Luke 21:8

Observe here, Christ does not gratify his disciples' curiosity, but acquaints them with their present duty; namely, to watch against deceivers and seducers, who should have the impudence to affirm themselves to be Christs, saying,. am Christ: some Christs personal, or the Messiah; others Christs doctrinal, affirming their erroneous opinions to be Christ's mind and doctrine: Take heed that ye be not deceived, for many shall come in my name, saying,. am Christ.

Observe farther, the signs which our Saviour gives of Jerusalem's approaching destruction, namely, the many broils and commotions, the civil disorders and dissensions, that should be found among the Jews immediately before: Ye shall hear of wars and commotions, and see fearful sights, and great signs from heaven. Josephus declares, that there appeared in the air chariots and horsemen skirmishing, and that. blazing star in fashion of. sword hung over the city for. year together.

Hence learn, that war, pestilence, and famine, are judgments and calamities inflicted by God upon. sinful people for their contempt of Christ and gospel grace. Ye shall hear of war, famine, and pestilence.