This passage is part of Jesus' teachings on the end times and the coming of the Son of Man. He warns his disciples and followers to be vigilant and prepared for the coming judgment, as it will come suddenly and unexpectedly upon those who are not ready. Jesus urges his listeners to avoid being weighed down by the distractions and temptations of this world, and instead to focus on spiritual readiness through prayer and faith. The passage emphasizes the enduring nature of Jesus' teachings and the ultimate importance of being prepared for the coming of the Son of Man.
Luke 21:33-36 is part of a longer passage in the Gospel of Luke where Jesus is warning his disciples about the coming destruction of the temple and the end times. He speaks about the signs of the end times and emphasizes the need for his followers to be alert and prepared for his return.
In verse 33, Jesus makes the point that although heaven and earth will pass away, his words will never pass away. This is a statement of the enduring nature of Jesus' teachings and their importance for his followers, even in the midst of the end times.
In verse 34, Jesus warns his disciples to be careful and not to become weighed down with the distractions and temptations of life, such as carousing and drunkenness, which can lead to spiritual neglect and unpreparedness for the coming judgment. He urges his followers to be vigilant and to keep watch for the signs of his return.
In verse 35, Jesus emphasizes that the end times will come upon all those who live on the earth, and that it will come suddenly and unexpectedly, like a trap. Therefore, it is essential to be ready and prepared for his return.
Finally, in verse 36, Jesus exhorts his followers to always be on the watch and to pray that they may be able to escape the judgment that is coming and stand before the Son of Man. This is a call to spiritual readiness, a constant state of preparedness for the return of Jesus Christ. It is a reminder that our ultimate hope is in him and that our lives should be focused on living in accordance with his teachings and preparing ourselves for his return.
Luke 21:33-36. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away. So be careful, or your hearts will be loaded down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day will come on you suddenly. For it will come like a snare on all those who dwell on the surface of all the earth. Therefore be watchful all the time, praying that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.”