Luke 17.22-37 is not the discourse on the , but it shares several elements with it. Jesus the Messiah seems to have addressed the theme of the coming of the Son of Man at different times, in distinct contexts.
Two distinct eschatological discourses
The discourse on the
Recorded in Matthew 24.3-51, Mark 13.1-26, and Luke 21.5-38
Delivered after leaving the Temple, on the , in answer to a question from the disciples about the destruction of the Temple and the end of time
Apocalyptic tone, with cosmic signs, persecutions, and calls to watchfulness
This discourse was delivered just before Wednesday, 12 Nisan 3793, that is, Wednesday, March 30, AD 33 in our Gregorian calendar, according to the information given in Mark 14.1.
Luke 17.22-37
Delivered on the way to Jerusalem, in a pastoral and itinerant setting
Addressed to the disciples, right after a discussion with the about the Kingdom of God
A more meditative tone, but with similar eschatological images: lightning, the days of Noah and Lot, the final separation
We note that Luke records both discourses: Luke 17.22-37 and Luke 21.5-38, which seems to establish clearly that two different events are in view.
According to Luke’s sequence, this discourse would be placed a few days before the of December 15, AD 32, that is, about six months before the discourse on the .
In the eschatological discourses of Luke 17.22-37 and of Matthew 24.3-51 or Mark 13.1-26, several key elements recur, although the contexts differ:
The false messiahs: In Luke 17.23, Jesus the Messiah warns his disciples not to be deceived by those who will say, “He is here!” or “He is there!” This theme is also present in Matthew 24.23-26 and Mark 13.21-23, where Jesus the Messiah warns against false Christs and false prophets who will even perform signs in order to deceive.
The sudden coming of the Son of Man: Luke 17.24 compares this coming to lightning flashing across the sky, an image taken up in Matthew 24.27 and Mark 13.26 to stress the suddenness and universal visibility of this event.
The reference to the days of Noah and Lot: Luke 17.26-29 recalls the days of Noah and Lot to illustrate the daily life that precedes the sudden judgment. Matthew 24.37-39 takes up the example of Noah, but does not mention Lot, to stress people’s heedlessness before the flood.
The image of the vultures: Luke 17.37 concludes with an enigmatic image: “Where the body is, there the vultures will gather,” also found in Matthew 24.28. This image probably symbolizes judgment or inescapable revelation.
These parallels show that Jesus taught these truths on several occasions, in varied contexts, insisting on watchfulness, discernment and spiritual readiness in view of the coming of the Son of Man.
Conclusion
Luke 17.22-37 is not an abridged version of the discourse on the , but an early taking up of certain eschatological themes. Jesus the Messiah seems to have taught these truths on several occasions, in different contexts, with nuances suited to his hearers.
This shows that the teaching on the coming of the Son of Man was central and recurrent in his preaching.