Luke 21:1  “…saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury”
Do we give offerings or tips?  It all comes down to the attitude of the heart.  Do we believe what we have is God’s or ours?  Do we want to be good stewards with the resources He provides?  Some debate over whether tithing is still required.  Personally, I think it is an excellent practice regardless.  It keeps our minds on track with the fact that God owns everything, even what He allows us to utilize.  Anything above the tithe would be considered an offering.  Tithe or offering, both should be given from a willing and thankful heart.

6  “…the days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another…”
He was speaking specifically of the invasion by the Romans in 70 AD.  But I think we can also see a reminder that all things on this earth are temporal.  There’s nothing wrong with appreciating the beauty of things here as long as we remember they won’t last forever.  And we should put our importance on the things that will.

7  “…when will these things be…”
Initial question was regarding what Jesus had just told them about Jerusalem’s destruction.  Other gospels include they also asked about the end of the age.  Perhaps they thought the destruction of Jerusalem would herald the end of the age.  Jesus’s reply includes much parallelism, things that would happen soon would be similarly repeated one day.

9  “…when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified…”
Perhaps I don’t comprehend the issue as I’ve never lived near a war zone.  But I don’t get the fear of war.  The only thing I see is the fear of death which can happen anytime, anywhere.  At any rate, Jesus tells us, if that sort of thing does frighten us, to not be afraid.  Nothing is going to happen He doesn’t know about beforehand.

11  “…great earthquakes in various places…”
I’ve noticed it seems like more earthquakes are happening in places which never had earthquakes before.  Not sure that was the specific meaning here, but it is occurring.

11  “…fearful sights and great signs from heaven”
Not sure here.  May not occur until closer to His final return or sometime in the Tribulation period.

14  “…settle it in your hearts…”
Decide now you’re not going to worry about what you will say.  He told them that about a time when they’d be brought before rulers, but I think you can apply it to other times.  Even regular witnessing.  We don’t witness sometimes because we think we won’t know what to say.  He says decide now that you won’t worry about it.  Just start and He’ll provide the words when they’re needed.

15  “…I will give you a mouth and wisdom…”
Similar to what He told Moses He would do for him.  How can you miss with that?

18  “…not a hair of your head shall be lost”
Commentaries suggest this is relative to the local incidents with the Romans.  It was said that no Christians lost their lives when Jerusalem was destroyed.  Certainly there have been many Christian martyrs through the years, so this wasn’t a promise of perpetual protection.  It may also have some parallel during the Tribulation although we know that many believers will be killed in that time.  Interesting note.

I hope you enjoy reading and studying His word.  May it accomplish what He desires.  Please feel free to comment or post questions.  Thanks for reading!

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.