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True Giving(A)

21 Jesus looked up and saw some rich people putting their gifts to God into the Temple collection box. Then he saw a poor widow put two small copper coins into the box. He said, “This poor widow gave only two small coins. But the truth is, she gave more than all those rich people. They have plenty, and they gave only what they did not need. This woman is very poor, but she gave all she had to live on.”

Jesus Warns About the Future(B)

Some of the followers were talking about the Temple. They said, “This is a beautiful Temple, built with the best stones. Look at the many good gifts that have been offered to God.”

But Jesus said, “The time will come when all that you see here will be destroyed. Every stone of these buildings will be thrown down to the ground. Not one stone will be left on another.”

Some followers asked Jesus, “Teacher, when will these things happen? What will show us that it is time for these things to happen?”

Jesus said, “Be careful! Don’t be fooled. Many people will come using my name. They will say, ‘I am the Messiah[a]’ and ‘The right time has come!’ But don’t follow them. When you hear about wars and riots, don’t be afraid. These things must happen first. Then the end will come later.”

10 Then Jesus said to them, “Nations will fight against other nations. Kingdoms will fight against other kingdoms. 11 There will be great earthquakes, sicknesses, and other bad things in many places. In some places there will be no food for the people to eat. Terrible things will happen, and amazing things will come from heaven to warn people.

12 “But before all these things happen, people will arrest you and do bad things to you. They will judge you in their synagogues and put you in jail. You will be forced to stand before kings and governors. They will do all these things to you because you follow me. 13 But this will give you an opportunity to tell about me. 14 Decide now not to worry about what you will say. 15 I will give you the wisdom to say things that none of your enemies can answer. 16 Even your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends will turn against you. They will have some of you killed. 17 Everyone will hate you because you follow me. 18 But none of these things can really harm you. 19 You will save yourselves by continuing strong in your faith through all these things.

The Destruction of Jerusalem(C)

20 “You will see armies all around Jerusalem. Then you will know that the time for its destruction has come. 21 The people in Judea at that time should run away to the mountains. The people in Jerusalem must leave quickly. If you are near the city, don’t go in! 22 The prophets wrote many things about the time when God will punish his people. The time I am talking about is when all these things must happen. 23 During that time it will be hard for women who are pregnant or have small babies, because very bad times will come to this land. God will be angry with these people. 24 Some of the people will be killed by soldiers. Others will be made prisoners and taken to all the different countries. The holy city of Jerusalem will be under the control of foreigners until their time is completed.

Don’t Fear(D)

25 “Amazing things will happen to the sun, moon, and stars. And people all over the earth will be upset and confused by the noise of the sea and its crashing waves. 26 They will be afraid and worried about what will happen to the world. Everything in the sky will be changed. 27 Then people will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to happen, stand up tall and don’t be afraid. Know that it is almost time for God to free you!”

My Words Will Live Forever(E)

29 Then Jesus told this story: “Look at all the trees. The fig tree is a good example. 30 When it turns green, you know that summer is very near. 31 In the same way, when you see all these things happening, you will know that God’s kingdom is very near.

32 “I assure you that all these things will happen while some of the people of this time are still living. 33 The whole world, earth and sky, will be destroyed, but my words will last forever.

Be Ready All the Time

34 “Be careful not to spend your time having parties and getting drunk or worrying about this life. If you do that, you won’t be able to think straight, and the end might come when you are not ready. 35 It will come as a surprise to everyone on earth. 36 So be ready all the time. Pray that you will be able to get through all these things that will happen and stand safe before the Son of Man.”

37 During the day Jesus taught the people in the Temple area. At night he went out of the city and stayed all night on the Mount of Olives. 38 Every morning all the people got up early to go listen to Jesus at the Temple.

Footnotes

  1. Luke 21:8 the Messiah Literally “the one,” meaning the chosen one sent by God. See “Messiah” in the Word List and Mt. 24:5.

The Widow’s Offering

21 While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins.[a]

“I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.”

Jesus Speaks about the Future

Some of his disciples began talking about the majestic stonework of the Temple and the memorial decorations on the walls. But Jesus said, “The time is coming when all these things will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!”

“Teacher,” they asked, “when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to take place?”

He replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’[b] and saying, ‘The time has come!’ But don’t believe them. And when you hear of wars and insurrections, don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place first, but the end won’t follow immediately.” 10 Then he added, “Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven.

12 “But before all this occurs, there will be a time of great persecution. You will be dragged into synagogues and prisons, and you will stand trial before kings and governors because you are my followers. 13 But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me.[c] 14 So don’t worry in advance about how to answer the charges against you, 15 for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you! 16 Even those closest to you—your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends—will betray you. They will even kill some of you. 17 And everyone will hate you because you are my followers.[d] 18 But not a hair of your head will perish! 19 By standing firm, you will win your souls.

20 “And when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then you will know that the time of its destruction has arrived. 21 Then those in Judea must flee to the hills. Those in Jerusalem must get out, and those out in the country should not return to the city. 22 For those will be days of God’s vengeance, and the prophetic words of the Scriptures will be fulfilled. 23 How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers in those days. For there will be disaster in the land and great anger against this people. 24 They will be killed by the sword or sent away as captives to all the nations of the world. And Jerusalem will be trampled down by the Gentiles until the period of the Gentiles comes to an end.

25 “And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. 26 People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then everyone will see the Son of Man[e] coming on a cloud with power and great glory.[f] 28 So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!”

29 Then he gave them this illustration: “Notice the fig tree, or any other tree. 30 When the leaves come out, you know without being told that summer is near. 31 In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that the Kingdom of God is near. 32 I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things have taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.

34 “Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, 35 like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. 36 Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.”

37 Every day Jesus went to the Temple to teach, and each evening he returned to spend the night on the Mount of Olives. 38 The crowds gathered at the Temple early each morning to hear him.

Footnotes

  1. 21:2 Greek two lepta [the smallest of Jewish coins].
  2. 21:8 Greek claiming, ‘I am.’
  3. 21:13 Or This will be your testimony against them.
  4. 21:17 Greek on account of my name.
  5. 21:27a “Son of Man” is a title Jesus used for himself.
  6. 21:27b See Dan 7:13.

The Widow’s Gift

21 (A)Now He looked up and saw the wealthy putting their gifts into the temple treasury. And He saw a poor widow putting [a]in (B)two [b]lepta coins. And He said, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them; for they all [c]contributed to the [d]offering from their [e]surplus; but she, from her poverty, put in all [f]that she had (C)to live on.”

(D)And while some were talking about the temple, that it was decorated with beautiful stones and [g]vowed gifts, He said, As for these things which you are observing, the days will come when (E)there will not be left one stone upon [h]another, which will not be torn down.”

They asked Him questions, saying, “Teacher, when therefore will these things happen? And what will be the [i]sign when these things are about to take place?” And He said, “See to it that you are not misled; for many will come in My name, saying, ‘(F)I am He,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ (G)Do not go after them. And when you hear of wars and revolts, do not be alarmed; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.”

Things to Come

10 Then He continued by saying to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, 11 and there will be [j]massive earthquakes, and in various places plagues and famines; and there will be terrible sights and great [k]signs from heaven.

12 “But before all these things, (H)they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, turning you over to the synagogues and prisons, [l]bringing you before kings and governors on account of My name. 13 (I)It will lead to [m]an opportunity for your testimony. 14 (J)So [n]make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves; 15 for (K)I will provide you [o]eloquence and wisdom which none of your adversaries will be able to oppose or refute. 16 But you will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, other relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death, 17 and you will be hated by all people because of My name. 18 And yet (L)not a hair of your head will perish. 19 (M)By your endurance you will gain your [p]lives.

20 “But when you see Jerusalem (N)surrounded by armies, then [q]recognize that her desolation is near. 21 Then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those who are inside [r]the city must leave, and (O)those who are in the country must not enter [s]the city; 22 because these are (P)days of punishment, so that all things which have been written will be fulfilled. 23 Woe to those women who are pregnant, and to those who are nursing babies in those days; for (Q)there will be great distress upon the [t]land, and wrath to this people; 24 and they will fall by (R)the edge of the sword, and will be led captive into all the nations; and (S)Jerusalem will be (T)trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until (U)the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

The Return of Christ

25 “There will be [u]signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 people fainting from fear and the expectation of the things that are coming upon the [v]world; for the powers of [w]the heavens will be shaken. 27 And (V)then they will see (W)the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because (X)your redemption is drawing near.”

