Reading Plan · Day 303
Changes this passage only. Set your default for every passage.
Luke 19-21
Day 303
Previously · Day 302 · Luke 16-18
The previous day's reading covered complex Reward Doctrine from Jesus concerning how believers ought to confront each other.
Day 303 Read
Where You Stopped
Luke 19
1And he entered and was passing through Jericho.
2And behold, a man called by name Zacchæus; and he was a chief publican, and he was rich.
1And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.
2And, behold, there was a man named Zaccheus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.
Commentary · verses 1-2
3And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the crowd, because he was little of stature.
4And he ran on before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
3And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.
4And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
Commentary · verses 3-4
Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus but because he was so short he went up into a tree so he could see Jesus pass by. In addition to being short, the fact that the people saw Zacchaeus as unclean would mean they wouldn't want to touch him. Going up in the tree was also about not being touched by the people in the crowd.
5And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and said unto him, Zacchæus, make haste, and come down; for to-day I must abide at thy house.
5And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zaccheus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.
Commentary · verse 5
Jesus told Zacchaeus to get down because Jesus was going to abide at his house that day.
6And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.
7And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, He is gone in to lodge with a man that is a sinner.
8And Zacchæus stood, and said unto the Lord, Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have wrongfully exacted aught of any man, I restore fourfold.
6And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.
7And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.
8And Zaccheus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
Commentary · verses 6-8
The people murmured against Jesus but Zacchaeus told Jesus about the good things he did.
9And Jesus said unto him, To-day is salvation come to this house, forasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
10For the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost.
9And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
10For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Commentary · verses 9-10
Jesus came to seek and save those who were lost (Ezekiel 34:11-12). Remember, the goal of the Dispensation of the Law was to reach everyone through the Law. The Dispensation prior to that was Abraham's Dispensation where the goal was to reach everyone through Abraham's seed. After Zacchaeus stated he kept the Law, Jesus stated Salvation came to his house because Zacchaeus was a son of Abraham. Jesus covered both dispensations.
11And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was immediately to appear.
11And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.
Commentary · verses 12-27
Verses 12-27: the Parable of the Pounds (This parable was similar to the Parable of the Talents from Matthew 25:14-31.).
12He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country, to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.
13And he called ten servants of his, and gave them ten pounds, and said unto them, Trade ye herewith till I come.
12He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.
13And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.
Commentary · verse 13
In this parable, the source of the wealth specifically told his servants to trade in order to gain more, to interact with others in uniqueness in order to become profitable.
14But his citizens hated him, and sent an ambassage after him, saying, We will not that this man reign over us.
15And it came to pass, when he was come back again, having received the kingdom, that he commanded these servants, unto whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by trading.
16And the first came before him, saying, Lord, thy pound hath made ten pounds more.
17And he said unto him, Well done, thou good servant: because thou wast found faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.
14But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.
15And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.
16Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.
17And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.
Commentary · verse 17
This man was given authority over ten cities.
18And the second came, saying, Thy pound, Lord, hath made five pounds.
19And he said unto him also, Be thou also over five cities.
18And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.
19And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.
Commentary · verse 19
Likewise, this man was given authority over five cities.
Doctrines on this passage
20And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I kept laid up in a napkin: 21for I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that which thou layedst not down, and reapest that which thou didst not sow.
22He saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I am an austere man, taking up that which I laid not down, and reaping that which I did not sow;
20And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:
21For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.
22And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:
Commentary · verse 22
The servant who hid his pounds stated that he thought the nobleman was an austere man and reaped where he did not sow. This was not true. The pounds came from the nobleman. He did sow. However, the nobleman judged the servant by the servant's own words.
23then wherefore gavest thou not my money into the bank, and I at my coming should have required it with interest?
23Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?
Commentary · verse 23
Like the Parable of the Talents, this servant did not interact with anyone. The source of the wealth, the nobleman, stated he ought to have interacted with just one person, the banker. Why?
24And he said unto them that stood by, Take away from him the pound, and give it unto him that hath the ten pounds.
25And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.
26I say unto you, that unto every one that hath shall be given; but from him that hath not, even that which he hath shall be taken away from him.
27But these mine enemies, that would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.
24And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.
25(And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.)
26For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.
27But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.
Commentary · verse 27
The man was slain! God's ultimate measure is profitability.
The new Jerusalem will be 1500 miles wide, 1500 miles deep, and 1500 miles high (Revelation 21:16). It will be cities on top of cities. Did this parable show us how everyone's place in the new Jerusalem will be determined? People who have more Reward will be higher in the new Jerusalem with others under them? We know Jesus will be at the top of the new Jerusalem.
