The Last Times
THE LAST TIMES
LUKE 21:20-38
Here is a lot to occupy the mind, so Jesus also gives something to take to heart—and to affect our way of living.
Verses 20-24. The local garrison were quite unable to deal with the first passionate outbreak of revolt. The Roman army group which watched over the eastern and north-eastern frontiers was located in Syria, because Rome regarded the Parthians as the gravest menace on this flank. The Jews in consequence had notable initial success in AD 66. But inexorably the strength of the Syrian legions was brought to bear on the situation. Under the capable Vespasian, who was to emerge from the complex civil war of AD 69 as emperor of Rome, the disciplined armies of the eastern command began to deal with Palestine. The conquest was methodical and complete, with Jerusalem left until the countryside had been combed and subdued. Hence the relevance of the warning. The city could appear deceptively as a place of refuge to the rural population of Judea. But all who were trapped there found death or slavery. A million Jews died; 97,000 went into servitude. Eusebius describes the escape of Christians to Pella.
21:25-28 have a main reference to “last times” at the end of the day of grace, the “times of the Gentiles” (Romans 11:25). The closing words of 21:25, “the sea and the waves roaring,” is clear enough indication that the Lord is using “apocalyptic” language, a recognized type of poetic symbolism, the meaning of which was plainer to the Jews than it is to us. The sea has been an image for the restless surge of nations in more than one language. The heavenly bodies are an image for those in authority (eg Genesis 37:9). The rise and fall of kings and tyrants has been a commonplace of history, but seldom more strikingly than in the first century and the twentieth.
21:29-36 seem to refer back primarily to the fall of Jerusalem. The word “generation” in 21:32 illustrates the dual meaning of this passage of apocalyptic poetry. It can mean those living at a given time, and also “race” or “stock.” Both meanings are common through all the range of Greek literature. It is true that there were those living who saw the horror descend on Palestine. It is also true that the Jewish race has outlived all attempts to obliterate it, and it is the Lord’s prophecy that it will be living still at the consummation of man’s history.
Meanwhile let us heed 21:34, stand alert, and be prepared in heart, for the Day could be today. 2 Peter 3:1-14 is relevant.