Luke 21:11 – “There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jesus continues describing the signs that will occur before the fulfillment of God’s plan. He lists natural disasters like earthquakes, famines, and pestilences (widespread diseases) and mentions extraordinary signs from the heavens that will cause fear and awe. These events are part of the overall turmoil that will characterize the time before His return.
The mention of such catastrophic events is not meant to cause panic. Jesus is giving His disciples a realistic picture of what will happen so that they can be spiritually prepared. While these events may seem terrifying, they are not signs that God has abandoned the world. Instead, they remind us that the world, broken by sin, is groaning for redemption and renewal. Jesus’ message is one of endurance and faith through the trials.
Historical Context
In the ancient world, natural disasters were often seen as signs of divine judgment or warnings from the gods. Earthquakes, famines, and diseases were common, and many people interpreted them as omens of significant events. For the Jewish people, such events were often thought to be associated with the coming of the Messiah and the day of the Lord, a time of judgment and restoration.
In the years following Jesus’ ministry, the early church experienced many of the events He described. Earthquakes occurred in various parts of the Roman Empire, including a significant one in Pompeii around A.D. 62. Famines were recorded in places like Judea (Acts 11:28), and outbreaks of disease were common. These events would have reminded early Christians of Jesus’ words, encouraging them to remain faithful amid hardship.
The reference to “great signs from heaven” may refer to phenomena like comets, eclipses, or unusual astronomical events, which were often interpreted as warnings of significant change. For example, many people believed that such signs marked the fall of empires or the rise of new rulers.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the brokenness of creation due to human sin. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, the curse of sin affected not only humanity but also the entire natural world (Genesis 3:17-19; Romans 8:20-22). Natural disasters and widespread suffering are reminders that the world is not as God originally created it. However, they also point to the fact that God is working to restore His creation through Jesus Christ.
Theologically, this verse calls believers to recognize that suffering and hardship are temporary. The current world is groaning for redemption, but God’s plan is to renew and restore all things. In Revelation 21:1-4, we see the promise of a new heaven and a new earth where there will be no more pain or death. Jesus’ message is not about avoiding suffering but about enduring it with faith, knowing that God’s ultimate plan will bring peace and restoration.
The verse also points to the reality of God’s judgment. Just as natural disasters and signs in the heavens were seen as warnings in the past, they serve as reminders today that God will one day judge the world and establish His kingdom.
Literary Analysis
Luke 21:11 uses vivid imagery and parallel structure to emphasize the magnitude of the events Jesus is describing. The phrase “great earthquakes, famines and pestilences” groups together three types of natural calamities, creating a sense of escalation. The mention of “fearful events and great signs from heaven” broadens the scope, indicating that the disruption will not be limited to the earth but will involve cosmic signs as well.
The use of this imagery reflects apocalyptic literature common in the Bible, where dramatic descriptions of natural disasters and heavenly signs are used to convey the seriousness of God’s intervention in human history. By placing this verse within the larger context of the Olivet Discourse, Luke emphasizes the importance of spiritual preparation and endurance in the face of these challenges.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Romans 8:22 – “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.”
- Joel 2:30-31 – “I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.”
- Revelation 6:12-14 – The opening of the sixth seal describes a great earthquake, the sun turning black, and the stars falling from the sky.
- Isaiah 13:10 – “The stars of heaven and their constellations will not show their light. The rising sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light.”
- Acts 11:28 – A prophet named Agabus predicts a severe famine, which took place during the reign of Claudius.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that hardship and suffering are part of living in a fallen world. Natural disasters, diseases, and other tragedies are not signs that God has lost control but reminders that we live in a world that is groaning for redemption. Instead of reacting with fear, Christians are called to trust in God’s plan and remain faithful through trials.
This verse also calls believers to be spiritually prepared. Jesus’ warning is not meant to scare His followers but to help them understand that they need to remain grounded in their faith, even when life becomes difficult. When we face challenges like natural disasters or pandemics, we can draw strength from the knowledge that God is working through these events to bring about His ultimate plan of restoration.
Additionally, this verse reminds Christians to be compassionate and active during times of crisis. While we wait for Jesus’ return, we are called to care for those who are suffering, showing God’s love through our actions and sharing the hope we have in Christ.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in the way Jesus prepares His followers for difficult times. Rather than leaving them in the dark, He warns them about what is to come so that they will not be caught off guard. His goal is not to frighten them but to give them the strength to endure with faith and hope.
God’s love is also seen in His plan to restore creation. While natural disasters and suffering are part of the current world, they are not permanent. God promises to make all things new and to wipe away every tear (Revelation 21:4). His love assures believers that the pain of this world is temporary and that a better future awaits them.
Even during disasters and crises, God’s love is present through the comfort and peace He provides to His people. In John 14:27, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” His peace sustains believers through life’s storms.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is central to this verse because He is the one who will bring an end to the suffering and brokenness of the world. His death and resurrection defeated the power of sin and death, and His return will bring about the full restoration of creation. In Colossians 1:16-20, we see that Jesus is the one through whom God is reconciling all things, including creation itself.
Jesus’ warning about natural disasters also reflects His role as the one who controls the forces of nature. In Mark 4:39, Jesus calms a storm with His command, showing His authority over creation. His power over nature is a reminder that no matter how chaotic the world may seem, He is ultimately in control.
Furthermore, Jesus’ promise to return and establish His kingdom is the hope that sustains believers through times of suffering. In Revelation 22:12, Jesus says, “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” His return will bring an end to all suffering and establish eternal peace.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do natural disasters and crises affect your faith and trust in God?
- What can you do to remain spiritually prepared when faced with difficult events in the world?
- How does knowing that God has a plan for restoration help you face the challenges of life?
- What role can you play in showing God’s love to those who are suffering during natural disasters or crises?
- How does Jesus’ promise to return and restore all things give you hope in times of uncertainty?
This verse reminds us that while the world may experience suffering and turmoil, God’s plan is unfolding. Through Jesus, believers have the hope of eternal restoration and peace. We are called to live with faith, trusting that God will bring good out of even the most difficult circumstances.