Jay Grant’s message on Luke 21:21-38
To watch the video of the sermon along with the last worship song click here.
Sermon notes:
“ As for man, his days are like a flower of the field, and so he flourishes for a time, but when the wind has passed over it, the flower is no more, it is gone.” Psalm 103:15-16
“Lord, make me to know my end, and what is the measure of my days, that I might realize how truly transient I am.” Psalm 39:4
The question in Luke 21:5-6
“As for these things which you are looking at, the days will come when there shall not be one stone left upon another which will not be torn down. And they asked, Teacher, when will these things be? And what signs will there be when this is about to occur?”
“Tell us when will these things be and what will be the sign of Your coming and the end of the age?” Matthew 24:3
The Desolation of Jerusalem Pronounced
20 “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, recognize her desolation is at hand. 21 Let those in Judea flee to the mountains, and those in the city, get out of it, and if in the country, do not enter the city. 22 Because these are days of vengeance, that all things written may be fulfilled. 23 Woe to those with child, who nurse babes in those days for there will be great distress, retribution and punishment upon this people. 24 Many will die by the edge of the sword, led captive into all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.”
The 2nd Coming
25 And there will be signs in sun, moon and stars, and upon the earth great distress among nations, perplexed at the roaring of sea and waves. 26 men fainting from fear from what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 But when these things begin to take place, lift up your heads because your redemption is drawing near.”
Parable of the Fig Tree
29 And Jesus told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all trees. 30 As soon as they put forth leaves, you will see it and know summer is near. 31 Even so, when you see these things happening, understand the kingdom of God is at hand. 32 Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away, until all things take place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.”
Final Warning
34 Be on guard that your hearts be not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap, 35 for it will come upon all who live on the face of the earth. 36 But keep alert and watch at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place and to stand before the Son of Man. 37 Now during the day Jesus taught in the temple but at evening would spend the night on the mount called Olivet. 38 And early in the morning all the people came to the temple to listen to Him.
What We Can Learn from the Olivet Discourse
1. There will be catastrophic times in our lives; whether personally or what is taking place in the world.
2. We need to be prepared and not fall apart when those times arrive.
3. Our text teaches us to always be alert, sober-minded, watching, on our guard, that we not be weighed down with the worries and troubles of this life.
4. The return of Christ is certain. But it will be preceded by a time of devastation upon the earth, unparalleled in history, challenging the faith of every believer.
5. Question – should the trumpet of God sound in the next few days and Jesus would reappear, are you ready to meet him? Are you right with God? Are you prepared?