The Bryce Crawford Podcast

Episode: Luke Series Chapter 21 (EP 169)
Date: December 21, 2025
Host: Bryce Crawford

Episode Overview

This episode is part of Bryce Crawford’s ongoing Luke Series, specifically focusing on Luke Chapter 21. Bryce explores Jesus' teachings about genuine generosity, signs of the end times, the persecution of believers, and Christ’s encouragement to remain steadfast. The discussion is deeply rooted in the text, emphasizing the spiritual significance and contemporary relevance of Jesus' warnings and promises.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Heart of Giving (Luke 21:1-4)

• Passage Recap: Jesus observes wealthy people ostentatiously donating at the temple, and a humble widow offering two copper coins.
• Main Insight:
  • “The spirit of giving, the sincerity behind the giving. The heart behind the giving is greater than the amount.” (03:36)
  • Bryce contrasts Old Testament requirements to tithe with Jesus’ emphasis on motive over amount.
• Notable Moment:
  • “Interesting, right? Because in the Old Testament we see this compliance to tithe a certain percentage. But now Jesus is saying it’s the spirit and the heart behind the giving that is greater than the amount.” (03:56)

2. Jesus Foretells the Destruction of the Temple (Luke 21:5-6)

• Prediction: Jesus warns that not one stone of the admired temple will be left unturned.
• Discussion: Bryce underscores the prophetic nature and the questioning of Jesus by onlookers about when this will occur.
  • “As for these things that you see, the days will come where there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” (04:19)

3. Signs of the End Times and Persecution (Luke 21:7-19)

• Themes Covered:
  • False messiahs appearing.
  • Wars, natural disasters, and societal upheaval.
  • Persecution of believers, even by family members.
• Key Quotes:
  • “See that you are not led astray, for many will come in my name, saying, I am he, and the time is at hand. Do not go after them.” (04:25)
  • “You will be delivered up even by your parents and brothers and relatives and friends. And some of you they will put to death. Even the closest people to you... will turn on you for his name’s sake.” (06:15-06:18)
• Bryce’s Commentary:
  • “We need to love Jesus the same way he loved us unto death, laying our life down for him. In the last days, we will be persecuted as believers. You know this is happening right now.” (05:20)
  • He connects present-day religious challenges and rising religious opposition—particularly noting the spread of Islam—suggesting tough times ahead for Christians in America.

4. Destruction of Jerusalem Prophesied (Luke 21:20-24)

• Historical Prophecy: Jesus describes the impending siege and destruction of Jerusalem, referencing actual events of A.D. 70.
• Bryce’s Emphasis:
  • “Again, he’s prophesying about A.D. 70, the destruction in Jerusalem.” (07:16)

5. Signs in the Heavens and the Coming of the Son of Man (Luke 21:25-28)

• Eschatological Imagery:
  • Chaos in creation, fear among people, and the coming of the “Son of Man in a cloud with power and great glory”.
• Encouragement:
  • “Now, when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads because your redemption is drawing near.” (07:41)

6. The Parable of the Fig Tree (Luke 21:29-33)

• Teaching:
  • Like observing seasonal changes, Christians can recognize “the time” by observing prophetic signs.
• Key Quote:
  • “When you see these things, you go, ‘Oh, time is coming. Oh, his return is coming near. Oh, I don’t have to be surprised about that. He told me about that.’” (08:00)
• Warning:
  • “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (08:20)

7. Warning Against Distraction and Exhortation to Watchfulness (Luke 21:34-38)

• Practical Application:
  • Don’t get caught up in the cares of life or fleshly desires, which might dull spiritual alertness.
  • Pray for strength to endure.
• Contemporary Application:
  • “It will be easier and easier in the last days. And Timothy tells us in the last days godlessness will arise. People will be lovers of self, lovers of money...” (08:48)
• Closing Prayer:
  • “Let our prayer be God thank you for the end times. Thank you for return. Thank you that you will end suffering and sin once and for all. But God give me strength to endure...” (09:14)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The heart behind the giving is greater than the amount.” (03:36)
• “We need to love Jesus the same way he loved us unto death...” (05:20)
• “Don’t fear the one who can kill the body, but fear the one who can kill the body and the soul.” (06:26)
• “When you see these things, you go, oh, time is coming. Oh, his return is coming near. Oh, I don’t have to be surprised...” (08:00)
• “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (08:20)
• “Let our prayer be: God give me strength to endure.” (09:14)

Important Segment Timestamps

• [03:19] – Start of discussion on Luke 21; the widow’s offering and spirit of giving.
• [04:19] – Jesus predicts destruction of the temple.
• [04:47] – Jesus warns of persecution and end times.
• [06:15] – On persecution from close relations and in society.
• [07:16] – Destruction of Jerusalem prophecy.
• [07:41] – Jesus’ encouragement: “straighten up and raise your heads.”
• [08:00] – Parable of the fig tree and recognizing prophetic signs.
• [08:48] – Exhortation to stay spiritually alert in the end times.
• [09:14] – Concluding prayer for strength and endurance.

Tone and Style

• Passionate, urgent, and pastoral—Bryce’s delivery is heartfelt, with both biblical reverence and direct application to present-day believers.
• Frequent pauses for reflection and prayer, urging listeners not only to learn but to live out these teachings.

Closing Encouragement

• Bryce emphasizes personal engagement with Scripture and the Holy Spirit, not just reliance on podcasts or teaching.
  • “The ultimate heart is so that you go and read this word daily... you don’t rely on the podcast, you rely on the word of God and the Holy Spirit.” (09:46-09:51)

This episode is an accessible yet profound exploration of Luke 21, blending exegetical insight with relevant warnings and practical encouragement for modern Christians facing uncertain times.