Breaking the Word

He taught them a lesson. "Consider the fig tree and all the other trees. When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near; in the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. (Lk 21:29-33)

Trees are creation of God. They are to be considered (lessons have to be learned from them for life). Even their normal, natural growth teaches us lessons which are of great importance. They are signs at times of what is happening around. They indicate seasons. They also teach us that the nature is inter related. They have some common purpose.

Similarly what is happening around indicate that the kingdom is at hand. Events that happen in history are not without any purpose. They are not just disjoined actions. Events have some purpose and they indicate and point to something. Jesus who has come to establish the kingdom and who has come make the people realize that God is in the world says that the events lead up to this realization.

Jesus assures his listeners that whatever he has said would happen. Even heaven and earth will pass away. That is, this world will have its end. But the word of god will never have and end. It will continue to exist as it existed from the time before creation. Word of God lasts for ever. 

"When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that its desolation is at hand. Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. Let those within the city escape from it, and let those in the countryside not enter the city, for these days are the time of punishment when all the scriptures are fulfilled. Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days, for a terrible calamity will come upon the earth and a wrathful judgment upon this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken as captives to all the Gentiles; and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand."  (Lk 21:20-28)

The first part of this passage is clearly speaking about Jerusalem and the surrounding places. This prophecy of Jesus was fulfilled in 70 AD when the Romans arrived and destroyed Jerusalem.  His advices to the disciples to flee the city and not to enter the city are true. The disciples should not live with the false nationalistic idea to defend the city. Destruction was sure.

Jerusalem that had opposed his message is finally overthrown. This is the vindication of Jesus and his people. This is the sign that he has been enthroned at his Father’s side in heaven. Luke believes in the second coming of Jesus however he speaks more of the vindication of Jesus and the rescue of his people from the system that has oppressed his people.

The disciples are told that they are in a world which is not very receptive to the gospel and the kingdom like Jerusalem. Communities and countries refuse to listen to the gospel and ignore the invitation. However the disciples have the duty to warn the society saying that if they refuse the invitation of God then they will face disaster and destruction. But the disciples should practice patience.