Jerusalem or the End?

When reading Luke 21 and Matthew 24, many assume Jesus is speaking about the same event in exactly the same way. A closer look shows otherwise. Both passages begin with Jesus' prediction of the Temple's destruction, but the disciples' follow-up questions determine how the Gospel writers preserve His teaching.

In Matthew 24:3, the disciples ask two questions: "When will these things happen?" and "What will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" Jesus' answer therefore covers both the near judgment on Jerusalem (fulfilled in A.D. 70) and His ultimate return at the end of time.

In Luke 21:7, however, the disciples ask only: "When therefore will these things happen? And what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?" Luke records Jesus' reply with emphasis on the destruction of Jerusalem: armies surrounding the city, tribulation for its inhabitants, and dispersion of the people (Luke 21:20-24). While Luke briefly mentions cosmic signs and redemption at Christ's coming, the weight of his account is on the near-term crisis.

The main reasons for this difference are:

1. The questions asked–Matthew preserves both, Luke focuses on one.
2. The audiences–Matthew writes for Jews, concerned about the Messiah's final coming; Luke writes for Gentiles, for whom Jerusalem's destruction confirmed Christ's words and God's judgment on unbelief.

Two Lessons Taught by Both:

1. God's Word is certain–what Jesus predicted happened exactly, affirming the reliability of His promises.
2. Watchfulness is required–whether facing historical judgment or final return, believers must remain faithful and alert.

Lessons Unique to Matthew 24:

1. Christ will return in glory–beyond Jerusalem's fall, the ultimate hope is His final coming.
2. The end is global, not local–signs include cosmic upheaval and worldwide gathering of the elect.

Lessons Unique to Luke 21:

1. Historical judgment is real–Jerusalem's fall was a visible sign of God's judgment on unbelief.
2. God rules history–even devastating events fit into His plan, including "the times of the Gentiles" (Luke 21:24).

Together, these passages remind us that Christ's words are trustworthy, history is under God's control, and believers must be ready–whether for near trials or the ultimate return of the King.