Jesus words transition from those of warning to specific details that will be evident in the last days.
20And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. – Luke 21:20 KJV
Jerusalem the city will be “compassed with armies”. We know Israel today is surrounded by nations who hate her. And agreements allowing false religions and the worship of false gods exist in the city today. However, Jerusalem, the city has yet to be completely surrounded by armies. When the antichrist takes his stand in the temple is the time we will see the city surrounded by armies for his protection.
21Then 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 thereinto. 22For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. – Luke 21:21-22 KJV
When we do see Jerusalem surrounded, then we know it is time to “flee to the mountains” and “depart out”, without looking back. These will be the “days of vengeance”. When the abomination in the temple breaks the peace agreement and a full-on charge against the saints ensues, we know time is short.
Scripture in Daniel and Revelation speaks of when the devil will know his time is short. Christ is warning his disciples of this time of great vengeance on earth. Evil will have power over the saints for a short time.
23But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. 24And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. – Luke 21:23-24 KJV
The word “woe” used in verse 23 is the same word used by the angel warning of the final 3 woes, the final 3 trumpets to be blown in Revelation resulting in great destruction on earth. “Great distress in the land” aligns with the angel warning of woes.
Christ tells us of the “sword” and being “led away captive”, also aligning with Revelation.
10He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. – Revelation 13:10 KJV
This is what saints living in the last days will be exposed to. Some will survive and some will not, but we are all called to patient. Remember, God’s words in Daniel.
33And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. – Daniel 11:33 KJV
We do not need to fear, as ALL Christ’s people will survive eternally, regardless of when the transition from earth to heaven occurs!!
24And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. – Luke 21:24 KJV
Jerusalem will be trodden on.
2But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. – Revelation 11:2 KJV
God is and will remain in control for eternity even while evil on earth grows exponentially. The evil on earth will only be allowed to continue until the appointed time God Almighty has chosen.
Jesus tells His disciples more of the events that will be seen on earth prior to His return.
25And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. – Luke 21:25-26 KJV
This passage describes an earth that is raging in every way. The people on earth are seeing things they never could have ever imagined. It is the climax of those who have rejected God and Jesus feeling the ground physically collapsing from underneath them. They will be seeing and feeling the error of their choice in every way possible. The earth and heavens are reacting simultaneously to the coming of the King.
27And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. – Luke 21:27 KJV
Christ returns in all the glory God intended, the glory our Savior deserves! Think back to the earlier passages calling out the false christs that will appear on the scene prior to our King of Kings return. Christ told His disciples they would be hidden in back rooms or out in fields, completely counter to the grand return proclaimed here. The more we study scripture, the more we can have these elements cataloged in our minds and hearts to keep from being deceived. This wisdom helps us to know and hear God more clearly as He leads us in discernment of every situation we are faced with here on earth.
28And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. – Luke 21:28 KJV
God again brings hope through Christ’s words. When Christ returns in glory, He will bring our final redemption from evil.
The verses in this section can be grouped together, as were done with verses 8-19. In the third group, verses 20-24, Christ speaks of the abomination in the temple, the need to flee, the reality that some will fall by the sword or be led captive and Jerusalem will be trodden. Christ’s words in the next group, verses 25-26, reiterate the existence of false prophets and false christs attempting to deceive. The final grouping, verses 27-28, tell of Christ’s glorious return in the clouds and confirm He will be our redemption for eternity!