Luke 21:7-28, Olivet Discourse Timing Keys (4)

In today's reading we have asked you to read Luke’s version of the Olivet Discourse.  Remember that Luke seems to emphasize more “these things” (21:7) referring to Jesus’ prediction that one stone would not be left upon another.  He does not record a question, as do Matthew and Mark, about “the end” or the time “when all things are fulfilled.”  He does, however, include Jesus’ prophecy of His second coming (i.e. “the end, 21:25-28), even if he does not ask the specific question. 

On the matter of timing you will note that Luke does not mention the “abomination of desolation.”  Here is a list of Luke’s “timing” statements.

·       v9: the end will not come immediately (similar to Mark, “the end is not yet).

·       v12: before all these things (before the pestilences and wars the disciples, and likely He is referring to those He is speaking with on Olivet, the disciples will be persecuted).

·       v20: when you see Jerusalem surrounded (while there will likely be a similar situation in the future, in this context I believe He is referring to 70AD).

·       v24: until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled (this is the phrase Luke quotes from Jesus to take the disciples and us beyond 70AD to the time of the end, the time of His return; the persecutions and troubles will continue until this time).

·       v28: when you see these things begin … look up!

What does the Bible mean by “the times of the Gentiles?”  It is the time when …

1)    Jerusalem is trampled under foot by the Nations (Luke 21:24; Rev. 11:2).

2)    The world is under the influence of a succession of world empires (from Dan. 2 and 7): Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Greek, Roman, and a revived Roman empire in latter days.

3)    Israel will be a burdensome stone to the nations (Zech. 12:2-3).

4)    The Jews will live in constant fear (Deut. 28:64-67).

5)    There will be a special gospel outreach to the Nations (Mk. 13:10; Mt. 28:19-20; Rom. 11:25).

6)    God will use the nations so that Israel will be saved (Zech. 14:1-9).

Here is another chart, quite similar to the one in the previous post, but with the emphasis on the “times of the Gentiles” rather than the “Abomination of Desolation.”  Note that the “times of the Gentiles” begins with the Babylonian captivity, when Israel no longer had a Davidic king on the throne.  God was not ruling them through their king but through the nations.

 Rev. 11:2 speaks of this time at a point that is consistent with the “midpoint of Daniel’s 70^th week” or the middle of the tribulation period when the extreme tribulation begins.  In other words, the times of the Gentiles did not end in 70AD.  It is still a part of the story of Israel and of the world.

One last note.  Jer. 30:7-11 calls this “the time of Jacob’s trouble.”  What will occur during this time?  Jer. 30:11 tells us plainly: God will use the nations to correct Israel with justice; He will then make a full end of the nations where He had scattered them; and in the end, He will save Israel!  Daniel’s 70^th Week.  The Times of the Gentiles.  The Time of Jacob’s Trouble.  The tribulation period.