Pastor’s Table Blog

Sermon Summary: Luke 21:5-38

By Pastor David Hentschel

In today's sermon, we delve into Luke 21:5-38, exploring the profound and prophetic teachings of Jesus known as the Olivet Discourse. This passage is rich with eschatological insights and calls for vigilance in the face of impending events. To aid our understanding, we'll explore this text through five key sections, contrasting the futurist and preterist perspectives throughout.

1. Watch the Signs

Jesus begins by foretelling the destruction of the Temple, a prophecy that stunned His disciples. He speaks of four clear signs 1) False teachers, 2) International strife 3) Natural disasters and 4) Persecutions, all signaling the gathering storm and the beginning of sorrows.

Futurist View: These signs are seen as indicators of the end times, yet to come. They believe the events Jesus describes will unfold in the future, leading up to His second coming.

Preterist View: Preterists, on the other hand, see these prophecies as having been fulfilled in the first century, particularly with the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. They interpret Jesus' words as warnings relevant to the early Christian community.

2. Watch the Siege

Jesus predicts a time when Jerusalem will be surrounded by armies, leading to great distress and suffering. This siege signifies a moment of divine judgment upon the Jews.

Futurist View: Futurists interpret this as a future event, where Jerusalem will once again be besieged, marking a pivotal point in the end-time scenario.

Preterist View: Preterists view the siege as referring to the historical event of AD 70, when the Roman armies besieged and eventually destroyed Jerusalem. They see this as a fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy within the generation of His listeners.

3. Watch the Son

Amidst the chaos, Jesus speaks of His return in power and glory. He will come as the Son of Man, a title rich with messianic significance, to bring redemption and establish His kingdom.

Futurist View: Futurists eagerly await this literal return of Christ, seeing it as a future event that will bring an end to all suffering and establish His millennial reign.

Preterist View: Preterists often interpret this language symbolically or see it as representing Christ's vindication, and coming in judgment, establishment of His spiritual kingdom rather than a physical second coming. Note: Preterists still affirm a future second coming from other passages (such as 1 Thess 4 and 1 Cor 15).

4. Watch the Season

Jesus uses the parable of the fig tree to teach about discernment of the times. Just as one can read the signs of changing seasons, believers are called to recognize the signs of the times.

Futurist View: Futurists believe this parable teaches believers to be vigilant and ready for Christ's imminent return, watching for the unfolding of prophetic events. The phrase “This generation,” is sometimes used to refer to the generation which will see these signs (in the future).

Preterist View: Preterists might argue that the signs were meant for the first-century audience to recognize the impending judgment on Jerusalem and that the prophecy has already been fulfilled. The key issue here is his phrase “this generation will not pass away…” This is viewed as the generation hearing this discourse.

5. Watch Yourselves

Finally, Jesus admonishes His followers to be on guard, to avoid dissipation, drunkenness, and the anxieties of life, and to remain prayerful and alert.

Futurist View: This call to personal vigilance is timeless for futurists, encouraging all believers to live righteously in anticipation of Christ's return.

Preterist View: Preterists see this as a call to the early Christians to remain faithful amid the trials they faced, with an immediate relevance to their historical context.

Conclusion

Whether viewed through the lens of futurism or preterism, Luke 21:5-38 causes believers to stand in awe of Jesus’ prophetic word, and calls all believers to a posture of watchfulness and faithfulness.

As we navigate the complexities of our own times, may we heed Jesus' words, discerning the signs, staying vigilant, and holding fast to our faith.

For more information about the end times, check out these study notes.