29 And He told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees: 30 as soon as they put forth leaves, you see for yourselves and (Y)know that summer is now near. 31 So you too, when you see these things happening, [x]recognize that (Z)the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all things take place. 33 (AA)Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.

34 “But (AB)be on your guard, so that your hearts will not be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that [y]this day will not come on you suddenly, like a trap; 35 for it will come upon all those who live on the face of all the earth. 36 But (AC)stay alert at all times, praying that you will have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to (AD)stand before the Son of Man.”

37 Now [z]during the day He was (AE)teaching in the temple, but [aa](AF)at evening He would go out and spend the night on (AG)the [ab]mountain that is called [ac]Olivet. 38 And all the people would get up (AH)very early in the morning to come to Him in the temple to listen to Him.

Footnotes

  1. Luke 21:2 Lit there
  2. Luke 21:2 The smallest Greek copper coin, about 1/128 of a laborer’s daily wage
  3. Luke 21:4 Lit put into
  4. Luke 21:4 Lit gifts
  5. Luke 21:4 Lit abundance
  6. Luke 21:4 Lit the living that she had
  7. Luke 21:5 I.e., gifts promised by vows
  8. Luke 21:6 Lit a stone
  9. Luke 21:7 I.e., confirming miracle
  10. Luke 21:11 Lit great
  11. Luke 21:11 I.e., confirming miracles
  12. Luke 21:12 Lit being brought
  13. Luke 21:13 Lit a testimony for you
  14. Luke 21:14 Lit put in your hearts
  15. Luke 21:15 Lit a mouth
  16. Luke 21:19 Lit souls
  17. Luke 21:20 Lit know
  18. Luke 21:21 Lit her
  19. Luke 21:21 Lit her
  20. Luke 21:23 Or earth
  21. Luke 21:25 I.e., confirming miracles
  22. Luke 21:26 Lit inhabited earth
  23. Luke 21:26 Or heaven
  24. Luke 21:31 Lit know
  25. Luke 21:34 Lit that day
  26. Luke 21:37 Lit days
  27. Luke 21:37 Lit nights
  28. Luke 21:37 Or hill
  29. Luke 21:37 Or Olive Grove

La ofrenda de la viuda

21 (A)Levantando Jesús la vista, vio a los ricos que echaban sus ofrendas[a] en el arca del tesoro. Y vio también a una viuda pobre que echaba allí dos pequeñas monedas de cobre[b](B); y dijo: En verdad os digo, que esta viuda tan pobre echó más que todos ellos; porque todos ellos echaron en la ofrenda[c] de lo que les sobraba[d], pero ella, de su pobreza, echó todo lo que tenía para vivir[e](C).

Profecía sobre la destrucción del templo

(D)Y mientras algunos estaban hablando del templo, de cómo[f] estaba adornado con hermosas piedras y ofrendas votivas, Jesús dijo: En cuanto a estas cosas que estáis mirando, vendrán días en que no quedará piedra sobre piedra(E) que no sea derribada. Y le preguntaron, diciendo: Maestro, ¿cuándo sucederá[g] esto, y qué señal[h] habrá cuando estas cosas vayan a suceder? Y Él dijo: Mirad que no seáis engañados; porque muchos vendrán en mi nombre, diciendo: «Yo soy(F) el Cristo[i]», y: «El tiempo está cerca». No los sigáis(G). Y cuando oigáis de guerras y disturbios, no os aterroricéis; porque estas cosas tienen que suceder primero, pero el fin no sucederá inmediatamente.

Señales y persecuciones

10 Entonces les dijo: Se levantará nación contra nación y reino contra reino; 11 habrá grandes terremotos, y plagas y hambres en diversos lugares; y habrá terrores y grandes señales[j] del cielo. 12 Pero antes de todas estas cosas (H)os echarán mano, y os perseguirán, entregándoos a las sinagogas y cárceles, llevándoos ante reyes y gobernadores por causa de mi nombre. 13 Esto os dará oportunidad de testificar[k](I). 14 Por tanto, proponed en vuestros corazones no preparar de antemano vuestra defensa(J); 15 porque yo os daré palabras[l](K) y sabiduría que ninguno de vuestros adversarios podrá resistir ni refutar. 16 Pero seréis entregados aun por padres, hermanos, parientes y amigos; y matarán a algunos de vosotros, 17 y seréis odiados de todos por causa de mi nombre. 18 Sin embargo, ni un cabello de vuestra cabeza(L) perecerá. 19 Con vuestra perseverancia ganaréis vuestras almas[m](M).

