5 And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, 6 As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. 7 And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass? 8 And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. 9 But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. (Luke 21:5-9 KJV)
Jesus Foretells Destruction of the Temple
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With what admiration some of Christ’s disciples spoke of the external splendor of the temple. They pointed out how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts (Luke 21:5). The exterior was built with impressive stones, and inside it was decorated with offerings hung up for that purpose. They assumed their Master would share their feelings and regret its destruction as they did. But when we talk about the temple, we should focus on the presence of God there, the ordinances administered in it, and the communion God’s people have with Him—not its outward beauty. When we speak of the church, it is shallow to focus only on wealth, status, or authority, for “the king’s daughter is all glorious within.”
With what authority Christ spoke of its coming destruction (Luke 21:6): “As for these things you see—these grand things you’re so attached to—the days will come when not one stone will be left on another.” This structure, admired for its beauty and presumed strength, would be completely torn down. This would happen just as the spiritual temple of the gospel church began to flourish. If we saw by faith how quickly outward glory fades, we wouldn’t set our hearts on it.
Those around him then asked, “Teacher, when will these things happen?” (Luke 21:7). It is natural to want to know the future and its timing, but we should be more concerned with our duty in view of coming events and how to prepare for them. They asked what sign would show the destruction was near—not to confirm the prophecy, for Christ’s word was enough—but to know when to expect it. Christ had already taught them to observe the signs of the times.
Christ answered clearly and thoroughly, as far as was necessary for their guidance, because all knowledge is desirable when it leads to obedience.
They were to expect false messiahs and prophets (Luke 21:8): “Many will come in my name,” claiming to be the Messiah. Some even took on the divine name “I Am,” as if they were God Himself. They claimed the time was near when Israel would be delivered and tried to lure people to follow them.
Christ warned: “Don’t be deceived. Don’t think I will return in visible glory to rule an earthly kingdom—my kingdom is not of this world.” When they eagerly asked, “When?” the first thing he told them was, “Be careful not to be misled.” Those most eager to know spiritual things are often the most vulnerable to deception and need to be watchful.
He continued, “Don’t go after them. You know the Messiah has already come—me—and you shouldn’t listen to claims of another.”
They were also to expect political upheaval and severe judgments on the Jews and their neighbors. There would be wars (Luke 21:10): nation rising against nation, particularly the Jews against the Romans, deceived by false messiahs into rebellion. Having rejected Christ’s offer of spiritual freedom, they pursued civil freedom by violent means and suffered greatly for it.
There would be earthquakes in various places, destroying cities and homes and killing many. There would be famines and plagues, common after war due to ruined crops and harsh living conditions. There would be fearful signs from the heavens—unusual sights in the sky like comets or blazing stars—seen as ominous and terrifying.
To this he added: “Don’t be terrified” (Luke 21:9). Others may be frightened, but you shouldn’t be. Look beyond the skies to the throne of God. Don’t be shaken by famines and plagues; God promises to satisfy his people in famine and protect them from deadly disease. Trust him and do not fear. When you hear of wars and rumors, don’t panic. You already know the worst that can happen, so don’t be afraid.
“It must happen first,” he said, “but the end won’t come immediately” (Luke 21:9). Don’t expect it to be over quickly. If you’re frightened already, how will you endure the rest?