Luke 21

The Widow's Offering

1 And He looked up a and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, 2 and He saw also a certain b poor widow putting in two c mites. 1 3 So He said, "Truly I say to you d that this poor widow has put in more than all; 4 "for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings 2 for God, but she out of her poverty put in e all the livelihood that she had."

Jesus Foretells Destruction of the Temple

5 f Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was 3 adorned with beautiful stones and donations, He said, 6 "These things which you see - the days will come in which g not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down." 7 So they asked Him, saying, "Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?" 8 And He said: h "Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He,' and, 'The time has drawn near.' 4 Therefore do not 5 go after them. 9 "But when you hear of i wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately."

Jesus Foretells Wars and Persecution

10 j Then He said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 "And there will be great k earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. 12 l "But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and m prisons. n You will be brought before kings and rulers o for My name's sake. 13 "But p it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. 14 q "Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will 6 answer; 15 "for I will give you a mouth and wisdom r which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or 7 resist. 16 s "You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put t some of you to death. 17 "And u you will be hated by all for My name's sake. 18 v "But not a hair of your head shall be lost. 19 "By your patience possess your souls.

Jesus Foretells Destruction of Jerusalem

20 w "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. 21 "Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. 22 "For these are the days of vengeance, that x all things which are written may be fulfilled. 23 y "But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. 24 "And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles z until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

The Coming of the Son of Man

25 a "And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 26 "men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, b for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 "Then they will see the Son of Man c coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 "Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because d your redemption draws near."

The Lesson of the Fig Tree

29 e Then He spoke to them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 "When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 31 "So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 "Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. 33 f "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My g words will by no means pass away.

Watch Yourselves

34 "But h take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with 8 carousing, drunkenness, and i cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 "For j it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 k "Watch therefore, and l pray always that you may 9 be counted m worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and n to stand before the Son of Man."

37 o And in the daytime He was teaching in the temple, but p at night He went out and stayed on the mountain called Olivet. 38 Then early in the morning all the people came to Him in the temple to hear Him.

