Maintaining the temple (1–4). Many of the religious leaders were corrupt, but the temple was still the place where God put His name and where sincere people could worship Him. Jesus did not criticize the people for supporting the temple ministry (Matt. 23:1–3), but He did notice what they gave. The proportion, not the portion, is important. Those who give “the widow’s mite” give their all, not their least.
Destroying the temple (5–36). This is Luke’s version of the Olivet Discourse found also in Matthew 24–25 and Mark 13. He is the only gospel writer who deals with our Lord’s prediction of the fall of Jerusalem, which occurred in a.d. 70 (vv. 20–24). The rest of his report describes events in the last days before the return of Jesus Christ to earth. It will be a time of testing and testimony, oppression and opportunity, vengeance and victory.
Ministering in the temple (37–38). As a boy of twelve, Jesus discussed the Word in the temple (2:41–50); and He spent the last week before His death teaching the Word in His Father’s house. He was hated by the religious leaders, and the temple was a den of thieves; but needy people were there, and Jesus taught them. He was quick to seize the opportunity, and the people were glad to hear Him.
