Luke 21. “This will be your opportunity to bear witness” (21:13). What exactly will be the disciples’ opportunity to preach the good news of the kingdom of God? The unthinkable, completely disastrous destruction of the temple and the city of Jerusalem.

When I read Luke 21 it makes me sad and a bit horrified to think about how awful it was for those who witnessed the destruction of the temple and the city of Jerusalem when Rome sacked it in 70 AD. When you think about our news today, imagine the horror of seeing your whole city and way of life crumble at the hands of an oppressive foreign government. There is no food, no water, no medical care, no information about what is happening, no certainty of life on a daily basis. There is immense physical suffering, but also emotional and spiritual suffering.

Jesus tells the disciples about these days of destruction that will come soon using apocalyptic prophetic language – it’s full of imagery and word pictures and poetic license, and the date these things are to happen is not clear to the original audience.

Amid this terrible picture of days to come, Jesus gives clear instructions to his disciples. “See that you are not lead astray” (21:8), and “when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified” (21:9). He tells them that they must be strong and wise during complete chaos. “People will be fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world” (21:26). Then Jesus tells the disciples that this season of suffering, chaos, and uncertainty will be their best opportunity! “This will be your opportunity to bear witness” (21:13) to the good news of the gospel, the kingdom of God, the coming of the Messiah, and the hope that God will set all things right soon.

I do not think of moments of pandemonium and confusion as this fantastic opportunity for me to tell people about Jesus. I typically think that is a good time to stay home, hunker down, and pretend bad things are not happening outside. Jesus says no – as my followers you have the most important news that everyone needs to hear at exactly the moment of uncertainty and suffering! We are called to be a lighthouse in the middle of the storm. We are supposed to be the firemen who run into the fire to tell people there is a way to escape – follow me to safety! The moment when everyone is freaking out is our best time to demonstrate calmness, peace, and wisdom – because we have a relationship with God.

Jesus wraps up the destruction passage with more instructions to the disciples, “Watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighted down with dissipation [overindulgence] and drunkenness and the cares of this life… stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength…” (21:34-36).

Jesus wept over Jerusalem (19:41-44). We too should be weeping over the drama and despair our world is enduring even now. This is also our opportunity to speak truth, hope, and the good news of the kingdom of God to a lost world. Pray for wisdom, strength, and the right words to share with others.

Do you respond to seasons of uncertainty and suffering with fear and terror? How are you challenged by Jesus’ instructions to the disciples?

Do you have compassion for those who are suffering? How might you offer words of hope or the good news of the kingdom to others this week?

What stood out to you in Luke 21?