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#1254. Living in the End Times with purpose (11/4/24)

  • Writer: Matt Beaney
    Matt Beaney
  • 5 days ago
  • 5 min read

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) as we journey through our Luke: Exploring Who Jesus Is series. 


From Luke 21:5-37, whilst in this period of waiting for Jesus to come, He wants all of us to join His mission for the world. 


You can listen to this devotional below:


In Luke 21, we’ve reflected first on Jesus’ prophecy—and its fulfilment—regarding the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem. Then, we considered the signs that point to His return in glory. Today, we turn to an essential response to all of this: living actively and purposefully in Jesus’ mission. While we wait for His return, we are not called to passivity, or fear, but to faithful participation in the work taking the gospel to all people. 


i. On account of Jesus name

‘“But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13 And so you will bear testimony to me.”’ (Luke 21:12-13)

These verses point specifically to the period before the destruction of the temple—a time when Jesus’ followers would face intense persecution, as we see throughout the book of Acts (which can be seen as Luke’s second volume). In fact, this short passage captures much of the storyline of Acts: Spirit-empowered disciples, boldly bearing witness to Jesus in the face of opposition.


Yet this isn’t just a historical prediction—it’s also a timeless principle. All who carry the name of Jesus and are filled with His Spirit should expect some form of opposition. But the promise is not of an easy life. Instead, Jesus assures us that our trials will become opportunities. When we suffer for His name, we are placed on a platform to bear witness—to make His love, truth, and power known.


ii. Jesus will give us words

‘But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 Everyone will hate you because of me. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 Stand firm, and you will win life.”’ (Luke:21:14-19)

Throughout the book of Acts, we see this promise fulfilled: the Holy Spirit empowers believers with boldness, wisdom, and the right words at the right time. Jesus urges His followers not to be anxious in advance about how to defend themselves—not as a call to laziness or spiritual passivity, but as a call to trust. The Spirit will draw out what we’ve allowed Him to deposit within us.

This passage is both sobering and hopeful. Jesus prepares us for betrayal, hatred, and even martyrdom—but He also assures us that our lives are ultimately secure in Him. The phrase “not a hair of your head will perish” does not deny the reality of suffering or death (verse 16 makes that clear). Instead, it affirms that nothing can happen to us outside of God’s sovereign care. Even if, like Stephen, we are killed for our faith, we will not truly perish. In Christ, we are eternally safe. So, we are called to stand firm—and in doing so, we gain life.


iii. Until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled

‘”They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.”’ (Luke 21:24) 

This important phrase—“until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled”—deserves our attention. While it refers immediately to the destruction of Jerusalem by Rome (a Gentile power), it also points to the wider purpose of God in this present era. We are living in what Jesus calls “the times of the Gentiles”—a season in history where the gospel is being proclaimed among all nations.


This is not just a period of waiting; it’s a period of mission. The trampling of Jerusalem symbolises the shift of God’s redemptive focus beyond one place and one people, to the whole world. We are now called to join Jesus in His global mission—to carry His name to every tribe, tongue, and nation, empowered by the Holy Spirit.


Response

While we wait for Jesus to return, we are not meant to be idle. He invites all of us into His mission for the world. This is not a call to comfort, but to courage—a willingness to bear His name, whatever the cost. And with that call comes His promise: the Holy Spirit will give us power, wisdom, and the right words at the right time.

So let’s not look inward for purpose. Let’s look to Jesus. He is the One who sends us—to our neighbours and to the nations—until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled, and He comes again in glory.

 

Community Group Notes


1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 


2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 


3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.


4. Study and pray together


Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.


On Sunday, we explored Luke 21:5-37. This is quite a difficult passage. It covers three big ideas: Jesus’ prophecy regarding the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem; the signs of Jesus’ return in glory; and finally, that we are to be ready and on His mission whilst waiting. 


Discussion:

Note: This week is ‘SIV Week’ so we’ll focus on how we're seeking to bring our community to Jesus as we Serve, Invest and Invite. 


Please read Luke 21:5-37 and discuss:

  • Mission inspiration from the text - What do verses 12-15 teach us about our mission, and have you had experiences that relate to this? 

  • Share Stories – Have you had any recent experiences of Serving, Investing, or Inviting someone toward Jesus? (Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.)

  • Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Discuss and pray for those you regularly engage with, including any ‘people of peace’ (* See note) in your life—those open to you and the gospel.


Let’s pray together: 

  • Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.



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