What does Luke 21:38 mean?

Explanation

Luke 21:38 speaks of a time during Jesus' ministry when He taught in the temple early in the morning.

This verse occurs at the end of a chapter where Jesus has been discussing serious matters such as the coming destruction of the temple, the signs of the end times, and the need for vigilance and prayer among his followers.

The phrase "And all the people" indicates that Jesus drew a large following, people who were eager to hear His teachings. The temple, being the center of Jewish religious life, provided a significant stage for His teachings and attracted a diverse audience.

The verse highlights both the people's dedication to rise early and their earnestness to receive wisdom and guidance from Jesus.

Historical Context

At the time of this writing, the temple in Jerusalem was the focal point of Jewish worship and community life, where people would gather for prayer, sacrifice, and instruction.

Luke's Gospel, considered to be written around 80-110 AD, depicts events that occurred roughly between 4 BC and 30 AD.

During this period, rabbis and teachers commonly used the temple courts to share interpretations of Scripture and teachings with those who would gather to learn.

The detail of the people coming early in the morning suggests that hearing Jesus was a priority for them, superseding even their daily routines or work obligations.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse underscores the authority and wisdom of Jesus.

By coming to the temple to hear Him, the people indicated their recognition of Him as a respected teacher.

In the Christian context, their eagerness also hints at a deeper hunger for spiritual truth and salvation, which Jesus offered.

The significance of the temple setting can be linked to Jesus' role in fulfilling and transcending the Jewish Law, foreshadowing a new covenant between God and humanity through His own sacrificial death and resurrection.

Practical Applications

Practically, Luke 21:38 invites modern readers to reflect on their priorities and the effort they invest to seek wisdom and spiritual growth.

It suggests that discipleship requires dedication, such as rising early or taking time from one's regular schedule, to engage with God's word.

This can be applicable in current times by encouraging individuals to attend church services, partake in Bible study, and allocate time for prayer and reflection, as a way of aligning their daily lives with their spiritual commitments.

Cross-References

• Mark 1:35 - "And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed."
• John 8:2 - "And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them."
• Acts 5:21 - "And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught."

Language Study

The original Greek word used for "people" is "laos," which often refers to a large group or a nation and indicates the wide influence Jesus had.

The word for "early in the morning" comes from "orthrou," which signifies daybreak or dawn, the first part of the day, and implies an intentional effort made by the people to seek Jesus' teachings at the start of their day.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, the morning was considered a sacred time for rituals and spiritual activities.

For instance, in Vedic traditions, the early morning hours are deemed auspicious for spiritual practices.

Similarly, early morning temple attendance reflects the Jewish practice of Shacharit, the morning prayer service.

Christian traditions also inherited this practice as seen in monastic morning prayers or matins.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, the early morning is associated with increased cognitive function and tranquility, which might have enhanced the experience of learning and engaging in spiritual practices.

Modern studies in chronobiology would support the idea that the quiet and fewer distractions of the early morning create an environment conducive to attention and reflection, which may have contributed to the people's eagerness and effectiveness of their learning from Jesus.

Commentaries

Commentaries emphasize the commitment of the individuals seeking Jesus' teaching and often contrast the eagerness of the common people with the skepticism of religious leaders of the time.

Matthew Henry's Commentary, for example, reflects on the people's keenness to learn from Jesus as a rebuke to the sloth and indifference often found in others.

Additionally, some commentators point out the teaching role of Jesus as central to His ministry and the temple as a symbol of His fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.