28And when he had thus spoken, he went on before, going up to Jerusalem.
29And it came to pass, when he drew nigh unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, 30saying, Go your way into the village over against you; in which as ye enter ye shall find a colt tied, whereon no man ever yet sat: loose him, and bring him.
31And if any one ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say, The Lord hath need of him.
28And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.
29And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,
30Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither.
31And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.
Commentary · verses 28-31
Jesus sent two Disciples to get a colt. This was prophesied in Zechariah 9:9. These events took place the week Jesus was crucified.
32And they that were sent went away, and found even as he had said unto them.
33And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?
34And they said, The Lord hath need of him.
35And they brought him to Jesus: and they threw their garments upon the colt, and set Jesus thereon.
36And as he went, they spread their garments in the way.
37And as he was now drawing nigh, even at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works which they had seen; 38saying, Blessed is the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.
32And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them.
33And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?
34And they said, The Lord hath need of him.
35And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.
36And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way.
37And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;
38Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.
Commentary · verses 32-38
The people were proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah.
39And some of the Pharisees from the multitude said unto him, Teacher, rebuke thy disciples.
40And he answered and said, I tell you that, if these shall hold their peace, the stones will cry out.
41And when he drew nigh, he saw the city and wept over it, 42saying, If thou hadst known in this day, even thou, the things which belong unto peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.
43For the days shall come upon thee, when thine enemies shall cast up a bank about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, 44and shall dash thee to the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.
39And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.
40And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.
41And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
42Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.
43For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,
44And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.
Commentary · verses 39-44
The destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD was foretold by Jesus.
45And he entered into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold, 46saying unto them, It is written, And my house shall be a house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of robbers.
45And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought;
46Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.
Commentary · verses 45-46
Jesus referenced Isaiah 56:7. Prayer is a spiritual exchange with God. The moneychangers were focused on physical exchange with people, which Jesus described as "a den of robbers." Jesus stated God's house ought to be for spiritual exchange with God, not physical exchange with people.
47And he was teaching daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the principal men of the people sought to destroy him: 48and they could not find what they might do; for the people all hung upon him, listening.
47And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him,
48And could not find what they might do: for all the people were very attentive to hear him.
Commentary · verses 47-48
Jesus taught daily in the temple during the week of His crucifixion. The chief priests and the scribes sought to destroy Jesus but could not because all the people wanted to hear Him.
Where You Stopped
Luke 20
1And it came to pass, on one of the days, as he was teaching the people in the temple, and preaching the gospel, there came upon him the chief priests and the scribes with the elders; 2and they spake, saying unto him, Tell us: By what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?
1And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders,
2And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?
Commentary · verses 1-2
One of the days Jesus was teaching, the scribes and chief priests asked Him where His authority (Semikah) came from. Remember, the two Semikahs that Jesus received His authority from were John the Baptist and God the Father.
3And he answered and said unto them, I also will ask you a question; and tell me: 4The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men?
3And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me:
4The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?
Commentary · verses 3-4
In response, Jesus asked them where they believed John the Baptist's authority came from. If they did not recognize John the Baptist's authority, they would not recognize one of Jesus' Semikahs. If they did not recognize the source of John the Baptist's authority, they would not recognize Jesus' other Semikah: God.
5And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why did ye not believe him?
6But if we shall say, From men; all the people will stone us: for they are persuaded that John was a prophet.
7And they answered, that they knew not whence it was.
8And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.
5And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not?
6But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet.
7And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was.
8And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.
Commentary · verses 5-8
The chief priests and elders weighed both possible responses and decided not to answer, so neither did Jesus. This was Just.
Doctrines on this passage
Commentary · verses 9-16
Verses 9-16: the Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen.
9And he began to speak unto the people this parable: A man planted a vineyard, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into another country for a long time.
10And at the season he sent unto the husbandmen a servant, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard: but the husbandmen beat him, and sent him away empty.
11And he sent yet another servant: and him also they beat, and handled him shamefully, and sent him away empty.
12And he sent yet a third: and him also they wounded, and cast him forth.
13And the lord of the vineyard said, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; it may be they will reverence him.
14But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned one with another, saying, This is the heir; let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.
15And they cast him forth out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore will the lord of the vineyard do unto them?
16He will come and destroy these husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others. And when they heard it, they said, God forbid.
9Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time.
10And at the season he sent a servant to the husbandmen, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard: but the husbandmen beat him, and sent him away empty.
11And again he sent another servant: and they beat him also, and entreated him shamefully, and sent him away empty.
12And again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out.
13Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence him when they see him.
14But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.
15So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them?
