Luke 21:20-38 Are You Ready for Jesus' Return?

September 25, 2026

The Ten Signposts of the Bible

CAMDE—400—CALY

Creation. Abraham. Moses. David. Elijah. 400. Christ. Apostles. Letters. Yet-to-Come.

In the final days before his crucifixion, Jesus taught in the temple each day. Scripture says that he “was teaching in the temple” (Luke 21:37) and that “early in the morning all the people came to him in the temple to hear him” (Luke 21:38). It was a demanding and emotional season of ministry, as Jesus taught while knowing the religious leaders were plotting against him and the cross was drawing near. Perhaps that is why Luke notes that Jesus stayed overnight in the area of Mt. Olivet, just outside Jerusalem. The Mount of Olives overlooked the city and lay across the Kidron Valley from the temple, making it a familiar place of retreat and prayer. In that final week, it would have offered Jesus a quieter place to rest while keeping him close to the temple and his followers. 

On this particular day, Luke records that Jesus taught about the imminent destruction of Jerusalem and his second coming. 

The Destruction of Jerusalem
Jesus foretold a time when Jerusalem would be surrounded by armies. Normally, when a hostile army approached, those threatened would flee to the nearest city for safety behind its fortified walls. But Jesus’ instruction was the opposite: he told his listeners to “flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written” (Luke 21:21–22). 

He further warned, “ Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled” (Luke 21:23–24). 

The destruction of Jerusalem took place nearly forty years later. In AD 70, Jerusalem was under siege for five months. The Roman general Titus, the son of Emperor Vespasian, eventually captured the city and killed hundreds of thousands of Jews. Those who survived the attack were taken captive and scattered throughout the known world. This account is also reflected in the writings of Josephus, a first-century historian. 

Many Christians heeded Jesus’ words and survived this invasion by fleeing to Pella, about seventy miles northeast of Jerusalem in present-day Jordan. Later, they were allowed to move back and live in part of the decimated city alongside the famous Tenth Legion of Roman soldiers. 

During the fourth century, the Roman Empire became Christianized, and Jerusalem came under Christian rule. In the seventh century, Muslims took control of this ancient city and built the Dome of the Rock on the site where Israel’s temple once stood. This shrine remains one of Islam's most important sacred places, and even though the state of Israel was established in 1948, the area of the Dome of the Rock still remains under Muslim jurisdiction. 

The Second Coming
After describing Jerusalem’s devastation, Jesus turned to the events surrounding his second coming. He said that before he returned there would be “signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth…” (Luke 21:25). Fear and anxiety would overwhelm the people, “for the powers of the heavens will be shaken” (Luke 21:26). Jesus stressed that when these signs begin, his followers should get ready and be prepared, “because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28). For all will see “the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (Luke 21:27). 

To emphasize preparedness, Jesus used the example of a fig tree to show that when trees bloom, it is an unmistakable sign of summer (Luke 21:29–30). In the same way, the signs in the heavens and on the earth will let everyone know that “the kingdom of God is near” (Luke 21:32). 

Then Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place” (Luke 21:32). Much has been written about what Jesus meant by “this generation.” Some say Jesus was referring to his own generation and the coming destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. They believe all of Jesus' end-time teaching here concerns that specific event. However, Jesus spoke these words around AD 30. Given the shorter lifespan of those living during this time, most of those hearing this message would have already passed away before Jerusalem’s demise. Therefore, I believe it is best to understand “this generation” as the end-time generation. One day there will be a generation that experiences the second coming; it very well may be ours!

One thing is certain about the last days: Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” (Luke 21:33). What Jesus says will stand forever. 

“Watch Yourselves”
The second coming will happen at God’s appointed time. And because it hasn’t happened yet, people—even believers—can easily focus on temporal, earthly things. Jesus warned, “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth” (Luke 21:34–35). Unlike the response to Jesus’ first coming to earth, no one will miss his glorious return! 

Jesus gives us three practical steps to follow so we are always prepared. He said, “But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:36). This warning calls us to live wisely each day, making prayerful choices that keep our hearts alert and ready before God. 

So, when will Jesus return? Are current wars and events the signs that the end is near? I only know two things for sure. First, we can all agree that his second coming is closer today than it was yesterday. Second, every generation should live as if it were the last generation before Jesus returns. That is why we should always stay awake, pray for strength, and be ready to stand before our Lord and Savior. This is our urgent call to readiness!

Read and reflect on Luke 21:20–38: If Jesus were to return at any time, what areas of your life would you change today and what would that reveal about where your heart is focused right now?

Talking to God: Ask God to help you stay focused on him. 

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