  1. Cross References
    Mark 12:41 - 44
    Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much.
  2. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 6:10
    As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
  3. Cross References
    Mark 12:42
    Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans.
  4. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 8:12
    For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.
  5. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 8:12
    For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.
  6. Cross References
    Matthew 24:1
    Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple.
    Mark 13:1
    Then as He went out of the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, "Teacher, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!
  7. Cross References
    Isaiah 64:10
    Your holy cities are a wilderness, Zion is a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation.
    Isaiah 64:11
    Our holy and beautiful temple, Where our fathers praised You, Is burned up with fire; And all our pleasant things are laid waste.
    Lamentations 2:6 - 9
    He has done violence to His tabernacle, As if it were a garden; He has destroyed His place of assembly; The LORD has caused The appointed feasts and Sabbaths to be forgotten in Zion. In His burning indignation He has spurned the king and the priest.
    Micah 3:12
    Therefore because of you Zion shall be plowed like a field, Jerusalem shall become heaps of ruins, And the mountain of the temple Like the bare hills of the forest.
    Luke 19:41 - 44
    Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it.
  8. Cross References
    Matthew 24:4
    And Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you.
    Mark 13:5
    And Jesus, answering them, began to say: "Take heed that no one deceives you.
    Ephesians 5:6
    Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
    2 Thessalonians 2:3
    Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition.
    1 John 4:1
    Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
  9. Cross References
    Revelation 6:4
    Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword.
  10. Cross References
    Matthew 24:7
    For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.
  11. Cross References
    Revelation 6:12
    I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood.
  12. Cross References
    Mark 13:9
    But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them.
    John 16:2
    They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service.
    Revelation 2:10
    Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
  13. Cross References
    Acts 4:3
    And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening.
    Acts 5:18
    And laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison.
    Acts 12:4
    So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover.
    Acts 16:24
    Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
  14. Cross References
    Acts 25:23
    So the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with great pomp, and had entered the auditorium with the commanders and the prominent men of the city, at Festus' command Paul was brought in.
  15. Cross References
    1 Peter 2:13
    Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme.
  16. Cross References
    Philippians 1:12 - 14
    But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel.
    Philippians 1:28
    And not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.
    2 Thessalonians 1:5
    Which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer.
  17. Cross References
    Matthew 10:19
    But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak.
    Mark 13:11
    But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.
    Luke 12:11
    Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say.
  18. Cross References
    Acts 6:10
    And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.
  19. Cross References
    Micah 7:6
    For son dishonors father, Daughter rises against her mother, Daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; A man's enemies are the men of his own household.
    Mark 13:12
    Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.
  20. Cross References
    Acts 7:59
    And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
    Acts 12:2
    Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
  21. Cross References
    Matthew 10:22
    And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.
  22. Cross References
    Matthew 10:30
    But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
    Luke 12:7
    But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
  23. Cross References
    Matthew 24:15
    Therefore when you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place" (whoever reads, let him understand).
    Mark 13:14
    So when you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not" (let the reader understand), "then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
  24. Cross References
    Isaiah 63:4
    For the day of vengeance is in My heart, And the year of My redeemed has come.
    Daniel 9:24 - 27
    Seventy weeks are determined For your people and for your holy city, To finish the transgression, To make an end of sins, To make reconciliation for iniquity, To bring in everlasting righteousness, To seal up vision and prophecy, And to anoint the Most Holy.
    Hosea 9:7
    The days of punishment have come; The days of recompense have come. Israel knows! The prophet is a fool, The spiritual man is insane, Because of the greatness of your iniquity and great enmity.
    Zechariah 11:1
    Open your doors, O Lebanon, That fire may devour your cedars.
  25. Cross References
    Matthew 24:19
    But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days!
  26. Cross References
    Daniel 9:27
    Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate.
    Daniel 12:7
    Then I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever, that it shall be for a time, times, and half a time; and when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, all these things shall be finished.
  27. Cross References
    Isaiah 13:9
    Behold, the day of the LORD comes, Cruel, with ...
    Isaiah 13:10
    For the stars of heaven and their constellation...
    Isaiah 13:13
    Therefore I will shake the heavens, And the ear...
    Matthew 24:29
    Immediately after the tribulation of those days...
    Mark 13:24
    But in those days, after that tribulation, the ...
    2 Peter 3:10 - 12
    But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in...
  28. Cross References
    Matthew 24:29
    Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
  29. Cross References
    Daniel 7:13
    I was watching in the night visions, And behold...
    Matthew 16:27
    For the Son of Man will come in the glory of Hi...
    Matthew 24:30
    Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in ...
    Matthew 26:64
    Jesus said to him, " It is as you said. Neverth...
    Mark 13:26
    Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the...
    Revelation 1:7
    Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye...
    Revelation 14:14
    Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and o...
  30. Cross References
    Romans 8:19
    For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.
    Romans 8:23
    Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.
  31. Cross References
    Matthew 24:32
    Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.
    Mark 13:28
    Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.
  32. Cross References
    Isaiah 51:6
    Lift up your eyes to the heavens, And look on t...
    Matthew 24:35
    Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words w...
    Hebrews 1:10
    And: "You, LORD, in the beginning laid the foun...
    Hebrews 1:11
    They will perish, but You remain; And they will...
    2 Peter 3:7
    But the heavens and the earth which are now pre...
    2 Peter 3:10
    But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in...
    2 Peter 3:12
    Looking for and hastening the coming of the day...
  33. Cross References
    Isaiah 40:8
    The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.
    Luke 16:17
    And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail.
    1 Peter 1:24
    Because "All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away.
    1 Peter 1:25
    But the word of the LORD endures forever." Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.
  34. Cross References
    Matthew 24:42 - 44
    Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour ...
    Mark 4:19
    And the cares of this world, the deceitfulness ...
    Luke 12:40
    "Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Ma...
    Luke 12:45
    But if that servant says in his heart, 'My mast...
    Romans 13:13
    Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in rev...
    1 Thessalonians 5:6
    Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but l...
    1 Peter 4:7
    But the end of all things is at hand; therefore...
  35. Cross References
    Luke 8:14
    Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity.
  36. Cross References
    1 Thessalonians 5:2
    For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.
    2 Peter 3:10
    But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.
    Revelation 3:3
    Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.
    Revelation 16:15
    "Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame."
  37. Cross References
    Matthew 24:42
    Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.
    Matthew 25:13
    Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
    Mark 13:33
    Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.
    Luke 12:40
    "Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."
  38. Cross References
    Luke 18:1
    Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.
    Ephesians 6:18
    Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints -
    Colossians 4:2
    Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.
    1 Thessalonians 5:17
    Pray without ceasing.
  39. Cross References
    Luke 20:35
    But those who are counted worthy to attain that age, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage.
  40. Cross References
    Psalms 1:5
    Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
    Ephesians 6:13
    Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
  41. Cross References
    John 8:1
    But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.
    John 8:2
    Now early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them.
  42. Cross References
    Luke 22:39
    Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him.
New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
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