20 Pero cuando veáis a Jerusalén rodeada de ejércitos(N), sabed entonces que su desolación está cerca. 21 Entonces los que estén en Judea, huyan a los montes, y los que estén en medio de la ciudad[n], aléjense; y los que estén en los campos, no entren en ella(O); 22 porque estos son días de venganza(P), para que se cumplan todas las cosas que están escritas. 23 ¡Ay de las que estén encinta y de las que estén criando en aquellos días! Porque habrá una gran calamidad sobre la tierra, e ira para este pueblo(Q); 24 y caerán a filo de espada(R), y serán llevados cautivos a todas las naciones; y Jerusalén será hollada por los gentiles(S), hasta que los tiempos de los gentiles se cumplan(T).

La venida del Hijo del Hombre

25 Y habrá señales[o] en el sol, en la luna y en las estrellas, y sobre la tierra, angustia entre las naciones, perplejas a causa del rugido del mar y de las olas, 26 desfalleciendo los hombres por el temor y la expectación de las cosas que vendrán sobre el mundo[p]; porque las potencias de los cielos serán sacudidas. 27 Y entonces verán al Hijo del Hombre que viene en una nube(U) con poder y gran gloria(V). 28 Cuando estas cosas empiecen a suceder, erguíos[q] y levantad la cabeza, porque se acerca vuestra redención(W).

Parábola de la higuera

29 Y les refirió una parábola: Mirad la higuera y todos los árboles. 30 Cuando ya brotan las hojas, al verlo, sabéis por vosotros mismos(X) que el verano ya está cerca. 31 Así también vosotros, cuando veáis que suceden estas cosas, sabed que el reino de Dios está cerca(Y). 32 En verdad os digo que no pasará esta generación hasta que todo esto suceda. 33 El cielo y la tierra pasarán, mas mis palabras no pasarán(Z).

Exhortación a velar

34 Estad alerta(AA), no sea que vuestro corazón se cargue con disipación y embriaguez y con las preocupaciones de la vida, y aquel día venga súbitamente sobre vosotros como un lazo; 35 porque vendrá sobre todos los que habitan sobre la faz de toda la tierra. 36 Mas velad en todo tiempo(AB), orando para que tengáis fuerza para escapar de todas estas cosas que están por suceder, y podáis estar en pie delante del Hijo del Hombre(AC).

37 Durante el día[r] enseñaba en el templo(AD), pero al oscurecer[s] salía(AE) y pasaba la noche en el monte llamado de los Olivos(AF). 38 Y todo el pueblo madrugaba para ir al templo[t] a escucharle(AG).

Footnotes

  1. Lucas 21:1 O, donativos
  2. Lucas 21:2 O, blancas; gr., lepta, las monedas de menos valor (1/128 de un denario)
  3. Lucas 21:4 O, el donativo
  4. Lucas 21:4 O, de su abundancia
  5. Lucas 21:4 Lit., toda la subsistencia que tenía
  6. Lucas 21:5 Lit., que
  7. Lucas 21:7 Lit., será
  8. Lucas 21:7 O, milagro
  9. Lucas 21:8 I.e., el Mesías
  10. Lucas 21:11 O, milagros
  11. Lucas 21:13 Lit., Esto os llevará a un testimonio
  12. Lucas 21:15 Lit., una boca
  13. Lucas 21:19 O, conservaréis vuestras vidas
  14. Lucas 21:21 Lit., ella
  15. Lucas 21:25 O, milagros
  16. Lucas 21:26 Lit., la tierra habitada
  17. Lucas 21:28 O, cobrad ánimo
  18. Lucas 21:37 Lit., los días
  19. Lucas 21:37 Lit., por las noches
  20. Lucas 21:38 Lit., a Él en el templo