This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Luke 21:5-37, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Once, Jesus and his disciples were at the temple, and they saw all the beautiful stones and gifts that were there. But then Jesus told them that the temple would be destroyed. He said that not one stone would be left on top of another.
The disciples were curious and a little scared. “But when will this happen, Teacher?” they asked. “And how will we know when it’s going to happen?”
Jesus warned them not to be fooled by people who claimed to be Him or said that the end was coming soon. “Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am He!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!'” He said. “But do not go after them.”
He also told them that there would be wars and natural disasters, and that His followers would be persecuted. “You will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake,” He said. “This will be your opportunity to bear witness.”
The disciples were worried. “But what should we say when they ask us about You?” they asked.
“Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer,” Jesus replied. “For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.”
He also warned them that when they saw Jerusalem surrounded by armies, they should leave the city right away. This would be a very dangerous time, and they should not stay around. “Let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains,” He said, “and let not those who are out in the country enter it.”
Jesus said that He would come back one day, and it would be a time of great power and glory. “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory,” He said.
The disciples were excited. “When will this happen, Teacher?” they asked.
But Jesus told them that no one knows when that day will be, not even He Himself. “But be on guard,” He said. “Stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Every day, Jesus would teach the people who came to the temple to listen to Him. But at night, He would leave the city and go to stay on a mount called Olivet.
Biblical Lessons
- Jesus’ words are true and will never pass away, so we can trust and rely on them.
- Even in difficult times, Jesus is with us and will give us the strength we need to endure and overcome.
- We should always be prepared and watchful, as we never know when Jesus will return or when we may face trials and persecution.
- It is important to not be deceived by false teachers and prophets, but to test everything against the truth of God’s word.
- Our ultimate hope is in the coming of the Son of Man and the establishment of His kingdom, which will bring justice, peace, and everlasting life.
Related Stories
Must-Read Christian Books
The Reason for God
Thoughtful, biblical responses to common objections to Christianity, aimed at skeptics and believers alike.
View on Amazon
The God Who Is There
Shows how the God of the Bible speaks into modern philosophical and cultural confusion.
View on Amazon
Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands
Biblical counseling and discipleship that helps believers speak God's truth into one another's lives.
View on Amazon
The Enemy Within
A modern, accessible summary of John Owen's teaching on indwelling sin and the believer's battle.
View on Amazon
Overcoming Sin and Temptation
A classic Puritan work on mortifying sin and living in the power of the Spirit.
View on Amazon
Don't Waste Your Life
A passionate plea to live for Christ's glory rather than trivial pursuits.
View on Amazon
God's Big Picture
Traces the storyline of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation in a clear, Christ-centered way.
View on Amazon
Nine Marks of a Healthy Church
Outlines nine biblical priorities for congregations that want to be faithful and healthy.
View on Amazon
Biblical Theology
A classic work tracing the progressive revelation of God's redemptive plan in Scripture.
View on Amazon
Morning and Evening
Devotional readings for each day that point believers to Christ and His promises.
View on Amazon
A Body of Divinity
A warm, devotional exposition of the Westminster Shorter Catechism's doctrines.
View on Amazon
The Heidelberg Catechism
A beloved Reformation catechism that teaches comfort in Christ through a Q&A format.
View on Amazon
Total Truth
Equips believers to see all of life through a biblical worldview and challenge secular thinking.
View on Amazon
The Universe Next Door
Surveys competing worldviews and contrasts them with the Christian view of reality.
View on Amazon
Reformed Dogmatics (Single Volume Abridgement)
A rich, Reformed systematic theology that is deeply biblical and Christ-centered.
View on Amazon
The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness
Shows how the gospel frees us from self-obsession to live in joy and service.
View on Amazon