Last April, Jennifer and I went to New York City for a few days to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. We had a wonderful time at the opera, Broadway, and exploring the many treasures in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The only disappointing part of our trip came when we visited the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, which is the largest cathedral in America and the fourth largest one in the world. The cathedral is categorically colossal—it covers 121,000 square feet (601 ft. long, 232 ft. wide, and 124 ft. high). Construction began in 1882 but it wasn’t completed until 1941, spanning almost 60 years.
Even though the cathedral’s gothic revival architecture was impressive, the stained-glass was stunning, and the tapestries were striking, the building’s interior left us with a hollow and empty feeling. After touring the structure, we decided to attend the morning mass. Unfortunately, it was one of the worst worship services we have ever witnessed. The Episcopal rector mumbled the Scripture reading, murmured an unemotive prayer, and muttered an unintelligible sermon. It was apparent that the priest didn’t put any preparation into his presentation. We had no idea what he was talking about, and neither did he! His words were as empty and lifeless as the cavernous cathedral. And it’s no wonder that this church averages less than a hundred people at its weekly worship.
Later, when I read the history of the cathedral, I discovered that the primary motivation for building it was to rival the Catholic St. Patrick’s Cathedral on the other end of town. It is a shame that tens of millions of dollars have been spent on “keeping up with the Jones’,” or in this case, keeping up with the Catholics. Tragically, this “ministry” is all about the building. Therefore, allow me to make a recommendation to you: If you ever in New York City and you have a chance to visit the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, go and see “Wicked” instead! It will be a more edifying experience for you!
Our encounter at the cathedral was much like Jesus’ experience at the temple in Jerusalem. In today’s Scripture reading, Luke reveals that Jesus wasn’t impressed by architectural achievements or empty religion. Instead, Jesus uses his disciple’s admiration of the temple structure as an opportunity to announce God’s judgment on the Jewish people for missing the Messiah. As Jesus approached his death on the cross, he announced God’s future judgment on Jerusalem and the whole world. This pivotal event would unleash the beginning of the end.
So, if you happen to be an end times junkie or you are just curious to know what is going to happen in the future, this passage is for you. Let’s look at it together!
Coming Judgment and Destruction
Remember Jesus was teaching in the temple just days before his crucifixion, when he overheard some of his disciples talking about the temple structure and admiring its beauty. The temple was magnificent! With its massive marble platforms, gold covered platelets, and gem studded walls, the Jerusalem temple was one of the most beautiful buildings in the history of the world. The Jewish historian Josephus describes the features—they “glittered so dazzlingly that they blinded the eyes of the beholders not less than one gazed at the sun’s rays themselves.”
But rather than joining in the admiration of the architecture, Jesus took the occasion to continue to prepare his disciples for his ensuing departure. He utters the shocking prophesy that the temple would be destroyed and not one stone would be spared. This prophecy would have been hard to believe, since the temple was in the middle of a 50 plus year grand renovation program.
Amazingly, Jesus’ disciples didn’t dispute his improbable prediction, but they did want to know when this was going to take place and what would be the sign that these things were about to take place. They wanted Jesus to give them a type of divine “heads up.” But Jesus gives them much more than a simple warning; he launches into a full-on dramatic discourse about God’s future judgment.
Jesus’ prophecies address both the immediate question about the destruction of the temple and the bigger question about the end of the world. On one hand, these prophecies of false Messiah’s, wars among the nations, earthquakes and famines, pestilences and persecutions would be fulfilled in A.D. 70 when the Romans would sack Jerusalem and destroy the temple. Verses 20-24 specifically refer to this event, when Jerusalem would be surrounded and trampled by Gentile armies.
But on the other hand, Jesus’ prophecies also have a far fulfillment. This refers to the final judgement at the end of the world. But in verse 9, Jesus says “but the end will not be at once.” This means that God’s judgment on the world will take place over a long period of time. Jesus’ death and resurrection would be the cataclysmic event that would put all of this into motion. This is precisely why there have been many false Messiah’s, wars among nations, earthquakes and famines, pestilences and persecutions over the past 2000 years and they will continue until the day the Son of Man returns in a cloud with power and great glory, as Jesus describes in verse 27.
Allow me to share an abridged list of the fulfillments of Jesus’ prophecies. As for false Messiah’s, we have Simon Magus in the first century. His story is recorded in Acts 8 in the Bible. We also have Ann Lee in the 1772. She was a central figure in the Shaker movement and she claimed to be Christ’s female counterpart. (The Shakers made excellent furniture, but they weren’t very good messiahs.) And who can forget the cult leaders Jim Jones and David Koresh in the 20th century. (These false messiahs are the reason why I refuse to drink Cool Aid or live in Texas.) And there will be more false messiahs before the real Messiah returns!
