Study 49. Luke 21:5-28
1. Some of the disciples' misconceptions about the temple prompt Jesus to teach on the end times (21:5-7). What are those misconceptions? As they were leaving the temple "o ne of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” (Mark 13:1). According to Josephus some of them were as much as 45 cubits (22.5m) long. The Temple, as a symbol of God's physical presence and glory with His people, was thought to be invincible. Jesus warns that it will be totally destroyed. Whatever we think in this life is stable and permanent in the end proves changeable and temporary. Why is the warning Jesus gives in 21:8-9 necessary for the disciples? There will be imposters and there will be troubles. We are not to be deceived, and we are not to be frightened. There must be endurance, since "the end will not be at once". 3. What instructions and encouragement does Jesus give to those who will be persecuted for procla...