Luke 21:38

Commentary on Luke 21:38 (KJV)

Luke 21:38 reads, "And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him." This verse offers a poignant snapshot of the public's devotion and Jesus' unwavering commitment during the final days of His earthly ministry.

Context

This verse concludes a section of Luke's Gospel (Chapter 21) that details Jesus' teachings in Jerusalem during the week leading up to His crucifixion. Specifically, it follows the Olivet Discourse, where Jesus prophesied the destruction of the temple and spoke about the signs of His coming and the end of the age. Luke 21:37 describes Jesus' daily routine: teaching in the temple during the day and spending nights on the Mount of Olives. Verse 38 highlights the people's consistent response to His presence and teaching, showing their eagerness to engage with His message despite the growing tension with religious authorities.

Key Themes

• Eagerness to Hear Jesus: The phrase "all the people came early in the morning... for to hear him" underscores a profound hunger for spiritual truth. It reflects the immense popularity of Jesus among the common folk, who prioritized listening to His teachings above other daily activities.
• Jesus' Dedication to Teaching: Despite the impending suffering and the opposition He faced, Jesus remained steadfast in His mission to proclaim God's word in a public and accessible manner. His daily presence in the temple demonstrates His commitment to His calling until the very end.
• The Temple as a Place of Instruction: While often a place of rituals and sacrifices, the temple courts also served as a significant venue for teaching and theological discussion. Jesus utilized this central location to reach a broad audience with His transformative message.
• Prioritizing God's Word: The people's willingness to rise "early in the morning" to hear Jesus serves as a powerful example of prioritizing spiritual nourishment. It emphasizes the importance of making time and effort to engage with divine wisdom.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "early in the morning" translates the Greek word orthros (ὄρθρος), which specifically refers to dawn or very early morning. This detail is not merely a time stamp but emphasizes the extraordinary zeal and devotion of the crowds. They weren't casually stopping by; they were making a concerted effort to be present from the earliest possible moment. The verb "to hear" (akouein, ἀκούειν) implies not just perceiving sound, but listening attentively with the intent to understand and receive.

Practical Application

Luke 21:38 challenges believers today to cultivate a similar eagerness for God's word. Do we prioritize spiritual learning and seeking God's voice in our daily lives? The example of these crowds reminds us that true spiritual growth often requires intentional effort and a willingness to make sacrifices, even of comfort or sleep, to eagerly receive God's word. It also highlights the enduring value of consistent, daily engagement with scripture and prayer, mirroring Jesus' own practice of seeking solitude for prayer, often "rising up a great while before day" to pray.