Luke : Day 35

Read Luke 20:45 – 21:38

You may have heard theories about the end of the world. Back in 2012, some people believed that the world would end on the 21st of December, based on an ancient Mayan calendar. Obviously they were proved wrong! So should we treat Jesus’ words about future events with a large dose of scepticism?

We should definitely be sceptical when religious leaders, even Christian leaders, make predictions about future dates. Jesus said that only the Father knows the day and hour of His return (Matthew 24:36). But Jesus did also teach clearly that He will return one day, and talked about other future events. Remember that He had prophesied His own death and resurrection, and both those events took place shortly afterwards.

Jesus also predicted the persecution of His apostles (verses 12-19) and the siege of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple by the Romans in AD70 (verse 6, 20-24). Since He told the truth about those events, it would be silly to write off the things which haven’t happened yet.

Although Christians have different opinions about some of the details and times Jesus referred to, the main point is simple and clear – it’s easy to live life as though getting the bills paid and having fun at the weekend is what life is all about. But each person urgently needs to prepare for God’s Day of reckoning by repenting of sin and trusting Jesus Christ for salvation. Although it isn’t nice to think about, you only have one life, and after that, there will be no opportunity to get right with God.

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”

Luke 21:33