Luke 21:38 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And early in the morning all the people came to him in the temple to hear him.

NIV: and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple.

NASB: And all the people would get up very early in the morning to come to Him in the temple to listen to Him.

CSB: Then all the people would come early in the morning to hear him in the temple.

NLT: The crowds gathered at the Temple early each morning to hear him.

KJV: And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him.

NKJV: Then early in the morning all the people came to Him in the temple to hear Him.

Since the arrest of John the Baptist, Jesus has taught and ministered publicly. The Jews and their religious leaders have had about three years to hear Him and determine if His teaching is true. In the week beginning with His triumphal entry, Jesus has kept a regular schedule of sleeping on the Mount of Olives at night and teaching in the temple Court during the day. The people learned to expect Him and greeted Him every morning.

Luke records relatively little of what Jesus taught in this week. Luke 20 records how He defended His heavenly authority against the religious and civil leaders who felt threatened by His popularity. Mark and Matthew include a discussion on the Great Commandment (Mark 12:28–34; Matthew 22:34–40). Matthew also includes the parables of the two sons and the wedding feast, and an extensive, detailed description of the sins of the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 21:28–32; 22:1–14; 23:1–36). John gives unique teachings about the purpose of Jesus' coming crucifixion and the disbelief of the people (John 12:27–50).

Beginning in this chapter, Jesus' teaching is confined to His followers. Luke 21:5–36 may have been given only to Peter, Andrew, James, and John (Mark 13:3). John gives an extended account of what Jesus taught in the upper room, including the High Priestly Prayer (John 13—17). After His resurrection, Jesus will explain to two disciples how the Old Testament prophesied the Messiah's death (Luke 24:25–27) as well as many things that aren't recorded (John 20:30–31).

Now, Luke has come to the Last Supper and the cross. Jesus' promises about the coming kingdom of God cannot come to fruition if He does not first die to cover the sins of the world.

Luke 21:37–38 is the end of Jesus' presentation as the Messiah in Jerusalem (Luke 19:28—21:38). It is a call-back to Luke 19:47–48; the chief priests, scribes, and "principal men" want to destroy Jesus, but they can't. During the day He is surrounded by people and at night He is hidden in darkness on the Mount of Olives. Luke 22:1–6 repeats their frustration and provides a solution: Judas will lead them to Jesus in the dark. This transition is unique to Luke.

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.