Luke 21:20-38

“When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know for sure that its devastation is imminent. At that time all who are living in Judea must flee to the mountains. Those who live inside the city gates, leave and flee, and those who live outside the city must not enter it seeking refuge. For these will be the days of God’s vengeance to fulfill what has been written against Jerusalem. It will be extremely difficult for pregnant women and for those nursing little ones in that day, for great persecution and wrath will rise against this nation. Many will be cut down by the sword or scattered as prisoners to many countries. And Jerusalem shall be trampled down by nations until the days of world empires come to an end.” “Expect to witness amazing and perplexing signs with the sun, the moon, and the stars. The raging of the sea will bring desperation and turmoil to many nations. Earthquakes will bring panic and disaster. What men see coming to the earth will cause the fear of doom to grip their hearts, for they will even see the powers of the heavenly realm shaken! “And at last, when you see how the Son of Man comes—surrounded with a cloud, with great power and miracles, in the radiance of his splendor, and with great glory and praises—it will make you jump for joy! For the time of your full transformation has arrived.” Jesus gave his disciples this parable: “Haven’t you observed that when the fig tree, or any tree, buds and blooms, the season is changing and summer is near? In the same way, when you see these prophetic signs occurring, you realize the earth is yielding to the fullness of God’s kingdom. I assure you, the end of this age will not come until all I have spoken has come to pass. Earth and sky will wear out and fade away before one word I speak loses its power or fails to accomplish its purpose.” “Be careful that you never allow your hearts to grow cold. Be careful that you are not caught off guard, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and the worries of this life, and that day will come upon you suddenly like a trap. Don’t let me come and find you drunk or living carelessly like everyone else. For that day will come as a shocking surprise to all. Keep a constant watch over your soul, and pray for the courage and grace to prevail over these things that are destined to occur and that you will stand before the presence of the Son of Man with a clear conscience.” Each day, Jesus taught in the temple and spent his nights on the Mount of Olives. And all the people came early to the temple courts to listen to the words he taught.