Luke 20-21

Despite knowing that His DEATH on the cross was within a few days, Jesus still taught in the temple proclaiming the gospel, thus showing His heart for the lost.   Then, in several rounds of verbal "battles" with the religious leaders, Jesus:

• Makes a point regarding His divine authority without having to answer the religious leaders directly
• Through a parable, clearly shows that the religious leaders will be killing the Son of God, the Cornerstone
• Wisely shows that we are to "give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s", effectively circumventing the "trap" the religious leaders were trying to set

Jesus shows His wisdom and grace in dealing with His opposition.

As the verbal "battles" between the religious leaders and Jesus continue, the Sadducees pose a scenario and question on Levirite marriage, which in their minds exposed the absurdity of resurrection.   However, Jesus answered in such a way that showed that they are not only incorrect in their views on the resurrection, but also on angels and how things will be in eternity.  In this round, He was once again able to silence His opponents.

Jesus, then, posed a question about the Messiah; which showed that though He was a descendent of the line of David when He came to earth as a Man; but, that He was also Lord and God.  Jesus also gave a warning to His disciples against the hyprocrisy of "the teachers of the law".

Then in Chp 21, Jesus commended a poor widow who demonstrated sacrificial giving.  This is similar to when King David had said that he would not sacrifice to God anything that costs him nothing.  Also, Jesus could have been using this example as an illustration of the religious leaders "devouring widows' houses" (Luke 20:47).

As Jesus then spoke to his disciples of the coming destruction of the temple, He also answered their question about the sign of the End Times by giving them a series of signs to will indicate "that the kingdom of God is near" (False Messiahs, wars, earthquakes, famines, pestilences, signs from heaven and in the sun, moon, stars, tossing of the sea, etc).  The End Times will be a fearful "time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written", with distress, death, and captivity.   

Jesus also warned them of coming persecution and betrayal; but, assured them that He would "give [them] words and wisdom that none of [their] adversaries will be able to resist or contradict".  He encouraged them to stand firm, for they will know that their "redemption is drawing near".   When Jesus returns, He will "in a cloud with power and great glory".

With a parable of the fig tree, He assured them that the signs are an indication of the assured fulfillment of prophecy.  They were not to be weighed down by the world and its sins; but, to always be prepared and ready for His Return. 

Jesus continued teaching, even though His end on earth was near.