Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost 2025

Luke 21:5-19

Rev. Neli Miranda

            In today’s Gospel, Jesus announces: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven” (21,10-11). Does this imagery resonate with our current time? Indeed, it reflects not only our present circumstances but also those of the first century, the medieval era, the twenty century and throughout history, as hardship has consistently been a part of the human experience.

            The belief in Jesus’ imminent second coming was widespread among his earliest followers. They had heard his promise regarding this return and the ultimate establishment of the Kingdom of God. Consequently, they were convinced that this event would occur soon, marked by significant signs both on Earth and in the heavens.

            This tension between the anticipation of his second coming and the events surrounding it is observable in today’s Gospel passage. This discourse occurs in Jerusalem during the final week of Jesus’ earthly ministry. After entering the city, weeping over its impending destruction, cleansing the temple, and engaging in teaching and conflict with the religious authorities, this section serves as a culmination of his public teachings, given in the shadow of the temple whose destruction he is about to predict.

            The conversation begins with some of his disciples admiring the magnificent temple, adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God. In response, Jesus delivers shocking news: the temple they admire will be destroyed. Their admiration for this architectural marvel was understandable; it was the center of Jewish religious, cultural, and national identity. However, Jesus declares that “not one stone will be left upon another” (21,6), signifying total and complete destruction. For those listening, this meant the collapse of their entire world—the end of an age. Historically, this prophecy was fulfilled in 70 AD when the Roman army, under General Titus, besieged Jerusalem, burned the city, and dismantled the Temple.

            In light of this shocking announcement, Jesus’ disciples ask, “Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?” (21,7). They assume that the destruction of the Temple signifies the end of the world, seeking a timetable and clear signs. Jesus redirects their question, cautioning them, “Beware that you are not led astray”(21,8). He warns about those who might exploit this critical time to distract and deceive believers.

            When events of chaos and destruction unfold in the world, there are always voices proclaiming the end of the world, misleading many with false teachings, which in turn causes anxiety among believers. Jesus emphasizes the importance of discernment, urging his followers to remain steadfast and vigilant amid uncertainty.

            While Jesus speaks of wars, insurrections, famines, and plagues—signs of social chaos—he clarifies, “but the end will not follow immediately”(21,9). Living in critical times does not necessarily indicate that the end has arrived. Jesus also warns of impending persecutions: “…they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name”(21,12).  Such challenges, he asserts, will provide an opportunity for believers to testify about their faith. For Jesus, persecution is not a sign of God’s absence but rather an opportunity for witness. The term for “witness” martyrion, is the root of the word “martyr”.

            This section concludes with Jesus declaring, “But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance, you will gain your souls” (21,18-19). How can Jesus say that some of you will be put to death” while also assuring, “not a hair of your head will perish”? This statement is not a promise of physical invincibility but rather an assurance of ultimate security. In the face of physical death, the true self—entrusted to God’s care—remains utterly safe. The essential virtue for disciples amid witness and persecution is endurance. This endurance is not a passive resignation but an active, steadfast, and faithful perseverance. As Jesus asserts, “By your endurance, you will gain your souls.” The verb gain signifies the securing of one’s true life and ultimate salvation. Faithfulness in suffering is the path to eternal life with God.

            The early Christian communities soon recognized that Jesus would not be returning immediately and sought guidance on how to live faithfully in the interim. Today’s passage is intended to prepare, encourage, and strengthen these communities for the hardships they will inevitably face. Luke’s gospel reminds them to see God’s hand not in the avoidance of suffering but in transforming it into an opportunity for witness, sustained by the promise of divine presence and eventual salvation.

            We read this passage today as a reminder that we, too, are part of a community of Jesus’ followers in a world filled with ongoing social and cosmic upheaval that can frighten us and challenge our faith. Does this mean the end of the world? We can only remember Jesus’ words: “But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Mt. 24:36). This message encourages us to anticipate Jesus’ promise of his return and the establishment of the glorious Kingdom of God. It is not intended to frighten us but to uplift us. Amid social chaos, we are called to reject panic and speculation, embracing a life of steadfast, Spirit-empowered witness. We must trust that even in the face of betrayal and death, God’s ultimate care ensures that our endurance will secure our very lives. Amen.