Jerusalem for the climactic battle of the war. The Jews inside the city were torn by internal dissent, with various rebel groups vying for control. There was horrendous loss of life, and conditions worsened as the Romans laid siege to Jerusalem in the spring of A.D. 70. Titus’ troops took the outer wall around May and captured the strategic Fortress of Antonia. The destruction of the temple was imminent, but many of the Jewish defenders likely believed that God would defend them and His temple at the last. Nonetheless, at the end of August, the Romans successfully attacked the temple, setting fire to its gate and overwhelming its defenders. With the sanctuary fallen, the Jews lost hope and carnage ensued.
Josephus had acted as a mediator for the Romans and, when negotiations failed, he witnessed the siege and the aftermath. Here is what he wrote about the incident:
“While the holy house was on fire, everything was plundered that came to hand, and ten thousand of those that were caught were slain; nor was there a commiseration of any age, or any reverence of gravity, but children, and old men, and profane persons, and priests were all slain in the same manner; so that this war went round all sorts of men, and brought them to destruction, and as well those that made supplication for their lives, as those that defended themselves by fighting. The flame was also carried a long way, and made an echo, together with the groans of those that were slain; and because this hill was high, and the works at the temple were very great, one would have thought the whole city had been on fire. Nor can one imagine anything either greater or more terrible than this noise; for there was at once a shout of the Roman legions, who were marching all together, and a sad clamor of the seditious, who were now surrounded with fire and sword. The people also that were left above were beaten back upon the enemy, and under a great consternation, and made sad moans at the calamity they were under; the multitude also that was in the city joined in this outcry with those that were upon the hill. And besides, many of those that were worn away by the famine, and their mouths almost closed, when they saw the fire of the holy house, they exerted their utmost strength, and brake out into groans and outcries again…the blood was larger in quantity than the fire, and those that were slain more in number than those that slew them; for the ground did nowhere appear visible, for the dead bodies that lay on it; but the soldiers went over heaps of those bodies, as they ran upon such as fled from them…”
(Excerpt from Josephus, Wars 6.5.1)
All this happened according to the prophecy of our Lord Jesus: “They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” (Lk. 19:44)
(1) Jesus ended His response about the signs of “the end” with signs from heaven which are elaborated in Mark 13:24-25 (and also foretold in Isa. 13:6-10; 34:4). Consider them together and answer the following questions:
a. What will happen to the sun?
b. What will happen to the moon?
c. What will happen to the stars and heavenly bodies?
d. What will happen to the sea?
e. What will be their impact on the people of the world?
(2) How different will these signs be from the previously mentioned sign?
(3) What will happen at the time of these signs?
(4) How will Jesus return? (Also see Dan. 7:13-14; Acts 1:9, 11)
a. What impact will it have on the people of the world?
b. What will it be like for believers?
(5) “When these
things begin to take place” (v.28)
a. Take a look at the signs foretold from v. 10 onwards and list those signs that have already begun to take place.
b. Using the fig tree and all the trees as an analogy, how close is summer (i.e. the Lord’s return) as far as you are concerned?
c. What then should you do according to v. 28? What is meant by to “stand up” and to “lift up your head”? What is its opposite?
(6) “I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away, until all these things have happened” (v.32). In order to understand this statement, it may be helpful to turn to Luke 17:22-25.
a. According to Jesus, would His disciples get to see His coming during their lifetime?
b. Was Jesus killed in their generation?
c. If “this generation” refers to the disciples’ generation, should they be able to see His coming?
d. Therefore, “this generation” is more reasonably interpreted as the entire “generation” or “period” that began with Jesus’ incarnation to His coming again — the consummation of His plan of redemption. Would you agree? Why or why not?
e. What then is the purpose of v. 33?
(7) “Dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life” (v.34)
a. What are the signs that we are being weighed down with these things?
b. What will these things do to our spiritual life?
c. What will these things do to our waiting for the Lord’s return?
(8) How can praying and watching help us avoid such traps?
(9) How can you put such advice by the Lord into practice?
(10) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Lk. 21:33)
Jesus ends His famous Olivet discourse telling the disciples about “the sign of (His) coming and the end of the age” (Mat. 24:3) with these words, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Lk. 21:33). To me, the implication is that no matter how long it may take, “all these things” referring to the various signs that He told His disciples of will come to pass—the political turmoil (Lk. 21:10), the natural disasters (21:11), the persecutions of believers (21:12-19), the desolation of Jerusalem (21:20-24) and the shaking up of the heavenly bodies (21:25-26). All these signs will happen just as He said and culminate in His return (21:27).
Many have speculated about the meaning of “this generation” within which all these things will happen as Jesus has assured (21:32).
If we read Luke 17:22-25, we will understand that Jesus already told His disciples that they would not witness His coming in their lifetime; “The time is coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it" (17:22). At the same time, He also assured them that He would be rejected by “this generation”, meaning their generation. We know that Jesus was not only rejected by the “generation” of His time on earth, but by successive generations including ours. So the use of “this generation” is not confined to the lifetime of the disciples, but is to be understood to refer to the entire “generation” from the time of Jesus to His return.
If “this generation” only refers to the time of the disciples, then they should be able to see “all these things” that lead to Jesus’ return. The fact that Jesus already and clearly told them that they would not be able to see His return in their lifetime means that “this generation” has a much wider scope.
Almost 2,000 years have lapsed since these words, which the Lord spoke, have largely come true:
The only sign that has yet to reveal itself, perhaps, is the one concerning the shaking of the heavenly bodies. However, according to Luke 21:25-26, this is the sign that will immediately precede the coming of our Lord. When it happens, there will be little time for the world's anguish, perplexity or terror, because “At that time, they will see the Son of Man coming in the cloud with power and glory” (Lk. 21:27).