29 He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30 When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.
32 “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
34 “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
37 Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives, 38 and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple. Luke 21:29-38
It is Holy Week and each day Jesus goes to the Temple to teach in the courtyards. This was a common practice of the rabbis. Each rabbi would teach his followers while others would listen in. Jesus now speaks about the end times and all that will be destroyed. Then he says these astounding words, “Heaven and Earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” He separates himself from all other teachers. It is HIS word that will not pass away. Despite all that will happen, the word of Jesus will never cease.
I do find this quite striking. We live in a world filled with lots of words tossed through Twitter, Facebook, text messaging, email, and sometimes even a phone call. Words have lost their impact. In fact, we aren’t even aware of how our words will speak for us. In the early history of our nation, John and Abigail Adams wrote more than 1,000 letters to each other. This couple yearned to be together but responsibilities separated them. From their daily letters, we gain a glimpse of colonial life and the deep love between a president and his wife.
But these words are NOT eternal. It is only the words of Jesus that have eternal significance. And Jesus tells his followers that his words will never pass away. Dive into HIS word and you will discover something far greater than living a good life. You will encounter the Son of God, the Living Word.
For your Lenten Reflection: How are you reading Scripture these days? Are you deliberate in reading the Word? It really is in this Word that we find Hope.
Dear God, Give us a hunger to read your Scriptures. Your Word is a gift to us that will point us to eternal life—a gift freely given to us. Thank you for your Scriptures. In Christ’s name. Amen
