Luke 21:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said,

NIV: Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said,

NASB: And while some were talking about the temple, that it was decorated with beautiful stones and vowed gifts, He said,

CSB: As some were talking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said,

NLT: Some of his disciples began talking about the majestic stonework of the Temple and the memorial decorations on the walls. But Jesus said,

KJV: And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said,

NKJV: Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and donations, He said,

Jesus has been teaching on the temple Mount. Much of that has involved arguing with religious leaders about who should have authority (Luke 20). He wrapped up the debates by warning His larger group of disciples against the local religious experts, who love attention and manipulate the needy for personal gain (Luke 20:47). At one point, Jesus observed people giving donations for the temple. Several rich people give large amounts. A poor widow gave her last two copper coins. It would seem that some of the rich give gold, but only that: an earthly material which can be destroyed, melted, and stolen. The poor widow gives her love and devotion to God and her faith in Him. Financially, she out-gives the rich by sacrificing everything she has. Spiritually, she demonstrates true faith. Certainly, she "has put in more than all of them" (Luke 21:3).

As the day ends, Jesus and the disciples leave the temple. They return to the Mount of Olives, where they sleep every night (Luke 21:37–38). From this vantage point, they can look down to the buildings on the temple Mount. The disciples are proud of how majestic their temple is. Jesus warns them that it will not always be so (Luke 21:6). History indicates that less than forty years after Jesus' earthly ministry, the Roman army breached Jerusalem and set the temple on fire. The gold from the furnishings and the temple treasury melted into the seams between the stone. To get it, the soldiers tore apart the temple—quite literally brick by brick.

Luke 21:5–6 begins what has been labeled the "Olivet Discourse." Here, Jesus prophesies the destruction of the temple. Jesus has been in Jerusalem, taking spiritual authority, teaching crowds, and flummoxing local religious leaders. The disciples see the temple as more beautiful than ever. Jesus warns them that the building's beauty is fleeting. In fact, within forty years of their talk, the Romans will have destroyed it and Jerusalem. Jesus goes on to give a general warning of the hardships His people will face before His second coming. This content is also covered in Matthew 24:1–2 and Mark 13:1–2.

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.