Who is Jesus addressing when He talks about looking up because redemption is near?
He is addressing the Jews, specifically the nation of Israel, not the world. The passage concerns those still living on the earth when the Son of Man returns in power and great glory, and they are told to look up because their redemption draws near.
Les explains that this passage comes at the end of the tribulation, after signs in the sun, moon, stars, and distress of nations. Those still living on the planet will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. At that point, when these things begin to come to pass, they are told to look up and lift up their heads because their redemption draws nigh. Les emphasizes that Jesus is not addressing the world here; He is addressing Jews, the nation of Israel in particular. He connects this with the fig tree and the kingdom of God being nigh at hand, as the Son of Man comes to Jerusalem, to the Mount of Olives.