Luke's knowledge of Jewish tradition and sensitivity to Jewish expectations adds layers of meaning to this week's Gospel text. In his commentary on Luke's gospel, William Barclay reminds us that there are actually four different end-of-time scenarios adding resonance to Jesus' intimidating statements - that is, four separate eschatological dramas crowded onto one stage (The Gospel of Luke [Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1975], 257-58). The result is a message that fulfills the hopes and fears of both Jewish and Gentile listeners - either through its surface meaning or its underlying themes.

The first is the Jewish concept of "the Day of the Lord." This is the time sandwiched between the present sinful age and the heavenly age to come. The Day of the Lord will be a "Day" of terror and pan…