Q

Bible experts say they see two different scenes in the prophecies of Jesus in Luke 21:5-28. In some cases, they see the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, when Romans crushed a Jewish rebellion and leveled the city of Jerusalem. Oth­ers say they see references to the Second Coming. What are some of the quotes you see in here that seem to track nicely with the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70? And what lines seem to point to something beyond that event?

A

Fall of Jerusalem:

• “The next time you see an army surround Jerusalem, that’s your sign. That’s when you’ll know the city is about to get decimated” (21:20).
• “Those of you who are anywhere near the city—anywhere in the region of Judea—you’ll need to run to the mountains. Those of you inside the city will need to evacuate immediately. And if you’re living in the coun­tryside, don’t go anywhere near the city” (21:21). Early Christian writers report that some Christians remem­bered this prediction, and they fled Jerusalem before the Roman army destroyed the city.
• “This generation of human beings will live to see everything I’ve described” (21:32).

Scenes yet to come:

• “You will see unusual activity in the sky, with the sun, moon, and stars. You’ll see signs on the ground, too. The sea will roar and surge, confusing and terrifying countries throughout the world” (21:25).
• “The Son of Humans will come, descending through the clouds in a powerful and glorious entrance” (21:27).

Reprinted from the Leader’s Guide & Atlas for Luke

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