Under Pressure - Luke 21:5-19

The disciples left the Temple grounds, possibly perplexed as to how the widow’s mite could be so valuable in Jesus’ eyes. While going, they discussed the majesty and perhaps the financial maintenance of the Temple. Jesus shocked them with a disclosure that the Temple would soon be reduced to the rubble from which it was made. Astonished, the disciples requested some kind of sign in order that they might know just when this conflagration would occur. The prophecies of signs and wonders that followed fulfill Luke’s ultimate purpose of stabilizing the sometimes wobbly faith of the God-lover by promising them power to recognize His impending return and power to prevail unto eternal life in the face of persecution and even martyrdom (cf. Luke 1:4).