Luke 21:20 – “When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jesus is warning His disciples about the coming destruction of Jerusalem, an event that would happen within a generation. He describes a time when the city will be surrounded by armies, signaling that its destruction is imminent. The word “desolation” refers to the total devastation and ruin that will come upon the city, including its temple, which was central to Jewish religious life.
Jesus is not simply giving a historical prediction—He’s also preparing His followers for what to do when this event occurs. In the verses that follow, He tells them to flee to safety when they see the signs, indicating that this is both a prophecy and a practical warning. His words demonstrate His concern for His followers and His desire for them to be prepared and protected.
Historical Context
Jesus’ prophecy was fulfilled in A.D. 70 when the Roman army, under the command of General Titus, laid siege to Jerusalem during the First Jewish-Roman War. The conflict began after a Jewish rebellion against Roman rule, and the siege resulted in the complete destruction of the city and its temple. Historical records from the Jewish historian Josephus describe the devastation in vivid detail, including the starvation of the people, the destruction of the temple, and the killing or enslavement of thousands of Jews.
For the Jewish people, the destruction of Jerusalem was a devastating event. The temple had been the center of their worship and national identity, and its loss signified a major shift in their religious life. For Christians living in Jerusalem, Jesus’ warning would have been crucial. Historical accounts suggest that many Christians heeded His warning and fled to the nearby region of Pella before the siege began, avoiding much of the destruction.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights God’s sovereignty over history. Jesus’ accurate prediction of Jerusalem’s destruction shows that God knows and controls the course of human events. Even when it seems like the world is spinning into chaos, God is still in control, and His purposes are being fulfilled.
Theologically, this event also marks a shift in how God’s people would relate to Him. Under the old covenant, the temple was the center of worship and the place where sacrifices were made for the forgiveness of sins. But with the coming of Jesus, the temple was no longer necessary. Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice, and through His death and resurrection, a new way of worship was established. The destruction of the temple symbolized the end of the old covenant and the full establishment of the new covenant.
This verse also serves as a reminder of God’s judgment. Just as Jerusalem faced judgment for rejecting the Messiah, the Bible teaches that the whole world will one day face judgment. However, those who trust in Jesus are spared from this judgment because He took the punishment for sin on their behalf.
Literary Analysis
Luke 21:20 is part of the Olivet Discourse, where Jesus describes future events leading up to the end times. The use of vivid, apocalyptic language, such as “desolation,” emphasizes the seriousness of the coming judgment. This verse marks a transition from a general description of trials and persecution to a specific prophecy about Jerusalem.
The imagery of “being surrounded by armies” is a powerful visual that conveys both the inevitability of the city’s destruction and the urgency of Jesus’ warning. The phrase “you will know” indicates that this event will be unmistakable, serving as a clear sign that the desolation Jesus predicted is near.
Throughout the passage, Luke’s writing style emphasizes Jesus’ role as both a prophet and a protector. He is not only predicting the future but also offering guidance and reassurance to His followers.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 24:15-16 – “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.”
- Daniel 9:26-27 – The prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem and the “abomination that causes desolation.”
- Luke 19:41-44 – Jesus weeps over Jerusalem and predicts its destruction because the people did not recognize the time of God’s coming to them.
- Mark 13:14 – A parallel account of Jesus’ warning about the desolation of Jerusalem.
- Revelation 18:8 – A description of judgment and destruction, which echoes similar themes of desolation.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder to take God’s warnings seriously. Just as Jesus warned His disciples about the coming destruction of Jerusalem, the Bible also contains warnings about the final judgment and the return of Christ. Believers are called to be spiritually prepared, living faithfully and spreading the message of salvation through Jesus.
This verse also encourages believers to trust in God’s sovereignty, even when the world seems chaotic. The destruction of Jerusalem was a traumatic event, but it was part of God’s larger plan to bring salvation to the world through Jesus. Similarly, when Christians face challenges or uncertainty, they can trust that God is in control and that His purposes will ultimately prevail.
Additionally, this verse serves as a call to action. Just as Jesus’ warning prompted His followers to take practical steps to protect themselves, Christians today are called to live with wisdom and discernment. They should be aware of the spiritual realities around them and be ready to act in obedience to God’s leading.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
At first glance, a warning about destruction may not seem like an expression of love. But Jesus’ warning is actually a demonstration of His deep care for His followers. He doesn’t leave them to face danger unprepared—He warns them in advance and provides practical guidance for their safety. His love is seen in His desire to protect His people and lead them to safety, both physically and spiritually.
God’s love is also evident in His desire for repentance and salvation. The destruction of Jerusalem was a result of the people’s rejection of Jesus, but God’s ultimate goal is to bring people into a relationship with Him. His love is shown through His patience and His offer of forgiveness to all who turn to Him.
Finally, God’s love is demonstrated through His plan of redemption. The destruction of the temple was not the end of God’s relationship with His people—it marked the beginning of a new era where believers could approach God directly through Jesus. His love is seen in the way He made a way for all people to be saved, regardless of their location or background.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is central to this verse because He is both the prophet who predicts the destruction of Jerusalem and the Savior who provides the way of escape. His death and resurrection made the temple sacrifices unnecessary, and His warning about the city’s destruction shows His role as the one who fulfills God’s plan of salvation.
In John 2:19-21, Jesus refers to His body as the temple, indicating that He is the new center of worship. The destruction of the physical temple points to the fact that true worship is now centered on Him. Through Jesus, believers have access to God, not through a building but through a relationship with Him.
Additionally, Jesus’ warning about Jerusalem can be seen as a foreshadowing of the final judgment. Just as He warned His followers to be ready for the destruction of the city, He also warns believers to be ready for His return. Those who trust in Him will be saved, just as those who heeded His warning were spared from the destruction of Jerusalem.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Jesus’ warning about the destruction of Jerusalem help you trust in His knowledge and control over the future?
- What are some warnings in Scripture that you need to take seriously in your life today?
- How can you live with spiritual readiness, knowing that Jesus has warned of a future final judgment?
- How does the destruction of the temple help you understand the significance of Jesus as the new “temple” where we meet God?
- How can you encourage others to seek refuge in Christ, just as Jesus’ followers sought safety when they heeded His warning?
This verse reminds believers that God’s warnings are acts of love, meant to protect and guide them. By trusting in Jesus and remaining spiritually prepared, they can face the future with confidence, knowing that God is in control and that His promises are sure.