The Coming of the Son of Man

Luke 21 : 20 - 33

When we look at this passage, we might find it somewhat complex because there are many different interpretations of it. In this reflection, we will divide the passage into two parts. First, we will discuss verses 25–28, which speak about the signs of the coming of the Son of Man. Second, we will look at verses 29–33, which contain the lesson of the fig tree.

Let us begin with the first part. The coming of the Son of Man is described with signs in the sun, moon, and stars, and on the earth there will be distress among nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves. Some people interpret these signs as cosmic events, suggesting that the return of Christ will be accompanied by turbulence and problems in the ecosystem and environment. However, other commentators argue that the terms “sun, moon, and stars” are used in the Old Testament as metaphors or symbols for governments and rulers. From this perspective, the signs are not about cosmic or climate events, but about the distress and turbulence of governments and kingdoms throughout the world.

However, if we go back and read verses 20–24, we can understand that these signs are actually part of Jesus’ prophecy about the destruction of Jerusalem. Jerusalem is not merely a place to visit; it represents the center of God’s presence. In the Old Testament, Jerusalem is the place where God’s saving work for Israel begins, and from there it spreads to other places. But if the destruction of Jerusalem happens, does that not mean that God’s saving work will no longer continue?

For example, imagine that you need to go to work by car, but the engine—the core machine of the car—is broken. Of course, you cannot use the car to reach your destination. In a similar way, Jerusalem functions like the core of God’s redemptive work. From Jerusalem, God’s work spreads to other places. So, if Jerusalem, the temple of God, is destroyed, it seems as if the work of God cannot continue.

Yet in verses 20–24, Jesus foretells that the destruction of Jerusalem will indeed happen. Even though these things begin to take place, Jesus says in verse 28, “Straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” It is an interesting and striking parallel that the destruction of Jerusalem is connected with the redemption of the people of God. From our perspective today, this prophecy has already been fulfilled. But what about the lesson of victory?

We see this in the short parable in verses 29–33, the lesson of the fig tree. Jesus says, “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.” In ancient times, there were no clocks to tell the exact time, so people commonly used nature as an indicator of the changing seasons. Jesus connects this natural sign with the nearness of the kingdom of God. When we see distressful events happening (as described in verses 25–26), they serve as signs that the kingdom of God is near. Jesus even affirms the certainty of this by saying in verses 32–33, “Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

For the first hearers, the Israelites, this prophecy was extremely significant. Without Jerusalem, they essentially lost their religious center. They could no longer perform worship and sacrifices as before, and their religious life seemed unable to function. Although our situation today is different, we should not underestimate the seriousness of this prophecy. John Calvin reminds us that this passage should not be understood only as something that happened in the past, but also as something significant for believers today because of the presence of tribulation. There will always be tribulation, difficulties, challenges, and persecution for the church before the return of Christ.

The temple of God is no longer a physical building in Jerusalem; rather, the body of Christ is now the temple of God. We read this clearly in many passages, especially in the letters of Paul, where he teaches that our bodies are the temple of God. Being the temple of God is not merely about a physical structure, but about the place where God’s presence dwells.

Therefore, the destruction of the temple in ancient times, which was clearly related to a specific building, also points to tribulation that remains significant for us today. There is tribulation for the people of God in every age, and this tribulation points forward to the return of Christ Himself.

When we talk about the tribulation of the church, we encounter different views in eschatology. Some argue that the return of Christ will be marked by increasing persecution and tribulation, while others argue that it will be marked by the success of the church as the gospel is preached to many nations.

Interestingly, John Frame suggests that both tribulation (persecution) and success (triumph and periods of peace) occur in a cyclical pattern. The church does not suffer persecution at all times or in all places. In some regions and eras, persecution is intense, while in others it subsides or shifts to different areas. What is important is to understand that all these tribulations remind us that Christ has already foretold these events, and therefore they are neither random nor arbitrary. They confirm the certainty of God’s plan, and so we should be prepared.

What, then, is the correct response to this turbulence? Scripture tells us to straighten up and raise our heads, because our redemption is drawing near. Joel B. Green explains that this means we should look to Christ to find hope and joy, knowing that redemption is approaching. First, this refers to our own redemption as believers. But paradoxically, redemption is not only for us—it also extends to others.

Therefore, when people face disasters, wars, and suffering, we should pray for them and be sensitive to their situation. At the same time, we should recognize that such moments may open opportunities to share the gospel. We must hold this dual perspective. Humanly speaking, we respond with compassion and practical help. But we should also be thankful that many people will come to believe in God during that period of time.

Later in verse 33, Jesus declares that heaven and earth will pass away, but His words will not pass away. Why does Jesus say “my words” instead of “the word of God”? By saying this, Jesus reveals that He is not merely a prophet or messenger of God. He is claiming that His words carry divine authority, because He Himself is the Word of God.

Now that we understand that Jesus’ prophecy is certain and must be taken as a whole, we may ask: why must all these things happen? Verse 24 provides insight: “They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” All these distressing events continue until the time of the Gentiles is fulfilled.

There are at least two interpretations of this phrase. First, it may mean that the wickedness and violence of the Gentiles will reach a point where God declares that it is enough and brings judgment. Second, it may mean that the gospel must first spread to many nations so that people from among the Gentiles become followers of Christ.

Grant Osborne said that both of these realities occur together in history. When we see evil in the world, we may ask why God does not immediately bring judgment. The answer is that God is giving people time to repent, and when judgment finally comes, wickedness will have reached its full measure.

This reminds me of the story of King Hezekiah, who was sick and near death, yet God granted him fifteen additional years of life. Although Hezekiah did not always act faithfully during those years, new generations were born from his line, eventually leading to Jesus. When God delays judgment, He is often giving a period of grace for repentance. Even when some do not repent, we can trust that God continues to work through future generations to fulfill His plan. As long as God has not brought final judgment, there remains time to spread the gospel and hope that God will work through the next generation.

Those who understand the meaning of their lives are able to persevere through suffering. When distressful times occur, they recognize that suffering is not meaningless but serves God’s redemptive purpose. With this understanding, they will see such times as opportunities to share the gospel, so that future generations may come to believe in Him. Let us be sensitive and mindful of these opportunities that God gives us. May God bless us. (G.N.S.)