Gospel Note
This passage is a portion of Luke's version of the "Synoptic Apocalypse," and is thus based heavily on Mark 13. But Luke's omissions (v. 27) and his rendering of the fig-tree parable so as to point to the God's coming reign (v. 28) suggest that he has less interest than his source in the details of the "Son of man" motif; but his own peculiar ending (vv. 34-36) shows that he is no less sure that the end will come suddenly ("like a snare"), and no less concerned to counsel watchfulness and prayer until "that day" comes upo…