Q: Why are men7s hearts failing them for fear in this passage?

People7s hearts fail them for fear because they see these fearful signs and know something terrible is coming on the earth. They sense that these events are not random, but that they point to God7s judgment and the end of things as they know them. The fear is not just of the events themselves, but of what they mean. For those who have not trusted Christ, the thought of facing Him as Judge is terrifying. The passage contrasts this fear with the calm hope of believers.

Question 1

What are the signs in the sun, moon, and stars that Jesus talks about?

Accepted Answer

Jesus says there will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars, and that the powers of heaven will be shaken. This can point to real changes in the sky, like darkening or strange events, but it can also picture the shaking of all that seems stable and high. In any case, the language shows that what is coming is not small or local. God is shaking the whole created order to show that His judgment is real and that His Son is about to be revealed.

Question 2

Why is there distress of nations and the sea and waves roaring?

Accepted Answer

The passage speaks of distress among nations, with people confused and overwhelmed, and it mentions the sea and waves roaring. This paints a picture of deep unrest, both on land and sea. Nations are troubled and do not know what to do. The roaring sea can point to fierce storms or to the world in turmoil. All of this shows that ordinary life is being overturned. God is allowing such shaking to warn people and to prepare for the coming of His Son in glory.

Question 3

Why are men7s hearts failing them for fear in this passage?

Accepted Answer

People7s hearts fail them for fear because they see these fearful signs and know something terrible is coming on the earth. They sense that these events are not random, but that they point to God7s judgment and the end of things as they know them. The fear is not just of the events themselves, but of what they mean. For those who have not trusted Christ, the thought of facing Him as Judge is terrifying. The passage contrasts this fear with the calm hope of believers.

Question 4

What does it mean that they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud?

Accepted Answer

When Jesus says they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory, He is speaking of His public return. A cloud often shows God7s presence and majesty. Here it means that Jesus will not come in weakness, as when He first came, but in clear power and honor. Everyone will know who He is. This coming brings judgment on those who have rejected Him, but it also brings final rescue and joy to those who belong to Him and have been waiting for Him.

Question 5

What does 2your redemption draweth nigh2 mean here?

Accepted Answer

Redemption here speaks of rescue and full freedom. For believers, Jesus7 death has already paid the price for sin, but the full result of that work is not yet seen. When Jesus says, 2your redemption draws near,2 He is talking about the moment when that salvation is seen and enjoyed completely. Bodies and souls will be set free from all suffering and sin. For some early hearers, this also meant deliverance from intense persecution. In any case, it is a word of hope, not of terror, for those who trust Him.

Question 6

Why does Jesus tell His followers to look up and lift up their heads?

Accepted Answer

Jesus tells His followers to look up and lift up their heads when these things begin to happen to show that their response should be different from the world7s. While others are fainting from fear, His people are to stand with hope. Looking up and lifting the head is a picture of confidence and expectation. It means they should remember His promise, not give in to panic, and see these signs as proof that God has not forgotten them and that their final salvation is close.

Question 7

How does this passage comfort believers who fear the end times?

Accepted Answer

This passage can trouble people at first because of the strong images of shaking and fear. Yet Jesus speaks these words to comfort His own. He makes clear that the same events that terrify the world are a signal of rescue for those who belong to Him. Instead of telling them to hide, He tells them to lift up their heads. This shows that His coming is not meant to crush His people, but to complete their salvation. Remembering this helps believers face the future with steady hope.

Question 8

What was happening when Jesus spoke about these signs and redemption?

Accepted Answer

Jesus spoke these words during His last days in Jerusalem, as He taught in the temple. He had just warned about the coming fall of the city and the hard days ahead. From there He widened the view to larger signs in creation and to His own return. So the disciples heard this both as a warning about near judgment on Jerusalem and as a promise about the final day when He would come in glory. For them, it explained that history is moving toward God7s set goal.

Question 9

Why does this passage seem difficult to understand for some readers?

Accepted Answer

This passage can feel hard to understand because it speaks about both near events and distant ones in the same breath, and it uses strong picture language. Some readers see these signs mainly as pictures of the fall of the old Jewish order, while others connect them more directly with the final return of Christ. Faithful readers have seen this in more than one way. What is clear, though, is that Jesus is warning of real judgment and at the same time giving real comfort to those who trust Him.

Luke 21:25

And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;

The Return of the Son of Man

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Luke 21:25

And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;

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The Return of the Son of Man

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