Luke Series Chapter 21 (EP 169)

Summary

The Bryce Crawford Podcast

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

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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.

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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)

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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)

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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.

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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.

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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)

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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.

Transcript

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So go to jesusonthestreet.org get your tickets and we'll see you guys in 2026 for the live podcast tour.

[C]

What's going on, guys? Welcome back to another episode of the Bryce Crawford podcast.

[D]

I'm Bryson.

[C]

Today we are in Luke chapter 21 of the Luke series.

[D]

The series is coming to an end. I always love doing this every year.

[C]

But before we get into it, we need Elf and Dylan back in the room. Where's Elf Dylan at? Merry Christmas, Bryce. Ah, man, thank you so much. You know what, you're so consistent. I don't have to worry about anything new going. No.

[D]

Thank you so much.

[C]

What's in it for today? Which one you want? You know, four more gifts. I kind of want this top one right here.

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That's the one. That's the one. I kind of want.

[C]

That was.

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I was eyeing that one down.

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It's a good one.

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It's a good one.

[C]

Are you sure?

[D]

I really don't know what to expect with you. So.

[C]

A 10 foot heavy doodle. Heavy doodle. Heavy duty USB stick, cable, Heavy doodle. Yes. Thank you so much. This is so kind of you. Thank you. I appreciate you.

[D]

Oh, Dylan, that is super kind.

[C]

Thank you so much.

[D]

I appreciate you.

[C]

Well, as always, we're going to get in the word of God today.

[D]

In verse one of chapter 21, here's what we look.

[C]

Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box.

[D]

And he saw a poor widow putting in two small copper coins.

[C]

And notice the rich people flaunting, look at how much money I'm giving. Look at me. Look at how big my tithe is. Boom. In the, in the tithe box.

[D]

And this lady in her humility put in two small copper coins. And Jesus said, truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them, for they all contributed out of their abundance. But she, out of her poverty, put in all she had to live on. What is this point of this passage? This isn't a parable. This is something that Jesus witnessed. The spirit of giving, the sincerity behind the giving. The heart behind the giving is greater than the amount. 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.

[C]

Verse 5 and while some were speaking at the temple how it was adorned.

[D]

With noble stones and offerings, he said.

[C]

As for these things that you see, the days will come where there will not be left here one stone upon.

[D]

Another that will not be thrown down.

[C]

And they asked him, teacher, when will these things be and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place. And he said, 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. And when you hear of wars and tumulates, do not be terrified, for these.

[D]

Things must first take place. But the end will not be at once. And now Jesus is about to begin some conversations about the end times here.

[C]

And he said to them, nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes and in various places famines and pestilences, and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. But before all this, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you. Now notice, not only is he saying, look, wars and nations and earthquakes. He's saying, as believers, we will be persecuted in the last days, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness. We need to love Jesus the same way he loved us unto death, laying our life down for him. And in the last days, we will be persecuted as believers. You know this is happening right now. Islam is infiltrating the world. It is infiltrated Europe, it's in the Middle east, the fastest growing religion in the world, and it is slowly making its way in America. There will come a day where it will be the minority. Christianity will be in this country. And there will come a day when Christians will be persecuted and freedom of religion will no longer be a thing. We must be careful. We must not bow, bow to the false authority of false doctrines in this world. Settle it therefore, in your minds, not to meditate beforehand, how to answer. For I will give you a mouth and wisdom which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. Meaning in the face of persecution, my Holy Spirit will take over your tongue and give you the words to say.

[D]

You will be delivered up even by.

[C]

Your parents and brothers and relatives and friends.

[D]

And some of you they will put to death. Even the closest people to you in proximity will turn on you for his name's sake. You will be hated by all for my name's sake. But not a hair on your head will perish. By your endurance, you will gain your lives. Don't fear the one who can kill the body, but fear the one who can kill the body and the soul. Persecution will come, and we're seeing just the beginning of it right now. In today's day and age, Jesus foretells the destruction of Jerusalem. Now in verse 20. And this is. This will happen in AD 70. But this is what he's saying.

[C]

For when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies and you know that desolation has come near, then let those who are.

[D]

In Judea flee to the mountains. And let those who are inside the city depart. And let not those who are out in the country enter it.

[C]

For these are days of vengeance to.

[D]

Fulfill all that is written.

[C]

Alas for women who are pregnant and.

[D]

For those who are nursing infants in those days. For there will be a great distress upon the earth and wrath against the people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all the nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. Again, he's prophesying about A.D. 70, the destruction in Jerusalem.

[C]

Verse 25. More end time stuff. And there will be signs in the sun and the moon and the stars and on earth, the stress of nations and perplexity because of the roaring of.

[D]

The sea and the waves.

[C]

There will be signs that the end is coming. People fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in the cloud with.

[D]

Power and great glory. That's when it will be too late. Now, when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads because your redemption is drawing near. Redemption is coming. Now, I love this next passage about the end times, because I think it's so important.

[C]

Verse 29. And he told them a parable. Look at the fig tree and all the trees. As soon as they come out and.

[D]

Leaf you see yourselves. And know that the summer is already near. When the fig trees begin to sprout leaves, you already know, oh, summer's near, the time's coming. In the same way, 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.

[C]

So also, when you see these things.

[D]

Taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Verse 34 the warning but watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day may come upon you suddenly like a trap, it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. This is what he's saying don't get distracted by the desires of the flesh.

[C]

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, proud, arrogant, rude, disobedient to.

[D]

Their parents, will have the appearance of godliness, but deny its power. Don't get distracted by the desires of.

[C]

The flesh, but stay awake at all times. Verse 36 Praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that.

[D]

Are going to take place in the same before the Son of man. 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 and every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mountain called Olivet and early in the morning all the people came to him and temple to hear. These warnings weren't just for the people in the time, but for us today. Guys, I pray that Luke 21 was an encouragement to you and we'll see you guys tomorrow for Luke chapter 22.

[C]

Hey, thank you guys so much for watching the Luke series.

[D]

I pray that this thing is a.

[C]

Blessing to you and the ultimate heart.

[D]

Is so that you go and read this word daily.

[C]

You don't rely on the podcast, you.

[D]

Rely on the word of God and the Holy Spirit. Thank you guys so much for watching.

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If you like the episodes, subscribe follow us on social media and we'll see.

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You guys in the next episode.

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