lectionary.com

Advent Season · First Sunday of Advent · Year C

Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

Signs of the End of the Age

The Opening of the Sixth Seal, Francis Danby
The Opening of the Sixth Seal, Francis Danby, c. 1825Victoria Art Gallery, Bath
An Irish-born painter's apocalypse: the sky rolled back, a mountain splitting, and figures scattering down the foreground in red light.There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress among nations: these readings describe it, and Danby painted it at scale.Francis DanbyAn Irish painter who made his name in Bristol with apocalyptic subjects, then fled abroad from scandal and debt.Victoria Art Gallery, BathA small civic gallery in Bath, opened in 1900 to mark Victoria's jubilee and free to enter.Victoria Art Gallery, Bath

Overview & Insights

“Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” (Luke 21:27)

Since Jesus’s arrival in Jerusalem it has become clear that his messianic authority is in irreconcilable conflict with the existing power structure in Jerusalem. His prediction of the destruction of the temple (21:5–6) now leads to an extended explanation (addressed to his disciples) that looks beyond his own imminent death and resurrection to a time when that conflict will be resolved. The power of the present Jerusalem establishment will be destroyed, and the risen Jesus will enter into his destined authority as the Son of Man. The reader’s awareness of this ultimate prospect will provide a vital counterpoint to the apparent “defeat” of Jesus in Jerusalem that will be narrated in chapters 22–23.

From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.

Take it further: Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

Commentary

Commentary on Luke 21:25-36Commentary on Lk 21:25-36 Working Preacher

Luther Seminary's Year C commentary reads the apocalyptic imagery as a summons to hopeful watchfulness.

Luke 21:25-36 CommentaryLk 21:25-36 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching

Reformed preaching commentary connecting the fig tree sign to hope amid a world in upheaval.

Luke 21 Commentary: Words on the Mount of OlivesLk 21 Commentary: Words on the Mount of Olives Enduring Word · David Guzik

David Guzik's verse by verse study of the Olivet Discourse and its call to watchfulness.

Luke 21 CommentaryLk 21 Commentary Precept Austin

Verse by verse study library with cross references on the signs preceding the Son of Man's return.

Luke 21:25 CommentariesLk 21:25 Commentaries BibleHub

Classic commentators (Ellicott, Pulpit, Barnes) compiled verse by verse on the cosmic signs.

1st Sunday of Advent (Year C) Catholic Productions · Brant Pitre

Dr. Brant Pitre walks through all four Advent 1 readings, including the Gospel's call to holiness while waiting.

Luke 21 - Barnes' NotesLk 21 - Barnes' Notes StudyLight

Full verse by verse header notes on the Olivet Discourse from Albert Barnes.

Three Dimensions of Advent - Word on Fire Sermon Word on Fire · Bishop Barron

Bishop Barron's homily on Christ's coming in history, mystery, and majesty as Advent begins.

The First Sunday in Advent (Cycle C) Agape Bible Study

Catholic study of all four Advent 1 readings verse by verse with the Gospel's call to vigilance.

First Sunday of Advent, Cycle C Loyola Press · Sunday Connection

Catholic Sunday Connection with background and family discussion questions for the day's readings.

Background & Word Study

The Church Fathers

Podcast

Study Hub

Questions preachers ask

What does Jesus say of the end?

There will be signs in sun, moon, and stars and distress among the nations, then the Son of Man will come in glory; straighten up, for your redemption draws near, and stay awake (Luke 21:25–36).

Prep at sermons.com

Ready to write?

  • Full sermons on Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
  • Illustrations cleared for use in worship
  • Commentary, quotes, and Bible dictionary
Open it at sermons.com →

Trusted by pastors since 1995.

Free every Tuesday

Illustrations & Sermon Prep in your inbox

The coming Sunday’s readings, a cleared-for-use illustration, and a sermon-prep head start. One email, free.