How about nations rising against nation? In addition to the thousands of wars that took place in the early and middle ages, allow me to remind you of some of the wars you have learned about: the 100 Years War, the 30 Years War, the War of the Roses, the American Revolution, the French Revolution, the War of 1812, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and the Syrian Civil war that we read about in our headlines today. And guess what, wars won’t end until Jesus returns!
How about earthquakes and famines? From the ancient earthquake in Antioch, Turkey (A.D. 526) where 250,000 of its 300,000 inhabitants died to the tsunami in Sumatra, Indonesia that killed another quarter of a million people 2004, earthquakes continue to devastate our world. And from the Irish potato famine in the 1840’s to the great famine in North Korea today, starvation has claimed the lives of millions of people throughout history. Do you know when earthquakes and famines will cease? That’s right, when Jesus returns!
And for pestilence and persecution, do you remember reading about the black death plague that wiped-out half of Europe’s population from 1347-1351? Or how about the SARS epidemic in 2004? I wonder what the next world health pandemic will be? And the history of Christian persecution goes back to the Christians who were burned by Nero in Rome to the modern persecutions in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. It is said that there were more Christian martyrs in the 20th century than all the other centuries combined. Unfortunately, none of this will end until Jesus comes back.
Jesus’ prophecies in this passage really do mark the beginning of the end. But thanks be to God that Jesus will one day return in all his power and glory and bring final judgment and redemption to the earth. We don’t know the day or hour this will take place, but we know that it is coming! The most important question is—are we ready for his return?
Readiness for the Return of Christ
Within this long discourse about the destruction of Jerusalem and God’s judgment of the world, Jesus imbeds five clues to help us prepare for his return!
1.) Be Alert (8)
In verse 8, Jesus warns us to be alert because many false messiahs will come claiming to be the real Christ. There are many imposter prophets out there claiming to know when the end of the world will come. Don’t believe any of them or follow! Jesus is the only true Messiah and his return will be unmistakable!
2.) Be Courageous (9)
In verse 9, Jesus encourages us to be courageous as we endure the end time conflict. These things must take place before the end comes, but there is no reason to be terrified because God is in control. The souls of true believers are protected and secure for eternity, no matter what happens in this life!
3.) Bear Witness (13-15)
In verses 13-15, Jesus tells us that trials and persecutions increase our opportunities to bear witness to him. When we oppressed for our faith, we should not be concerned about what we should say. Jesus himself will give us the words and wisdom to bear witness to Christ and what he has done for us.
4.) Be Faithful (16-19)
In verses 16-19, Jesus highlights the fact that some Christians will even be hated by their own family and friends, and some may even be put to death. Sadly, the persecution of Christians is still rampant around the world today. But Jesus calls all o his people to stand firm in their faith, and he promises eternal life to all who do so!
5.) Be Encouraged (25-28)
And finally, in verses 25-28, Jesus speaks of the apocalyptic events that will take place in the sky and on the sea at the end of the end. While non-believer’s faint from the fear of God’s final judgment, believers should be encouraged because our redemption is drawing near! Christian’s have the hope of heaven in their hearts, therefore we can lift our heads and look toward the clouds and rejoice that our suffering will one day come to an end and we will be redeemed once and for all!
Allow me to summarize these five principles and conclude my sermon with a brief story.
Under the rule of Emperor Claudius the Cruel, Rome was involved in many unpopular and bloody campaigns. The emperor had to maintain a strong army, but was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. Claudius believed that Roman men were unwilling to join the army because of their strong attachment to their wives and families.
To get rid of the problem, Claudius banned all marriages and engagements in Rome. A young priest, realized the injustice of the decree, and defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret.
When the priest actions were finally discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. The priest was arrested and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off. The sentence was carried out on February 14, on or about the year A.D. 270. The priest’s name was Valentine!
Legend also has it that while in jail, Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer’s daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it “From Your Valentine.” For his great service, Valentine was named a saint after his death.
As St. Valentine waited for the return of Christ, he endured the harsh persecution and hostility that Jesus spoke about in this passage, but he remained alert, courageous, faithful, and encouraged. He also used the oppression to bear witness to Jesus Christ. As we await the return of Christ, may we do the same!