Advent Devotional: The Gospel of LukeSample

*Written by TJ Johnson

The word "Advent" comes from the Latin adventus, meaning "arrival." Traditionally, Advent is a season to reflect on the first coming of Jesus—His birth in Bethlehem. But there is also a second Advent—the return of Christ in glory. Today, we pause from focusing on the first Advent to meditate on the second Advent, the day when Christ will return to judge the world and set all things right.

The Second Advent Reminds Us That Earthly Treasures Are Temporary

For a Jewish person in Jesus' time, the Temple was the most sacred treasure on Earth. Here in this chapter, we find the disciples bragging on the Temple, “Look at how great it is.” What a shock for them to hear Jesus say, “It will all be thrown down.” Jesus, by teaching about His second advent, reminded them that the Temple and all earthly treasures are fleeting. This truth holds for everything we value today.

What do you daydream about? What do you and your friends talk about? Unless it’s centered on Jesus Christ, it’s passing away. That coveted iPhone will eventually be forgotten, and that sports car will rust in a junkyard. Even the medals and awards you cherish will fade. Earthly treasures will all pass away, but Jesus Christ remains eternal. The second Advent calls us to invest in what will last forever—Jesus, our true treasure.

The Second Advent Reminds Us That Our Suffering Is Temporary

There are a lot of scary scenes in this chapter. Wars (think Ukraine-Russia with at least 140,000 deaths), earthquakes (think Taiwan with an estimated economic cost of $28 billion), famines (Think Somalia with 4.8 million people in need of humanitarian assistance), pestilences (think Covid-19), and Christian persecution (In 2024, 365 million experienced high levels of persecution, 16 million displaced by violence, 5,000 murdered).

Jesus’ first Advent didn’t eliminate suffering. In many ways, it intensified the suffering of the saints. “They will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake.”

But His second Advent WILL eliminate our suffering. Though we may face trials now, we can hold on to the security of His love. Jesus said, “You will be hated by all for my name's sake. But not a hair of your head will perish.” This does not mean we Christians will not suffer persecution or death, for in the previous verse, Jesus says, “Some of you they will put to death.” Rather, Jesus is teaching us something of greater value than temporary escape from suffering. No man, no natural disaster, no government, no policy could ever take away your eternal hope. As Martin Luther wrote in his hymn, “The body they may kill, God's truth abideth still, / His kingdom is forever.”

Christ’s second coming will right all wrongs, and in this, we rejoice. In the midst of suffering, we can endure because our redemption is near. Jesus calls us to be strong and hopeful, knowing that His return is certain.

The Second Advent Reminds Us That People Are Eternal

While earthly treasures and suffering are temporary, people are not. We all are made in God's image and are destined for eternity. As we reflect on this, we must remember that our neighbors are eternal. Those who hate Christ are eternal. Those who hand us over to be slaughtered are eternal. When Christ comes again, all those who reject Christ, since they are eternal, will suffer “eternal” punishment. Their experience will be vastly different than ours.

They will see the Son of Man coming in glory but instead of lifting their heads, they will hang their heads in shame. This eternal truth should stir us to bear witness to the Gospel. This is why Christ says, “This will be your opportunity to bear witness.”

As we reflect on Advent, let us remember the lasting importance of our relationship with Christ. We are eternally secure in Him, and we must live in a way that reflects this eternal hope to those around us.

Let’s pray: Lord Jesus, you are the joy of my heart. You are the treasure I seek after. I pray that You so enlarge my love for You that these temporary moments of suffering seem small in light of an eternity with You. Help me to endure all things for Your sake. Help me to lift my head in hope that my redemption draws near. And as I do so, I pray Your Spirit enables me to bear witness to the world, that they may know the surpassing worth of knowing You, my Lord! In Jesus’ name, I offer this prayer to you, Amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. Is there something in your life that you're placing too much hope in, even though it's temporary and fading away? Take some time to repent.
2. What suffering for the gospel have you experienced, and how does the Second Advent help you endure?
3. Who can you be sharing the gospel with this week?
4. How will you go about being a witness for Christ?