The Gospel of Luke
The Coming of the Son of Man: Lk 21,25-38
Your Redemption is Near: 21,25-28
The various OT quotations bring out Luke's description of the signs of the end with people dying of fright as a result (verse 26).
What is judgement for some will be salvation for others as the Son of Man comes in glory, taken from the vision of the book of Daniel (Dn 7,13-14) so influential for early Christians.
There is therefore the confident tone of verse 28. It is in contrast with the woman bent over in 13,11, unable to stand up straight.
Be on your guard: 21,29-36
Mark just mentions the fig tree (Mk 13,28) while Luke mentions all trees. The image is a reminder to read the signs and always to be watchful.
"This generation" in verse 32 needs to be read in general terms, such as 7,31 "to what shall I compare this generation". Although early Christians were expecting an imminent return of Jesus, we read this phrase concerning each generation.
Conclusion: 21,37-38
These final verses echo 19,47-48 with Jesus teaching in the Temple and the people hanging on his words.
The note about the Mount of Olives in 21,37 echoes 19,29 and 22,39. It has its special role as the place where the Messiah is to appear.
Luke lacks Mark's forceful exhortation to watch which ends his discourse, Mk 13,34-37.
We can now return to the main page.