What does Jesus mean by "the days will come" in Luke 17:22? Primary Text (Luke 17:22) “Then He said to the disciples, ‘The days will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it.’ ” Immediate Literary Context Luke 17:20–37 unpacks two subjects woven together: (1) the present, hidden reality of the kingdom (“The kingdom of God is in your midst,” v. 21), and (2) the public, climactic revelation of the Son of Man (“as the lightning flashing,” v. 24). Verse 22 serves as the hinge between these emphases by forecasting a transitional era of longing. Historical Backdrop: First-Century Messianic Expectation Second-Temple Judaism eagerly anticipated a political‐military Messiah to overthrow Rome (cf. Ps. Sol. 17–18). Jesus pivots from that expectation toward a two-stage advent: humiliation first, glory later. The forecast of “days” warns His disciples that national liberation will not occur immediately after His earthly ministry. Parallel Passages • Luke 5:35: “The days will come when the Bridegroom will be taken from them.” • John 13:33; 16:16–22: Jesus announces a little-while absence that will provoke sorrow. • Acts 1:9–11: The Ascension initiates the very period He foretold. Together these texts show that “the days” begin with Jesus’ departure and extend until His bodily return. Already–Not-Yet Eschatological Frame 1. Already: Inception of the kingdom at Christ’s First Advent (Luke 17:21; Colossians 1:13). 2. Not Yet: Consummation of the kingdom at His visible Second Advent (Luke 17:24; Revelation 11:15). “The days will come” points to the tension between these two poles—disciples live in inaugurated but not consummated reality. The Disciples’ Longing The verb ἐπιθυμήσετε (“you will long”) conveys intense desire. The emotion predicted is not merely nostalgia but a yearning for the personal presence, justice, and full reign of Christ in a world that opposes them (cf. 2 Timothy 4:8). Persecution in Acts and early church history verifies Jesus’ foresight. Absence of the Son of Man While Jesus’ spiritual presence remains (Matthew 28:20), His physical absence introduces: • Apparent delay (2 Peter 3:4–9) • False predictions (“Look, there He is!” Luke 17:23) • Suffering (John 15:18–20) These realities define “the days” until He returns. Contrast With Days of Noah and Lot (vv. 26–30) By citing Noah and Lot, Jesus teaches that ordinary life will proceed unaware until sudden judgment. Thus the coming of “one of the days of the Son of Man” will be unmistakable, global, and inescapable—refuting all claims of a secret, localized return. The Day of the Lord in Prophetic Continuity Old Testament “Day of the LORD” motifs (Isaiah 13; Joel 2; Zephaniah 1) foresee divine visitation for both salvation and judgment. Luke’s “days of the Son of Man” inherit and personalize that prophetic framework, identifying Jesus as Yahweh in action. Pastoral and Discipleship Implications • Watchfulness: Believers must discern true from false messianic claims (Luke 17:23). • Perseverance: Suffering is temporary; glory is certain (Romans 8:18). • Missional Focus: The delay grants opportunity to proclaim repentance (2 Peter 3:15). • Hope: Longing is satisfied in the promised return (Titus 2:13). Archaeological and Historical Corroboration Excavations at first-century Galilean synagogues (e.g., Magdala) confirm a vibrant messianic milieu. Early Christian inscriptions—such as the late-first-century “Maranatha” prayer (Didache 10.6; 1 Corinthians 16:22)—echo the very longing Jesus predicts. Consummation and Fulfillment One definitive “day” (singular) of the Son of Man will terminate the interim “days” (plural). Revelation 19:11–16 depicts this climax. Till then, believers inhabit Luke 17:22 territory—yearning, enduring, testifying. Summary Definition “The days will come” in Luke 17:22 designates the extended epoch between Christ’s Ascension and Second Coming, characterized by His physical absence, His kingdom’s hidden operation, disciples’ longing, pervasive deception, and escalating persecution, until the climactic, public revelation of the Son of Man brings final judgment and redemption. |
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