Grace, mercy and peace to you from our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen
Luke 21:5-19 
Luke 21:16-19 – New International Version
16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 Everyone will hate you because of me. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 Stand firm, and you will win life.
I enjoy going to the movies. Show of hands, who enjoys the movies? Great. You should enjoy the sermon today.
Danielle and I enjoy going to the Plaza Cinema down at Laurieton. There is something about the décor, the gold, the feel as you walk through the door. Feels like you’re stepping back in time. And the smell of popcorn, even though I don’t really like eating it.
One of the hardest things is choosing a movie. Trying to choose something that everyone will enjoy is hard work. I know we have spent hours scrolling through all the streaming services trying to find a movie that everyone would like to see or hasn’t seen. The last one we went to see was Top Gun 2. Wow, what a movie? Filled with action, big sounds, blowing things up and great photography. And despite being a movie about war, categorised as action and drama, I found it to be one of love, inspiration and hope.
If we think about today’s text, we might pop it into some slightly different categories. Maybe horror, fantasy, drama thriller or maybe science fiction. I propose that today’s text is more like a story of encouragement, hope, maybe inspirational.
Now, before we get too deep into the text, it might be beneficial for some backstory. Similar to the rolling screen at the start of the Star Wars movie, where it opens with “A long, long time ago in a faraway galaxy…..” Well, let’s do the same and start with picking up the writings about 30 years after Jesus’ death. Luke’s concern is primarily focused on a detailed account of Jesus’ life, but also on bringing people to faith.[1] As you know, we are heading towards the end of the Church year, and as we do, we turn our attention to eschatological matters; a focus on the end times, anticipation of Christ’s return and judgement. So, there should be no surprise on the selection of the texts and their connecting themes. But the end of the year is also a time for transition to a new year. An opportunity to look back and remember and an opportunity to look forward with joy and anticipation of things to come.
We pick up today’s text in Jerusalem about 1 week before Jesus’ crucifixion, death and resurrection. And we hear about the disciples admiring the great temple (v5).[2] Adorned with all its gold and splendour, bronze gates and great offerings.[3] No doubt it would have been a magnificent sight — an awe-inspiring place. I am sure it would look great on the big screen! And Jesus turns to the disciples and says ‘See all this, it will be destroyed. Not on stone will be left upon another’ (v6). Could you imagine what that would feel like? Here stands the jewel of Jerusalem, and it is going to be decimated. Just like in the war movies where they blow everything up, nothing will be left standing. Not one stone on another. Wow. Imagine how the people who adored the temple would have felt.
But why? Why the destruction? Well, just before this, we hear about Jesus telling a story about a widow offering everything she had. We hear about those who looked down upon her in their piety. She was seen as not good enough. Her offering was no match for the great offerings at the temple in today’s story.[4] Yet, her modest offering was considered the greatest by Jesus. Her offering went beyond any worldly gift a man or woman could offer. She gave herself.[5] If we consider the widow with today’s story, Jesus is saying be mindful, don’t put your trust in flashy, earthly, material things of this world. Things that can rot, decay and be taken away. Jesus is saying, put your trust in me. The eternal possession which no amount of money can buy.
Another, more theological perspective is an early indication of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice. Through his death on the cross, he renders the old sacrifice system of blood and animals with himself. One sacrifice for all. In doing so, renders the sacrifice and the temple surplus to need. With a new, eternal temple established with the Holy Spirit inside each one of us.
We then hear the disciples ask two questions in one sentence (v7). When will it happen? And how will we know? Jesus, in his classic style, answering one of the two questions. He says, this is how you will know.
Firstly, don’t be misled by false prophets (v8). He gives them a warning about who they are listening to. Because there will be people who come along and tell you that ‘I am he’, but they aren’t.[6] They aren’t the true Messiah. As they said in the advert on TV “be alert, but not alarmed.” Not everything may be as it first appears. So be aware and discern what is true and good.
Then Jesus goes on and says, before all this, you will have some crazy things happen (vv9-11). And he gives us a list:
- There will be wars and uprisings (v9).
