8 signs of the return of Christ

Read Luke 21.

As God in the flesh, Jesus revealed His omniscience.  He watched the offering and knew if people gave God a tip, a tithe, or sacrificially.  Jesus also let the disciples know that He knows the future.  This chapter parallels Matthew 24 and 25.

While His followers were struck by the beauty of the Temple, Jesus saw it as a teachable moment.  First, He stirred their curiosity with a statement regarding the Temple's destruction.  They responded with two questions: 1) When will this happen? and 2) What will be the indicators of that time?  He answered them in reverse order.  His prophetic teaching concerned Christ's return to establish His earthly kingdom, but the message, too, urged some immediate behaviors.

Jerusalem's destruction, along with Solomon's Temple, took place in 586 B.C. at the hands of the Babylonians.  Though this rebuilt Temple during Jesus' day was destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D., it is obvious from this chapter and the rest of Scripture that Jesus had much more in mind.  The descriptions here all point to the Great Tribulation period just prior to our Lord's return.  Many of these signs have always been present in the world, but the time Jesus spoke of here will be unprecedented.  "For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no and never will be." (Matthew 24:21)

1. Political Wars. (v.10)

2. Natural Disasters. (v.11)

3. Agricultural Devastation. (v.11)

4. Astronomical Omens. (v.11)

5. Theological Persecutions. (v.12)

6. Relational Divisions. (v.16)

7. Geographical Convergence. (v.20)

8. Celestial Upheavals. (v.25)

Jerusalem will be surrounded by Gentile nations "until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled."  The Apostle Paul used this same phrase to write that at that time "all Israel will be saved" (Romans 11:25-26).  See Zechariah 14:1-2.

"Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory."  See Revelation 19.
-Who will see Him at His appearance?  "All who dwell on the face of the earth" (v.35)  This is how we know Jesus was not just referring to the Roman destruction.
-Why is Jesus returning to earth?  To set up His earthly kingdom of God (v.31), as the prophets and Revelation 20 foretell.
-Why did Jesus say these things to His followers?  "Watch yourselves."  "Stay awake at all times, praying..."  Because "that day...will come upon you suddenly."