16He shall come and destroy these husbandmen, and shall give the vineyard to others. And when they heard it, they said, God forbid.
Commentary · verse 16
In this parable, the lord of the vineyard was God the Father, the husbandmen were the Israelites, the servants that were beat/persecuted were the prophets sent by God the Father, and the lord of the vineyard's son was Jesus Christ. The husbandmen (Israel) would be cut off (the times of the Gentile). The Pharisees said "God forbid."
17But he looked upon them, and said, What then is this that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, The same was made the head of the corner?
18Every one that falleth on that stone shall be broken to pieces; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will scatter him as dust.
17And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?
18Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
Commentary · verses 17-18
Jesus referenced Psalm 118:22 in response to the Pharisees. Jesus basically showed the Pharisees they were in disagreement with God's Word and Will.
19And the scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him in that very hour; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he spake this parable against them.
19And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.
Commentary · verse 19
The chief priests and scribes sought more to lay their hands on Jesus because they knew He was stating the religious leaders were violating God's Word and doing their own will instead of God's Will.
20And they watched him, and sent forth spies, who feigned themselves to be righteous, that they might take hold of his speech, so as to deliver him up to the rule and to the authority of the governor.
20And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.
Commentary · verse 20
Spies were sent out to catch Jesus in His words.
21And they asked him, saying, Teacher, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, and acceptest not the person of any, but of a truth teachest the way of God: 22Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Cæsar, or not?
23But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them,
21And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly:
22Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Cesar, or no?
23But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?
Commentary · verses 21-23
The spies tempted Jesus with a question meant to get the government involved.
24Show me a denarius. Whose image and superscription hath it? And they said, Cæsar’s.
25And he said unto them, Then render unto Cæsar the things that are Cæsar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s.
26And they were not able to take hold of the saying before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.
24Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Cesar’s.
25And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Cesar the things which be Cesar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s.
26And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.
Commentary · verses 24-26
Jesus answered the tempting by bringing resolution to the difference between the physical and the spiritual. The government rules the physical, while God ought to rule the spiritual.
27And there came to him certain of the Sadducees, they that say that there is no resurrection; 28and they asked him, saying, Teacher, Moses wrote unto us, that if a man’s brother die, having a wife, and he be childless, his brother should take the wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.
27Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,
28Saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man’s brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.
Commentary · verses 27-28
Certain Sadducees (who denied the resurrection) tempted Jesus by asking questions about Marriage in the resurrection.
29There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died childless; 30and the second: 31and the third took her; and likewise the seven also left no children, and died.
32Afterward the woman also died.
33In the resurrection therefore whose wife of them shall she be? for the seven had her to wife.
34And Jesus said unto them, The sons of this world marry, and are given in marriage: 35but they that are accounted worthy to attain to that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: 36for neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.
29There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children.
30And the second took her to wife, and he died childless.
31And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died.
32Last of all the woman died also.
33Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? for seven had her to wife.
34And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:
35But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:
36Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.
Commentary · verses 29-36
Doctrine: Individuals will not be married in eternity.
37But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the place concerning the Bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.
38Now he is not the God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.
37Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.
38For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.
Commentary · verses 37-38
Jesus showed the religious leaders they did not know God's Word. Jesus supported His answer with God's Word.
39And certain of the scribes answering said, Teacher, thou hast well said.
40For they durst not any more ask him any question.
39Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.
40And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.
Commentary · verses 39-40
After this interaction, they stopped asking Jesus questions because they did not want to dwell on how they had been wrong about God's Word. However, Jesus wanted to continue to show them they did not know God's Word.
41And he said unto them, How say they that the Christ is David’s son?
42For David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, 43Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet.
44David therefore calleth him Lord, and how is he his son?
41And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David’s son?
42And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
43Till I make thine enemies thy footstool.
44David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?
Commentary · verses 41-44
Jesus referenced Psalm 110:1. Jesus asked for the definition of "Lord."
45And in the hearing of all the people he said unto his disciples, 46Beware of the scribes, who desire to walk in long robes, and love salutations in the marketplaces, and chief seats in the synagogues, and chief places at feasts;
45Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples,
46Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;
Commentary · verses 45-46
Jesus openly criticized the religious leaders of His time because they did not know God's Word and instead focused on appearance.
47who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater condemnation.
47Which devour widows’ houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.
Commentary · verse 47
Jesus even stated they would have greater condemnation, the greater their injustices. That is Just.
Where You Stopped
Luke 21
1And he looked up, and saw the rich men that were casting their gifts into the treasury.
2And he saw a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.
3And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, This poor widow cast in more than they all: 4for all these did of their superfluity cast in unto the gifts; but she of her want did cast in all the living that she had.
