Luke 21:33-36

Applebury's Comments

Christ's Coming at the End of the World
Scripture

Luke 21:33-36 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

34 But take heed to yourselves, lest haply your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come on you suddenly as a snare: 35 for so shall it come upon all them that dwell on the face of the earth. 36 But watch ye at every season, making supplication, that ye may prevail to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Comments

Heaven and earth shall pass away.A new paragraph begins with this verse, and should so be indicated in the text. In Matthew 24:1-51, a new paragraph should begin with Luke 21:35, although R. S. V. makes it begin with 36, while the American Standard begins the paragraph at 32 and runs through 44 without a break.

Jesus-' remark, Heaven and earth shall pass away answers the disciples-' question about the sign of His coming and the end of the world (Matthew 24:3). They had evidently assumed that the two would happen at the same time; the language seems to imply that they also believed that the destruction of Jerusalem would Occur at the end of the world. Having explained in detail about Jerusalem, Jesus proceeded to tell about the end of the world. Heaven and earth shall pass awayof that they could be surebut His words shall not pass away.

Matthew records another statement which Jesus made in this connection. He said, But of that day and hour knoweth no one, not even the angels of heaven, neither the Son, but the Father only (Matthew 24:36). His coming will be at an unknown time. On the other hand, the signs of the destruction of Jerusalem enabled the disciples to anticipate the approaching doom of the city and escape before it was too late.

But take heed to yourselves.The fact that His coming will be at an unknown time requires all His disciples at all times in all generations to be prepared for that great day.

and that day come on you suddenly as a snare.If they are prepared at all times they will not be taken unawares. Paul reminded the Thessalonians that they knew that the day of the Lord comes as a thief in the night. But he also told them that they did not need to be taken unawares, for they were to live in the light of God's instruction and put on the armor of God so that they might obtain salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. See 1 Thessalonians 5:2-11.

upon all them that dwell on the face of the earth.The day of His coming will affect those living at that time and it also affects all those living before that time, for all must prepare to meet Him when He comes. That preparation must be made in this lifetime, for there will be no opportunity to do so after death. See Luke 16:26.

Watch at every season.Everyone at all times must watch! Peter said, Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour, whom withstand in your faith (1 Peter 5:8-9). Even though Peter had heard these words of Jesus, he let himself be caught off guard by the enemies of the Lord when He was on trial.

that ye may prevail.Peter also reminds us to give diligence to make your calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10). Those who fail to do so forget the cleansing from their old sins. Jesus urged His disciples to keep their eyes on His coming at all times.

and to stand before the Son of man.that is, stand before Him like those of the Parable of the Pounds who used their opportunity to serve Him while waiting for His return. They could stand before the King without shame, for they were prepared for His coming.