- Nations v nations, kingdoms v kingdoms (v10).
- There will be Earthquakes, famines and plagues (v11).
- Here’s an interesting one, Portents – signs and warnings. A description of great suffering, fear and unhappiness (v11).
Oh, but first, Jesus says ‘just one more thing’. Did I tell you that you may be killed? What……Yes, you will be arrested, persecuted, evicted from synagogues, and put in prisons (v12). Wow, Jesus, you are really selling this ‘Christ follower’ thing. What Jesus is really explaining is exactly what happened to him. What has happened to Paul.[7] What happens today to many followers of Christ around the world because they bear his name and take up the cross, and follow him. Jesus wants us to go in with eyes wide open. He is preparing us for what is to come and know we will have all we need to meet the difficulties ahead.[8]
Now, as we know all good movies have a happy ending. Jesus doesn’t leave us hanging. He says, sure all these things will happen but don’t worry. Don’t stress about when all this will happen. The end will come, but not immediately (v9). But, see this as a great opportunity. Your suffering will open the doors to Kings, Princes, Governors (v13). You will be brought in front of the most powerful people in the world. And as they turn their ear to hear your words of defence, you will be given an opportunity. An opportunity to share the good news, to bear witness and testify about me and the power of my salvation brings.[9]
Imaging, standing in front of a King, someone of power, and testifying. Trying to find the words to say. I’m gathering, just like me, we would struggle to find the words, not to mention to then have the ability to speak up and actually say anything. Well, Moses had the same problem. He said in Exodus 4:10, “I have never been a man of words…” But Jesus says again, don’t worry. Don’t prepare your words (v14). I will give you the words to say (v15). Simple words that will leave your opponents speechless.[10] He says to the disciples just keep doing what I have called you to do. Share the good news of my salvation with those around you. And if you get persecuted, if you are hated, rejected by those closest to you, or not welcomed (vv16-17), don’t worry. For I have you in the palm of my hand, and nothing will hurt (vv18-19). Jesus encourages us that, despite the severe trials that we will face, we are not to be afraid. Because he will have the ultimate victory.[11]
Oh, and by the way, I am coming back for you. Yes, there is a promise hidden in there for us. He says ‘not a hair on your head will perish’ (v18) and that believers will ‘gain your souls’ (v19). Jesus is saying you will ‘win life’ through your endurance of suffering. That the gift, the prize, is a promise of eternal life with him. Over the last couple of weeks, we have heard about the Saints. We remembered the ones who have gone before us. The great cloud of witnesses who watch over us. And last week, the words of comfort and the promise of the resurrection. The assurance of life where we know we will be reunited with our Christian brothers and sisters again.
How can we be sure? Well, just like Top Gun, or any good movie, there is always a sequel – or maybe 3. There is more to come, more to the story. The script has already been written. We have the advantage of scripture, proof in the true word. And in the coming verses, Jesus will give more details and warnings. He warns the disciples to be on the lookout, be prepared, for the opportunity to escape the demise of Jerusalem and seek shelter with him. That the journey he is on will take him all the way to the cross. Where he nails the weight of the world’s sin. Where he washes us clean through his blood, reconciling us through his resurrection. And the promise of his divine return. A message of Salvation that’s been set in stone.
So my dear friends, be comforted and fear not. Don’t be weighed down by the difficulties of the world or the grips of evil.[12] Know that despite the uncertainty, the chaos and challenges that we face in the future, we walk together. As we endure the suffering, we gain life. As we look forward to the end times, we have the assurance that Jesus will return and gather us up with all the saints in heaven. Fear not, Jesus will take care of your persecutors. Not a hair will be touched because you have the promise. The promise of eternal life, held safely in the nail-scared hands of Jesus.[13] What a blockbuster conclusion. What words of hope and encouragement.
Amen.
Let’s pray.
Dear heavenly Father.Thank you for sending Jesus to reconcile us to you, so that we may live in hope. Thank you for your word, for we know what happens with our story on earth and in eternity. Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to walk with us as we wait patiently and are prepared for your return.
Amen
St Peters Lutheran Church Port Macquarie 