Luke 21:9

But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.

Luke 21:9 (KJV)

Context

Jesus spoke these words on the Mount of Olives, in what is often called the Olivet Discourse. His disciples had asked about the destruction of the temple and the signs of His coming and the end of the age (Luke 21:5-7). In reply, He described events that would unfold before the end, beginning with wars and commotions.

Meaning

The word “commotions” translates a Greek term that suggests instability and disorder, including tumults and uprisings. Jesus first acknowledges that the world will experience wars and other upheavals. This observation reminds us that the state of the world will not always be peaceful; conflict and disorder are part of human history.

Jesus then gives a clear command: “Be not terrified.” He reassures believers that fear should not dominate the heart when such events occur. Rather than being overwhelmed, we are to understand that these turbulent occurrences are among the prophetic signs that signal the unfolding of God’s plan. He gives two reasons for calm. First, “these things must first come to pass”—they are decreed by God and foretold by Christ, and are necessary events in the divine plan. Second, “the end is not by and by”—the end will not follow immediately. Other events and signs will still precede the ultimate culmination of history.

Biblical connections

The immediate historical context likely includes the Roman wars against the Jews and the internal seditions among the Jewish people, which would lead to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. Jesus’ words also apply to the broader period leading up to His second coming.

Application

From this passage several lessons emerge. First, an expectation of turmoil: Jesus prepares His followers, and by extension all believers, for a world that will experience unrest. We should not be surprised or caught off guard, but remain spiritually prepared and grounded in faith. Second, trust in God’s sovereignty: even amid chaos, the instruction to “be not terrified” reminds us to place our confidence in God’s ultimate control over the course of history. Third, patience and discernment are required; the signs are indicators that the end is approaching, not an immediate trigger for panic. Believers must exercise careful discernment, avoiding hasty conclusions, and align themselves with God’s purposes. Finally, hope and focus on the ultimate outcome: while wars may dominate the headlines, the larger picture is the return of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. This verse encourages us to maintain hope, fix our eyes on the glorious future promised by God, and live with a steady, faithful expectation of His coming.

Reflection

Luke 21:9 calls us to be prepared for turmoil, to trust in God’s sovereign plan, to practice patience and discernment, and to keep our hope fixed on the ultimate fulfillment of God’s redemptive purpose—the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.