Book of Luke - Chapter 21 - Verse 28

When Jesus spoke these words, He was referring to the signs of the end times and the approaching return of the Son of Man. The phrase "these things" is a reference to the events that He had just described, including wars, earthquakes, and famines. When believers see these things happening, they are urged to "look up" and "lift up" their heads, as a sign of anticipation and readiness for the redemption that is drawing near.

By encouraging His followers to "look up" and "lift up their heads," Jesus is reminding them to remain hopeful and focused on the promise of redemption and salvation that is coming. This verse serves as a reminder to believers to stay vigilant and not be discouraged by the trials and tribulations that may come their way. Instead, they are to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus and be prepared for His return, which will bring ultimate redemption and fulfillment of God's plan.

In essence, this verse offers hope and encouragement to believers, reminding them that no matter what difficulties they may face, the ultimate victory has already been won through Christ's redemption. It serves as a call to remain faithful and steadfast in the face of adversity, knowing that their redemption is drawing near and that God's kingdom will ultimately triumph over all evil.

When examining the theological interpretation of Luke 21:28, scholars often focus on the concept of redemption and eschatology. The phrase "your redemption draweth nigh" points to the belief in the imminent return of Christ and the ultimate salvation of believers. This verse is seen as a reminder to believers to remain vigilant and faithful as they await the fulfillment of God's promises. Additionally, the instruction to "look up, and lift up your heads" can be understood as a call to maintain hope and trust in God's plan, even in the midst of trials and tribulations. Some word studies have been done on the Greek word for "redemption" used in this verse, which is "apolutrōsis." This word carries the connotation of a deliverance or release through the payment of a ransom. This further emphasizes the idea of Christ's sacrifice as the means by which believers are redeemed and set free from sin. Overall, Luke 21:28 serves as a powerful reminder of the hope and joy that believers can find in the anticipation of Christ's return and the redemption that will come with it.