Living in Light of His Return: Luke 21:29-33
“29) Then He told them a parable: “Behold the fig tree and all the trees; 30) as soon as they put forth leaves, you see it and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 31) So you also, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near. 32) Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all things take place. 33) Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.” Luke 21:29-33
Jesus concluded His discussion of end times with a parable about spring giving way to summer. He noted that when you see the foliage filling out on the trees, you know that summer is near. So when you see the signs coming together in rapid succession, know that the Kingdom of God is near.
In the Matthew 25 He told three other parables all aimed at being ready. The parable of the ten virgins stressed not growing weary. Be prepared! It will come at an unknown time. (Matthew 25:1-13)
The next parable was about accountability for the talents entrusted to the servants. (Matthew 25:14-30) Get busy with what you’ve got!
Finally, He talked about all the nations being gathered and separated like sheep and goats. (Matthew 25:31-46) They will give account for the way they treated the hungry, poor, unclothed, and imprisoned. Ministering to the needy was equated to ministering to Jesus.
When Luke and Matthew are combined, a powerful admonition emerges about the generation preparing for His return. Let me paint a summary with a very broad brush.
Be ready. Jesus is coming back just as He promised. His prophetic word will be fulfilled.
Be alert. The signs of the times will stack up like spring giving way to summer.
Be holy and devoted to Jesus like a bride waiting for her groom.
Be fueled up and shining for Jesus. Keep your oil flasks full. (This might be a reference to walking in the Spirit.)
Be diligent to leverage and multiply the gifts entrusted to you for His glory.
Be busy ministering to the needs of others as if they were Jesus Himself in need.
What is absent from these parables is the notion of ignoring His return, getting distracted with the pleasures of this world, or being self-centered and ignoring others in need. He was warning against getting weary, being lazy, ignoring needs and wasting time.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
“29) Then He told them a parable: “Behold the fig tree and all the trees; 30) as soon as they put forth leaves, you see it and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 31) So you also, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near. 32) Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all things take place. 33) Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.” Luke 21:29-33
Jesus concluded His discussion of end times with a parable about spring giving way to summer. He noted that when you see the foliage filling out on the trees, you know that summer is near. So when you see the signs coming together in rapid succession, know that the Kingdom of God is near.
In the Matthew 25 He told three other parables all aimed at being ready. The parable of the ten virgins stressed not growing weary. Be prepared! It will come at an unknown time. (Matthew 25:1-13)
The next parable was about accountability for the talents entrusted to the servants. (Matthew 25:14-30) Get busy with what you’ve got!
Finally, He talked about all the nations being gathered and separated like sheep and goats. (Matthew 25:31-46) They will give account for the way they treated the hungry, poor, unclothed, and imprisoned. Ministering to the needy was equated to ministering to Jesus.
When Luke and Matthew are combined, a powerful admonition emerges about the generation preparing for His return. Let me paint a summary with a very broad brush.
Be ready. Jesus is coming back just as He promised. His prophetic word will be fulfilled.
Be alert. The signs of the times will stack up like spring giving way to summer.
Be holy and devoted to Jesus like a bride waiting for her groom.
Be fueled up and shining for Jesus. Keep your oil flasks full. (This might be a reference to walking in the Spirit.)
Be diligent to leverage and multiply the gifts entrusted to you for His glory.
Be busy ministering to the needs of others as if they were Jesus Himself in need.
What is absent from these parables is the notion of ignoring His return, getting distracted with the pleasures of this world, or being self-centered and ignoring others in need. He was warning against getting weary, being lazy, ignoring needs and wasting time.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
