Luke 21:28 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

NIV: When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

NASB: But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.'

CSB: But when these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near."

NLT: So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!'

KJV: And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

NKJV: Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”

Jesus finishes His prophecies on the highest point possible. Yes, the temple and Jerusalem will fall. The disciples will be persecuted, arrested, and killed—sometimes by friends and family. The world will be engulfed in war and disaster. Even the most stable and powerful pieces of creation—the sun, moon, stars, and sea—will torment the people. And Satan and the demons will grow in power (Luke 21:5–26).

But then Jesus will return, the Son of Man, with all the glory, power, and authority described in Daniel 7:13–14. He will redeem His people, rescue them, and rule the world.

So, when the persecution, the natural and the supernatural disasters, and even the tribulation come, Jesus' people know what to do. Don't be afraid. Stand tall. Be alert. Jesus is coming.

Jesus shares these prophecies because when He mentioned the temple was going to be destroyed, the disciples asked for signs so they could anticipate what was to come. The signs will be obvious to anyone who is paying attention. If they can look at the leaves of a fig tree and determine that summer is coming, they can look at the world and sense the kingdom of God is near (Luke 21:29–33).

Jesus finishes with His main concern: how His followers act now considering what will come. We must not fall into a life of sin but make the best use of our time. Remember that we are citizens of God's kingdom. Do not be caught unawares and lose heart. Stay awake so we can stand when Jesus returns (Luke 21:34–36).

Luke 21:25–28 records the last section of Jesus' prophecy about the challenges the Jews and His followers will face. After war, natural disasters, persecution, the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem, and the times of the Gentiles, the Son of Man will appear and judge the world. It is at this moment that Jesus-followers can be confident that Jesus' time has come. In anticipation, Jesus admonishes His followers to stay sober and alert, to make the most of the time before He returns (Luke 21:29–36). This warning is also in Matthew 24:29–31 and Mark 13:24–27 but it originates in Daniel 7:13–14.

Luke 21 records the last of Jesus' teachings before the Last Supper, His arrest, and His crucifixion. Luke 21:1–4 fits well with the themes of Luke 19:28—20:47. Luke 21:5–11 describes how false messiahs, war, and natural disasters will become normal. Luke 21:12–24 prophesies challenges prior to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. Luke 21:25–28 moves to the tribulation. Luke 21:29–36 is Jesus' instructions about the disciples' lives and ministries with respect to the delayed kingdom. Luke 21:37–38 is a note about Jesus' schedule in the days between the triumphal entry and His arrest.

Luke 21 finishes the presentation of Jesus in Jerusalem as the Messiah of the Jews. This lays a foundation for the Passion Narrative: the final days before Jesus is crucified. Luke 19:28—20:47 covered most of the discussions about His authority which are completed with His words about the widow's sacrificial offering (Luke 21:1–4). The rest of the chapter records His warnings to the disciples about the violence they, the temple, Jerusalem, and the world will face between His ascension and His return. Matthew 24 and Mark 12:41—13:37 cover the same material.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.