Luke 21:20-24

Luke 21:20-24

1. We should mark our Lord Jesus Christ's perfect knowledge.
2. We should mark our Lord's words about flight in time of danger.
3. We should mark our Lord's words about vengeance.
4. We should mark our Lord's words about the times of the Gentiles.

"The true Christian should continually keep in mind this perfect knowledge of Christ. Past things, present things, and things to come, are all naked and open to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. The recollection of the sins of youth may well make us humble. The sense of present weakness may make us anxious. The fear of trials yet to come may make our hearts faint. But it is a strong consolation to think that Christ knows all. For past, present, and future things we may safely trust Him."

"To meet death patiently and courageously, if it comes on us in the path of God's providence, is a duty incumbent on every believer. But to court death and suffering, and rush needlessly into danger, is the part of the fanatic and enthusiast, not of the wise disciple of Christ."

"God's "sentence against an evil work" is not always executed speedily, but it does not follow that it will not be executed at all. The wicked may flourish for many years "like a green bay-tree," but his latter end will be that his sin will find him out."

"The Lord Jesus shall come again in power and great glory. The kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our God and of His Christ, and the "times of the Gentiles" shall come to an end."

Questions:

1. We see in this passage that Jesus had detailed knowledge of events that would take place in the future, and we see that He is truly God who knows the end from the beginning. Ryle applies this attribute to our knowing God in three areas. “The recollection of the sins of youth may well make us humble. The sense of present weakness may make us anxious. The fear of trials yet to come may make our hearts faint.” But does this give us consolation and strong reason to trust Him?

2. Ryle gives two encouragements regarding danger in the Christian life. First, that we must be ready to face death for the sake of Christ, but second, we may also be wise to flee from danger if presented with a way of escape. Have you ever considered these two options before? Does facing death sound too extreme? Does escaping danger if able sound cowardly?

3. 2 Peter 3 warns against those who presume that if God’s judgement hasn’t come already, why should we expect it at all. We tend to think of consequences as those that happen shortly after, but we must not forget the longsuffering of God. What does this passage do to our hearts as we consider the pent-up river of God’s wrath this is yet to come upon the world and all who are enemies of Christ?