Luke 21:28
Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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When you hear about difficult times ahead, Jesus doesn't want you to shrink back in fear. Instead, He tells you to "straighten up and raise your heads," a posture that signals hope and confidence, not despair. This is because amidst the world's turmoil, the signs of your ultimate deliverance are actually drawing near.
Jesus has just described devastating events like the destruction of the Temple and widespread persecution that will afflict his followers. In response to this difficult prophecy, he tells them not to despair but to look up with hope when these signs begin, because their ultimate deliverance is approaching. This ultimate deliverance encompasses freedom from immediate hardships and the final arrival of God's kingdom.
When everything around you feels like it's falling apart, where do you look? Jesus tells His followers to do something radical.
Jesus predicts intense suffering and the destruction of the Temple, events that would have caused His followers immense sorrow and fear. Yet, in the midst of these terrifying predictions, He says, “straighten up and raise your heads.”
This isn't just about physical posture. It’s a call to adopt an attitude of hope, not despair. Imagine being bowed down, crushed by the weight of surrounding chaos. Jesus is saying, don't stay there. Your situation might be dire, but your hope is not rooted in earthly stability. It's rooted in God's ultimate victory.
Jesus says 'your redemption is drawing near.' What does 'redemption' truly mean in this context?
The word for 'redemption' here (apolutrosis in Greek) signifies a complete release and liberation, often involving a payment. It’s not just about escaping a bad situation, but about being fully bought back and restored.
In this passage, Jesus points to a multifaceted redemption:
Jesus tells His followers to look for these 'things beginning to take place.' How should we view difficult events?
Understand the original words
apolytrōsis · Greek Noun
The act of liberation or deliverance; it implies a ransom paid to secure freedom, specifically referring to the final and full salvation of the believer at the return of Christ.
This teaching of Jesus was given just before the dramatic events leading to the destruction of Jerusalem. His words offer comfort and hope, assuring followers that even amid devastating signs, their ultimate redemption is drawing near, pointing first to deliverance from oppressive Jewish hostility and then to Christ’s final return.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus Delivers Olivet Discourse
Jesus predicts the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple and gives signs pointing to future events, including His eventual return.
c. AD 30-60
Early Christian Persecution
The nascent Christian church faces significant opposition and persecution, particularly from Jewish authorities who view them as a threat.
AD 66-70
First Jewish-Roman War
The Jewish people revolt against Roman rule, leading to widespread conflict and the eventual siege and destruction of Jerusalem.
AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Roman army, under Titus, destroys Jerusalem and the Second Temple, marking a pivotal moment for Judaism and ending a specific era of Jewish life.
This passage echoes the hope of ultimate redemption, speaking of creation groaning and eagerly waiting for the revealing of the sons of God, mirroring the anticipation found in Luke 21:28.
Colossians 1:13-14It describes God rescuing us from the dominion of darkness and bringing us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption and the forgiveness of sins, directly linking to the concept of redemption as deliverance.
Hebrews 9:28This verse speaks of Christ appearing a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly awaiting Him, which powerfully connects to the idea of looking up for redemption.
1 Peter 1:13It urges believers to prepare their minds for action, to be sober, and to fix their hope completely on the grace to be brought at the revelation of Jesus Christ, aligning with the call to 'straighten up and raise your heads'.
pooleLuke 21:28: "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."
See Poole on "Luke 21:27"
vincentLuke 21:28: "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."
Look upSee on Luke 13:11. Graphic, as implying being previously bowed down with sorrow.Redemption (ἀπολύτρωσις)See on lettest depart, Luke 2:29.
When you hear about difficult times ahead, Jesus doesn't want you to shrink back in fear. Instead, He tells you to "straighten up and raise your heads," a posture that signals hope and confidence, not despair. This is because amidst the world's turmoil, the signs of your ultimate deliverance are actually drawing near.
Jesus has just described devastating events like the destruction of the Temple and widespread persecution that will afflict his followers. In response to this difficult prophecy, he tells them not to despair but to look up with hope when these signs begin, because their ultimate deliverance is approaching. This ultimate deliverance encompasses freedom from immediate hardships and the final arrival of God's kingdom.
Jesus has just described devastating events like the destruction of the Temple and widespread persecution that will afflict his followers. In response to this difficult prophecy, he tells them not to despair but to look up with hope when these signs begin, because their ultimate deliverance is approaching. This ultimate deliverance encompasses freedom from immediate hardships and the final arrival of God's kingdom.
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Jesus isn't telling His disciples to be paralyzed by fear when they see prophetic signs unfold. Instead, these signs are signals.
"Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”" — When you hear about difficult times ahead, Jesus doesn't want you to shrink back in fear. Instead, He tells you to "straighten up and raise your heads," a posture that signals hope and confidence, no…