1And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.
2And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.
3And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:
4For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.
Commentary · verses 1-4
Jesus commended the woman to the Disciples who gave all that she had, all of her possessions.
5And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and offerings, he said, 6As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in which there shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
5And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said,
6As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
Commentary · verses 5-6
Jesus foretold the destruction of the temple that would occur in 70 AD at the hands of the Romans. They took apart all the stones to get to the gold.
7And they asked him, saying, Teacher, when therefore shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when these things are about to come to pass?
7And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?
Commentary · verse 7
They wanted to know when these things would be fulfilled. In this Gospel account, the only answer that was presented was in response to: "What will be the sign of Thy coming?"
8And he said, Take heed that ye be not led astray: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am he; and, The time is at hand: go ye not after them.
9And when ye shall hear of wars and tumults, be not terrified: for these things must needs come to pass first; but the end is not immediately.
10Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; 11and there shall be great earthquakes, and in divers places famines and pestilences; and there shall be terrors and great signs from heaven.
8And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
9But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.
10Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:
11And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
Commentary · verses 8-11
Jesus gave signs for the end times.
12But before all these things, they shall lay their hands on you, and shall persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for my name’s sake.
12But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake.
Commentary · verse 12
…but before all the signs, there will be persecution first.
13It shall turn out unto you for a testimony.
13And it shall turn to you for a testimony.
Commentary · verse 13
The persecution will be a testimony.
14Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate beforehand how to answer: 15for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to withstand or to gainsay.
14Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:
15For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
Commentary · verses 14-15
During the times of persecution, God will give believers words ("a mouth") and actions ("wisdom") that will lead to their adversaries not being able to withstand or speak against those believers.
16But ye shall be delivered up even by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolk, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.
17And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.
18And not a hair of your head shall perish.
19In your patience ye shall win your souls.
20But when ye see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that her desolation is at hand.
16And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.
17And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.
18But there shall not an hair of your head perish.
19In your patience possess ye your souls.
20And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
Commentary · verses 16-20
Jesus referenced Daniel 9:27: the abomination of desolation which will occur halfway (3 1/2 years) into the Tribulation. The first 3 1/2 years of the Tribulation will be peaceful. The Antichrist will attack and torment Israel for the last 3 1/2 years of the Tribulation. Jesus warned Israel's inhabitants to immediately flee when the last 3 1/2 years of the Tribulation began.
21Then let them that are in Judæa flee unto the mountains; and let them that are in the midst of her depart out; and let not them that are in the country enter therein.
22For these are days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
23Woe unto them that are with child and to them that give suck in those days! for there shall be great distress upon the land, and wrath unto this people.
24And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led captive into all the nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
21Then let them which are in Judea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.
22For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
23But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.
24And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
Commentary · verses 25-28
Verses 25-28: signs that come before the return of Christ.
25And there shall be signs in sun and moon and stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, in perplexity for the roaring of the sea and the billows; 26men fainting for fear, and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world: for the powers of the heavens shall be shaken.
27And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28But when these things begin to come to pass, look up, and lift up your heads; because your redemption draweth nigh.
25And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
26Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
27And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
Commentary · verses 29-33
Verses 29-33: the Parable of the Fig Tree.
29And he spake to them a parable: Behold the fig tree, and all the trees: 30when they now shoot forth, ye see it and know of your own selves that the summer is now nigh.
31Even so ye also, when ye see these things coming to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh.
29And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;
30When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.
31So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.
Commentary · verse 31
Jesus used a physical example to illustrate a spiritual principle.
32Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all things be accomplished.
33Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
34But take heed to yourselves, lest haply your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come on you suddenly as a snare: 35for so shall it come upon all them that dwell on the face of all the earth.
36But watch ye at every season, making supplication, that ye may prevail to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
32Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.
33Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
34And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
35For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
36Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
Commentary · verses 34-36
Watch and pray so that you are counted worthy to escape these things.
37And every day he was teaching in the temple; and every night he went out, and lodged in the mount that is called Olivet.
38And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, to hear him.
37And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives.
38And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him.
Commentary · verses 37-38
During the week prior to Jesus' crucifixion, Jesus taught in the temple and people intentionally came to hear Him.
Commentary · verse 38
This day's reading covered the confrontations between Jesus and the religious leaders that immediately preceded Jesus' crucifixion.
A rich man named Zacchaeus was introduced. He was a publican (tax collector), which the religious leaders saw as a sinner. Zacchaeus handled the Roman money, which had an engraving of Caesar on it. Merely touching that money was considered idolatry by the religious leaders and therefore Zacchaeus was considered an idolater and unclean.