Didn't See That Coming

Jesus warns of difficult times.

It starts off so casually when one of the disciples, walking beside Jesus, looks up at the Jerusalem temple and says what any of us might say as if we were passing the Empire State Building or the Washington Monument: Wow! What an awesome building!

It’s not a bad observation. The temple was stunning — a symbol of Jewish identity, devotion, history, and hope. For many, it was where heaven and earth met. Even today, the idea of the Temple in Jerusalem holds significant sway.

But Jesus doesn’t offer affirmation or join in the admiration. He offers a warning: Not one stone will be left upon another. All will be thrown down.

Some really hard teachings follow. Jesus starts talking about destruction, false messiahs, persecution, betrayal by those closest to us, and the need for endurance.

In the Kingdom of God, impressive buildings mean nothing. Neither do titles, institutions, platforms, or status symbols — not when they’re hollowed out from within. God isn’t dazzled by architecture (remember Babel). God is looking for endurance, truth, and faithfulness to Christ and his mission. The grandeur of the Kingdom is found in the action of loving justice.

We may not point to temples today, but we’re just as prone to marvel at the wrong things. Our culture trains us to admire success, size, and spectacle — whether it be buildings, music, or organizational structure, even in religious settings. But Jesus keeps calling us back to a different center.

When the systems around us start to shake, when false hopes crumble, when what’s temporary falls apart — what remains?

Jesus reminds us: it’s not fear, not appearances, but a long obedience in the same direction. Stones may endure time (for a while, at least), but true endurance in his Kingdom is found in faithfulness and fidelity to righteousness.

Mark 13:1-13

As Jesus left the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Teacher, look! What awesome stones and buildings!”

Jesus responded, “Do you see these enormous buildings? Not even one stone will be left upon another. All will be demolished.”

Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives across from the temple. Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will these things happen? What sign will show that all these things are about to come to an end?”

Jesus said, “Watch out that no one deceives you. Many people will come in my name, saying, ‘I’m the one!’ They will deceive many people. When you hear of wars and reports of wars, don’t be alarmed. These things must happen, but this isn’t the end yet. Nations and kingdoms will fight against each other, and there will be earthquakes and famines in all sorts of places. These things are just the beginning of the sufferings associated with the end.

“Watch out for yourselves. People will hand you over to the councils. You will be beaten in the synagogues. You will stand before governors and kings because of me so that you can testify before them. First, the good news must be proclaimed to all the nations. When they haul you in and hand you over, don’t worry ahead of time about what to answer or say. Instead, say whatever is given to you at that moment, for you aren’t doing the speaking but the Holy Spirit is. Brothers and sisters will hand each other over to death. A father will turn in his children. Children will rise up against their parents and have them executed. Everyone will hate you because of my name. But whoever stands firm until the end will be saved.

Psalm 46:1-2a

God is our refuge and strength, a help always near in times of great trouble.
That’s why we won’t be afraid when the world falls apart.

Prayer

God,

Thank you for the beauty of a new day. For light and love and all that’s good for me. Help me to see it, to accept it, and to share it.

Give me grace for myself and others. Lead me in the way of Christ that is firm and yet mobile, and steadfastly loving.

By your Spirit & in Christ,
Amen.