Bible Passage

Literal Summary

Points of Consideration

Luke 21:20

And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.

Jerusalem will be surrounded by armies before the desolation is close?

Jerusalem has been compassed (surrounded) by enemy armies a few times since Jesus said this, and it may be so again in the future. Jerusalem is technically compassed(protected)by its own armies right now.

But since he is referring to the desolation thereof (the abomination of desolation) maybe this section of Luke Ch: 21 is Jesus' way of telling us the long story of things associated with the desolation of the Jews from Jerusalem, beginning in 70 A.D. and concluding at the time of his return?

The Jews are no longer in desolation.!!!!

Luke 21:21

Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter there into.

People in Judea will have to flee to the mountains during the desolation times?

Those inside Jerusalem must depart?

Those in the countries cannot enter into Jerusalem?

Jesus is telling everyone to avoid Jerusalem because the Romans were destined be victorious in 70 A.D. He may also be telling people that upon His return, they will not find him in Jerusalem. Maybe the Judean mountain He wants them to flee to is Mount Carmel?

Luke 21:22

For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.

Someone is going to take vengeance in those days, so all things written (prophecies?) may be fulfilled?

"Days" in the Bible often mean "years." What are the "things" that are written which will be fulfilled?

Does He mean the things written in the previous verses? Or does he mean all the verses in the Bible which refer to His return? The war of 70 A.D. was surely full of vengeance.

Biblical Passage

Literal Summary

Points of Consideration

Luke 21:32

Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.

Jesus tells the disciples that this generation will not pass away (die?) until all prophecies are fulfilled?

When Jesus says "this generation shall not pass away," I propose He may be referring to the time between his first and second coming. All has been fulfilled literally and/or symbolically in regard to the details of the desolation, and the second coming.

Luke 21:33

Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

The words of Jesus will float in outer space because there will be no more heaven and earth?

The old heaven and the old earth will pass away but will be updated with the new heaven and the new earth(and the New Jerusalem)= New revelations from God, upon Christ's return. Jesus' teachings will be cherished forever!

Luke 21:34

And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.

Jesus tell us that if we spend our time drinking alcohol, eating out too much, and focusing on the cares of this life, we will be unaware of Him upon His return? 

How many people do you know who are too 'busy' with everything else, to engage in discussions on spiritual topics?

Many people will miss (be unaware of) Christ upon His return because they have allowed themselves(their hearts) to focus on earthly things and therefore will be unable to realize the spiritual fulfillment of His return.

Luke 21:35

For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.

When Jesus returns, the whole earth will be caught up in a snare ?

(maybe with a fishing net)?

Just as only a small percent of the population initially recognized Christ upon his first coming, because they were snared (trapped) by the cares of this life, so too will the circumstances play out upon His return.

Luke 21:36

Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Jesus wants us to watch and pray non-stop for 2000 years, so we can be deemed worthy enough to escape the circumstances of the previous passages, and then maybe he will let us stand before the Son of Man?

Those who do not watch and pray will not see the Son of Man?

Praying to God will help us to see through our spiritual eyes, so we will be able to understand the beautiful literal and symbolic fulfillment of scripture.

These will be the people who overcome the earthly snares(traps) and will get to stand before the Son of Man=have a personal relationship with Him upon His return.