Luke 21 :: New Living Translation (NLT)

The Widow’s Offering

(Mar 12:41–44 )

Luk 21:1

Luk 21:1While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box.

Luk 21:2

Luk 21:2Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins.[fn]

Luk 21:3

Luk 21:3“I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them.

Luk 21:4

Luk 21:4For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.”

Jesus Foretells the Future

(Mat 24:1, 2; Mar 13:1, 2 )

Luk 21:5

Luk 21:5Some of his disciples began talking about the majestic stonework of the Temple and the memorial decorations on the walls. But Jesus said,

Luk 21:6

Luk 21:6“The time is coming when all these things will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!”

(Mat 24:3–14; Mar 13:3–13 )

Luk 21:7

Luk 21:7“Teacher,” they asked, “when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to take place?”

Luk 21:8

Luk 21:8He replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’[fn] and saying, ‘The time has come!’ But don’t believe them.

Luk 21:9

Luk 21:9And when you hear of wars and insurrections, don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place first, but the end won’t follow immediately.”

Luk 21:10

Luk 21:10Then he added, “Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

Luk 21:11

Luk 21:11There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven.

Luk 21:12

Luk 21:12“But before all this occurs, there will be a time of great persecution. You will be dragged into synagogues and prisons, and you will stand trial before kings and governors because you are my followers.

Luk 21:13

Luk 21:13But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me.[fn]

Luk 21:14

Luk 21:14So don’t worry in advance about how to answer the charges against you,

Luk 21:15

Luk 21:15for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you!

Luk 21:16

Luk 21:16Even those closest to you—your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends—will betray you. They will even kill some of you.

Luk 21:17

Luk 21:17And everyone will hate you because you are my followers.[fn]

Luk 21:18

Luk 21:18But not a hair of your head will perish!

Luk 21:19

Luk 21:19By standing firm, you will win your souls.

(Mat 24:15–28; Mar 13:14–23 )

Luk 21:20

Luk 21:20“And when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then you will know that the time of its destruction has arrived.

Luk 21:21

Luk 21:21Then those in Judea must flee to the hills. Those in Jerusalem must get out, and those out in the country should not return to the city.

Luk 21:22

Luk 21:22For those will be days of God’s vengeance, and the prophetic words of the Scriptures will be fulfilled.

Luk 21:23

Luk 21:23How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers in those days. For there will be disaster in the land and great anger against this people.

Luk 21:24

Luk 21:24They will be killed by the sword or sent away as captives to all the nations of the world. And Jerusalem will be trampled down by the Gentiles until the period of the Gentiles comes to an end.

(Mat 24:29–31; Mar 13:24–27 )

Luk 21:25

Luk 21:25“And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides.

Luk 21:26

Luk 21:26People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

Luk 21:27

Luk 21:27Then everyone will see the Son of Man[fn] coming on a cloud with power and great glory.[fn]

Luk 21:28

Luk 21:28So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!”

(Mat 24:32–35; Mar 13:28–31 )

Luk 21:29

Luk 21:29Then he gave them this illustration: “Notice the fig tree, or any other tree.

Luk 21:30

Luk 21:30When the leaves come out, you know without being told that summer is near.

Luk 21:31

Luk 21:31In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that the Kingdom of God is near.

Luk 21:32

Luk 21:32I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things have taken place.

Luk 21:33

Luk 21:33Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.

(Mat 24:36–44; Mar 13:32–37 )

Luk 21:34

Luk 21:34“Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware,

Luk 21:35

Luk 21:35like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth.

Luk 21:36

Luk 21:36Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.”

Luk 21:37

Luk 21:37Every day Jesus went to the Temple to teach, and each evening he returned to spend the night on the Mount of Olives.

Luk 21:38

Luk 21:38The crowds gathered at the Temple early each morning to hear him.