Luke 21

Christ (and the false christs)

Christ — the Anointed One (Greek for Messiah)

And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. Luke 21:8

Jesus warns that many will falsely claim to be the Christ. By warning against counterfeits, He quietly claims the true title for Himself.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in Matthew 24:5 — Many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ.
• a parallel account in JS—Matthew 1:6 — The Prophet's inspired rendering of the same warning.

For My name's sake

But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake. Luke 21:12–19

Jesus tells His disciples they will be persecuted for bearing His name, and promises to give them the words and wisdom to answer. Their witness for Him will not be overcome.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• fulfilled by Acts 5:41 — The apostles rejoice that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
• fulfilled by Acts 6:10 — Stephen's opponents were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.
• alluded to by D&C 100:5-6 — It shall be given you in the very hour what ye shall say.

The Son of man coming in a cloud

Son of Man — the Son of Man of Holiness, the Father (Moses 6:57)

And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Luke 21:27–28

Jesus prophesies His Second Coming in power and glory. For the faithful, the fearful signs are a reason to look up, because their Redeemer is near.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfils Daniel 7:13 — One like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven.
• the same event in Acts 1:11 — This same Jesus shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go.
• a parallel account in Matthew 24:30 — The Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
• a parallel account in JS—Matthew 1:36 — The Prophet's inspired rendering of the same prophecy.
• the same event in D&C 45:44 — They shall see me in the clouds of heaven, clothed with power and great glory.

My words shall not pass away

Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. Luke 21:33

Jesus says His words will outlast the heavens and the earth, the same thing Isaiah said about the word of God. Only God could say this about His own words.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Isaiah 40:8 — The grass withereth ... but the word of our God shall stand for ever.
• a parallel account in Matthew 24:35 — Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
• a parallel account in JS—Matthew 1:35 — Heaven and earth shall pass away; yet my words shall not pass away, but all shall be fulfilled.

To stand before the Son of man

And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. Luke 21:34–36

Jesus warns that His day will come like a snare on the careless, so disciples must watch and pray always. The goal is to be worthy to stand before Him when He comes to judge.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to Malachi 3:2 — Who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth?