Luke Part 3 Week 15

Day 1 

RECEIVE 

Luke 21:8-9 

⁸ He replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and saying, ‘The time has come!’ But don’t believe them. ⁹ And when you hear of wars and insurrections, don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place first, but the end won’t follow immediately.” 

Luke 21 tells of things that will occur before the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple and also what will occur during the seven-year tribulation at the end of the age. The characteristic leading up to these future events would be “wars and insurrections.” These are to be expected by believers in Jesus.  

REFLECT 

Although there will always be wars and rumors of wars, the intensity will get greater as the time of Jesus’ return nears.  

RESPOND 

Talk with a friend about how to witness concerning the return of Jesus. Regardless of when it will be, you could say to a person, “Someday we will all meet Jesus face to face either as our Savior or as our Judge.” To show compassion you could add, “I hope it will be as your Savior because He died to pay for your sins.”  

Day 2 

RECEIVE 

Luke 21:10-11 

¹⁰ Then he added, “Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. ¹¹ There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven.” 

Matthew 24:7; Mark 13:8; and Luke 21:11 all mention famines and earthquakes. Chapters 6-11 in Revelation also tell of even more serious ones. Revelation 16:18 tells of an earthquake that will be worse than any ever seen. If you think things are terrifying now; it will be worse later.  

REFLECT 

With the world in confusion, you can have confidence in a sovereign God who is in ultimate control. 

RESPOND 

For a human example that shows Satan (the devil) can go no further than God allows, join with a friend in reading Job chapters 1 and 2. In each case, Satan could go no further than God allowed. You can count on the same today. 

Day 3 

RECEIVE 

Luke 21:12-13 

¹² “But before all this occurs, there will be a time of great persecution. You will be dragged into synagogues and prisons, and you will stand trial before kings and governors because you are my followers. ¹³ But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me.” 

Before the end of the age there will be “great persecution.” Believers will be called to give account; some will stand trial; some will be put to death. Those who are able should use this opportunity to speak a message about Jesus. He loved even the persecutors and died on the cross to pay for their sins. Pray such a message will strike to the hearts of some. 

REFLECT 

Do you personally know of some or have read of some who have suffered for their faith? Are you encouraged to be stronger in your faith as you realize what some have endured because of their love for Jesus? 

RESPOND 

You can check with libraries, book publishers, or online sources to read stories about those in the persecuted church. No matter how peaceful it may be for you now, persecution will likely come as you stand for the truths of the Bible. With a friend, read and talk about what Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:11-12. 

Day 4 

RECEIVE 

Luke 21:14-15 

¹⁴ “So don’t worry in advance about how to answer the charges against you, ¹⁵ for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you!” 

It is customary to wonder what you will say when you’ve been given opportunity to speak for Jesus. Ahead of time, you may not know what the exact charges will be so you can rely on the Lord to help you answer then. If you have been faithful in being engaged in the Bible by reading or listening to it, your answer will come as an outflow of your life.  

REFLECT 

Are you engaged in reading or listening to the Bible at least four times a week? That has shown to be life-changing for the person who does that. 

RESPOND 

With a friend, examine 1 Peter 3:13-17. Think about the passage and endeavor to do what it says. 

Day 5 

RECEIVE 

Luke 21:16-19 

¹⁶ “Even those closest to you—your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends—will betray you. They will even kill some of you. ¹⁷ And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. ¹⁸ But not a hair of your head will perish! ¹⁹ By standing firm, you will win your souls.” 

Jesus continued to talk about the hard times that would be coming on the earth. Even families would be divided against each other. This is seen today in some countries where they will try to kill a family member who turns to Jesus in faith. The believer who loses his or her life in such a situation will be rewarded for honoring Jesus.  

REFLECT 

Have you had to face obstacles with your family because you have trusted Jesus as Savior? 

RESPOND 

Consider the crown that awaits those who are faithful and look forward to the appearing of Jesus. Ask a friend to join you in reading 2 Timothy 4:6-8 to see what the apostle Paul said about his own life as well as the lives of others.