Walking the Edge
Welcome back—your presence is a blessing to me. Today, we read Luke chapters 21 and 22.
Before I became a Christian, I saw religion as a long list of dos and don’ts. I was never a fan of following rules. Most of the time, I preferred to walk the line between right and wrong. I avoided unacceptable behavior and getting punished, but I was curious about the limits and wanted to explore what was “over there.”
Too often, I got too close. That’s how we slip—and when we slip, we fall. If you’re walking on solid ground and trip, you stumble. At most, you scrape a knee or twist an ankle. But when you’re on the edge and you slip, the injuries—physical, spiritual, or metaphorical—are more severe.
Being a Christian is not a religion. It’s a relationship with the living Savior. Unlike religion, it’s not about what we do—it’s about recognizing what He has done. Still, as I read these chapters, I see a list of don’ts worth noting.
Don’t Chase Signs (Luke 21:7–8)
The disciples, even while standing in the presence of Jesus, were concerned about status and signs of the end times. It’s easy to fall into that trap. There are libraries full of books on eschatology. It’s something to expect—and for those not saved, to dread. Even for Christians, we fear for loved ones who may suffer during that time.
But the disciples were missing the time they had with Jesus. We must keep our eyes on the finish line—eternity with our Savior—and not obsess over the hurdles we may need to clear to get there.
Don’t Wait for Warnings (Luke 21:11)
The problem with focusing on signs and warnings is that we fool ourselves into thinking we have time to prepare. We say, “When this or that happens, then I’ll get right with God.” Then we hear about a friend who died in an accident. The clock ran out without warning.
One day, each of us will die. “It is appointed for men to die once, and after that comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). In that moment, we will no longer have to worry about Jesus coming in the clouds—our time to repent is over.
Don’t Trust Your Own Defense (Luke 21:13–15)
You will stand before the King and give an answer. If you’re not saved, you’ll have to justify your multitude of sins—and you won’t be able to. But if you are in Christ, you’ll still testify to how you used the salvation you had. Did you keep it a secret? Was it just between you and Jesus? Were you ignoring His command to tell others?
Jesus says, “Make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves” (Luke 21:14). He will give you the words and wisdom you need (Luke 21:15).
Don’t Follow at a Distance (Luke 22:54, 61)
Peter was close enough that Jesus could look straight at him, but it says he was “following at a distance” (Luke 22:54). There are times I’ve let myself drift farther from Him than I want to be. We monitor that space and draw near to Him every time we can.
When Peter denied Jesus, “the Lord turned and looked straight at Peter” (Luke 22:61). That look broke him—but it also began his restoration (1).
Don’t Sleep (Luke 22:45–46)
In the garden, Jesus told the disciples to stay alert and pray. But they slept. Be prepared and waiting when the end comes, whether it’s yours or a friend’s. Not obsessing, but ready.
Don’t Lash Out (Luke 22:36, 51)
Jesus tells the disciples to carry a bag and buy a sword (Luke 22:36). This isn’t a call to violence—it’s a call to spiritual readiness. We’re in a time of persecution. It’s been ongoing for two thousand years, and it will get worse. Now is not the time to disarm, but to reload. Make sure you’re wearing the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:11).
When Peter struck the servant, Jesus said, “No more of this!” and healed the man’s ear (Luke 22:51). Even in betrayal, Jesus chose restoration.
Don’t Deny Him (Luke 22:57–60)
The world’s persecution tempts us to live undercover. It’s safer to be a silent believer. But that’s not what Jesus commanded. We must magnify Him in all we do.
Don’t Mock (Luke 22:63–65)
We mock Jesus when we say He is Lord but keep control over our actions. Doing things our way denies His lordship. We must submit, as He did, to the Father’s will (Luke 22:42).
Don’t Miss the Moment (Luke 21:36)
We will all stand before Him. The Holy Spirit will give us the words to say (Luke 21:15). Jesus is our defense. You only have one day you can control—and that’s today. Don’t be foolish enough to miss the chance to call Him your Savior.
Tomorrow, we will read Luke 23-24.
Footnotes
- Charles Spurgeon, The Look That Broke Peter’s Heart, sermon #2324, Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit.