Luke 21 Commentary
There is a big difference between taxes imposed by governments such as Rome and offerings at the Temple of the LORD. Caesar’s treasures are determined by human authorities and are fixed both in time and value. Quantity is important.
Offerings at the Temple of the LORD are determined by the worshipper according to the heart’s generosity. The worshipper defines both the timing of the offering and the quantity.
The LORD shall not be worshipped according to Caesar’s tax standards. Quantity isn’t important at the Temple of the LORD; it is the heart of the worshipper that is most important.
On one side is enforcement by strict rules which include punishment for any failure. The other side is the rule of the Spirit oozing out love, patience understanding, and forgiveness. Greatness never looks the type in God’s kingdom. The poor widow offering two copper coins tops the list of givers because of her heart’s condition!
Many reading these lines have flouted ‘tax’ rules at the Temple of the LORD; we rarely give out of our poverty!
The question about the timing of the destruction of the Temple wasn’t one you answered with dates like 09/12/4023, two millennia from now. With Jesus, you don’t understand your question until you get the answer!
“Jesus answered and said unto them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up’”. John 2 verse 19.
The destruction of the Temple drew thoughts of the coming of the reign of Christ in glory – the post-resurrection events. The answer given by the LORD Jesus Christ is complex and reveals an understanding of the information needs of the disciples.
The sign that the Temple is about to be flattened is given by the sight of a ‘siege’ by an enemy army. It is a localized catastrophe.
The sign that the “Son is here” is given by “signs in the sun, moon, and stars”. It is a global catastrophe; “nations will be in anguish”.
“At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory”. Verse 27.
It appears Luke has the following lineup: First, the persecution of the disciples – Peter and team. Second, the destruction of the Temple – announced by the presence of a foreign army around Jerusalem. Third, the coming of the Son in glory – announced by the “sign in the sun, moon, and stars”.
The saint is warned that in between the destruction of the Temple and the Son’s coming there would be wars and uprisings. People will come claiming to be the Christ. Stay awake. Don’t be deceived.
We cannot wait for our redemption when the Son appears in glory!
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