Luke 21:7, commentary and pictures

The question arose as the disciples were speaking of the temple adorned with fine stones and gifts, after Jesus had declared that not one stone would be left upon another. They asked when this foretold destruction of the temple would happen and what sign would mark its fulfillment. Their asking also reflected a desire to know the secret time of Christ's coming, but He did not satisfy that curiosity, directing attention instead to heeding His warnings, preparing, and faithfully performing duties. He made their question the occasion for lessons of great consequence, speaking first of the great calamity coming upon Jerusalem and then carrying minds forward to the close of earth's history, when not merely nations would be destroyed but the whole world.

The destruction of Jerusalem and the final events are described together, so the prophecy extends beyond Jerusalem to the last scenes of earth's history and to the final visitation of God's wrath at the end of the world's history. The answer includes warnings about false claimants, wars, earthquakes, famine, pestilence, heavenly signs, and persecution, and many of these judgments came upon Jerusalem. The chapter presents the signs and events believers may expect, speaks to the last days of earth's history and the coming of the Son of man, and its signs of the times point to the nearness of the day of the Lord and the end. It calls for watchfulness and prayer.

The foretelling of the signs of the times was given to the disciples so that those who should afterward believe would have instruction to help them prepare for the great conflict, and at this time God's people must discern those foretold signs and reach a higher standard. The words spoken at that time are especially applicable to those upon whom the ends of the world are come. The conditions described are relevant to a world whose wickedness resembles the days before the Flood.