Luke 21:11

• Destructive events like these are often associated with:

  • the judgment of God (1 Samuel 14:15; Psalm 18:7–8; Isaiah 2:19, 21; 5:25; 13:13; 24:18; 29:5–6; Jeremiah 14:12; 21:6–7; Ezekiel 14:21; Amos 1:1) and

  • the end of the age (Isaiah 24:18; 29:5–6; Ezekiel 38:19; Joel 2:10; Haggai 2:6, 21; Zechariah 14:4; compare Revelation 6:12; 8:5; 11:13, 19; 16:18).

• great signs from heaven: See study note on 21:25.

Jesus spoke about events that many people misunderstand as signs of the end of the age. These events include false messiahs (people who claim to be God’s chosen one), wars, earthquakes, famines (times when there is not enough food), and severe persecution (violent suffering because of faith).

However, Jesus made it clear that these events do not mean the end will happen right away. The end will not come immediately after these things.

When Jesus predicted the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, his disciples asked when it would happen and what signs would accompany it (21:6,7). Jesus responded by describing the events surrounding the destruction of the temple and the return of the Son of Man (21:8–36). This sermon is known as the Olivet Discourse because the Mount of Olives was where Jesus taught (see Matthew 24:3; Mark 13:3).