The Widow’s Gift
1He Mk 12:41-44 looked up and saw the rich dropping their offerings into the temple treasury. 2Kg 12:9; Mt 27:6; Jn 8:20
2He also saw a poor widow dropping in two tiny coins. Lit two lepta ; the lepton was the smallest and least valuable Gk coin in use. Lk 12:59
4For all these people have put in gifts out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”
Destruction of the Temple Predicted
5As Mt 24:1-51; Mk 13:1-37 some were talking about the temple complex, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, Gifts given to the temple in fulfillment of vows to God He said,
6“These things that you see — the days will come Lk 17:22 when not one stone will be left on another that will not be thrown down! ” Lk 19:44
Signs of the End of the Age
7“Teacher,” they asked Him, “so when will these things be? And what will be the sign when these things are about to take place? ” Ac 1:6-7
8Then He said, “Watch out that you are not deceived. Jr 29:8; Eph 5:6; 2Th 2:3 For many will come in My name, Jr 14:14; 1Jn 2:18 saying, ‘I am He,’ Jn 8:24 and, ‘The time is near.’ Don’t follow them. Lk 17:23
9When you hear of wars and rebellions, Or insurrections, or revolutions don’t be alarmed. Indeed, these things must take place first, but the end won’t come right away.”
10Then He told them: “Nation will be raised up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 2Ch 15:6; Is 19:2
11There will be violent earthquakes, Is 29:6; Zch 14:5; Rv 6:12 and famines and plagues Rv 6:8 in various places, and there will be terrifying sights and great signs from heaven. Lk 11:16; 12:33
12But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you Mt 10:19-22; Mk 13:11-13 and persecute Ps 119:84 you. They will hand you over to the synagogues Ac 22:19; 26:11 and prisons, Ac 4:3; 5:18; 8:3; 12:4; 16:23 and you will be brought before kings and governors Ac 17:6; 18:12; 24:1,27; 25:6; 27:24; 2Co 11:23 because of My name.
14Therefore make up your minds Lit Therefore place (determine) in your hearts not to prepare your defense ahead of time, Lk 12:11
15for I will give you such words Lit you a mouth Ex 4:12 and a wisdom Ac 6:10 that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. Ac 4:14
16You will even be betrayed by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. Mt 10:35; Lk 12:53 They will kill some of you.
19By your endurance gain Other mss read endurance you will gain your lives. Mt 10:22; 24:13; Rm 2:7; 5:3; Heb 10:36; Jms 1:3
The Destruction of Jerusalem
20“When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, Lk 19:43 then recognize that its desolation Dn 9:27 has come near.
21Then those in Judea must flee Lk 17:31 to the mountains! Mt 4:8 Those inside the city Lit inside her must leave it, and those who are in the country must not enter it,
22because these are days of vengeance Is 34:8; 63:4; Dn 9:24-27; Hs 9:7; Lk 18:7-8 to fulfill all the things that are written.
23Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days, Lk 23:29 for there will be great distress in the land Or the earth and wrath against this people.
24They will fall by the edge of the sword Heb 11:34 and be led captive into all the nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles Or nations Ps 79:1; Is 63:18; Dn 8:13; Rv 11:2 until the times of the Gentiles Dn 12:7; Rm 11:25 are fulfilled.
The Coming of the Son of Man
25“Then there will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars; Is 13:10; 24:23; Ezk 32:7; Jl 2:10; 3:15; Ac 2:20; Rv 6:12-13 and there will be anguish on the earth among nations bewildered by the roaring sea and waves. Ps 46:2-3; 65:7; Is 17:12; Jl 2:30-31
26People will faint from fear and expectation of the things that are coming on the world, because the celestial powers will be shaken. Is 34:4; Hg 2:6
27Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud Dn 7:13; Rv 1:7 with power and great glory. Mt 16:27; 26:64; Mk 9:1
28But when these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near! ” Lk 2:38; 24:21; Rm 8:23; 13:11
The Parable of the Fig Tree
29Then He told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees.
30As soon as they put out leaves you can see for yourselves and recognize that summer is already near.
31In the same way, when you see these things happening, recognize Or you know that the kingdom of God is near.
33Heaven and earth will pass away, Ps 102:26; Is 51:6; 2Pt 3:10 but My words will never pass away. Ps 119:89; Is 40:8; Mt 5:18; Lk 16:17; 1Pt 1:23,25
The Need for Watchfulness
34“Be on your guard, Lk 17:3 so that your minds are not dulled Lit your hearts are not weighed down from carousing, Or hangovers drunkenness, Rm 13:13 and worries of life, Mt 13:22; Mk 4:19; 1Th 5:6-7; 1Pt 4:7 or that day will come on you unexpectedly Lk 12:40; 1Th 5:3
35like a trap. For it will come on all who live on the face of the whole earth.
36But be alert at all times, Mt 25:13; 26:41; Mk 14:34-38; Lk 12:37; Ac 20:31; 1Co 16:13; Eph 6:18; 1Th 5:6; 1Pt 5:8 praying that you may have strength Other mss read you may be counted worthy to escape Rm 2:3; 1Th 5:3; Heb 2:3 all these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Holman Christian Standard Bible®
Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009
by Holman Bible Publishers
