Luke 21 (NMV)
1 He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury.
2 He also saw a poor widow putting in two small coins [lepta: each worth a fraction of a day's wage].
3 He said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them.
4 For all of them gave out of their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, has put in all she had to live on."
5 Some were speaking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and dedicated offerings. But He said,
6 "As for these things you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left on another that will not be thrown down."
7 They asked Him, "Teacher, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?"
8 Then He said, "Watch out that you are not led astray. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He,' and, 'The time has come.' Don't follow them.
9 When you hear of wars and rebellions, don't be terrified. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away."
10 Then He said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
11 There will be violent earthquakes in various places, as well as famines and plagues. There will also be terrifying events and great signs from the sky.
12 But before all these things, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and governors because of My name.
13 This will be an opportunity for you to bear witness.
14 So make up your minds not to prepare your defense ahead of time.
15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to oppose or contradict.
16 You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. They will put some of you to death.
17 You will be hated by everyone because of My name.
18 But not a hair of your head will be lost.
19 By your endurance you will gain your lives.
20 "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that its desolation has come near.
21 Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains, those inside the city must get out, and those in the countryside must not enter it.
22 Because these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written.
23 Woe to those who are pregnant or nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people.
24 They will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken captive to all the nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles [non-Jews] until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
25 There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And on the earth, distress among nations in confusion over the roaring of the sea and the waves.
26 People will faint from fear and anxiety about what is coming upon the world, because the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28 But when these things begin to take place, stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is near."
29 Then He told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees.
30 As soon as they put out leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near.
31 In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near.
32 Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things take place.
33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.
34 Be on your guard, so that your hearts are not weighed down with indulgence, drunkenness, and the worries of life, and that day suddenly comes upon you
35 like a trap. For it will come on everyone who lives on the face of the whole earth.
36 But stay alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."
37 During the day He was teaching in the temple, but at night He would go out and stay on the mountain called the Mount of Olives.
38 And all the people would get up early in the morning to come to Him in the temple and listen to Him.