Let the Reader Understand

Jesus, the Fall of the Temple, and How to Stay Steady in a Shaking World

We try not to get too into the weeds in these reflections, but would you allow two paragraphs about some of the intricacies going on here in Mark 13?

Scholars generally understand much of Jesus’ warning in this passage to be referencing real and imminent historical events — especially the destruction of the Jerusalem temple by the Romans in 70 CE. The vivid language about suffering, false messiahs, and cosmic upheaval reflects both apocalyptic symbolism common in Jewish literature and the very real turmoil of first-century Judea. While some believe Jesus is speaking entirely about the distant end of history, many scholars argue that he’s addressing both near and far horizons: the fall of Jerusalem as an historical crisis, and perhaps also pointing beyond it to ultimate hope and future fulfillment in God's reign.

One clue that this isn’t just ordinary teaching is the parenthetical phrase in verse 14: Let the reader understand… Most believe this is not Jesus’ voice, but an editorial aside from the author of Mark — a kind of nudge to pay close attention. It signals that the “desolating sacrilege” Jesus refers to (a phrase from the book of Daniel) is code for something deeply significant, likely a Roman desecration of the temple, but the exact meaning may have been deliberately veiled for safety or for insiders only. It’s apocalyptic shorthand, inviting discernment: this isn’t just about buildings and timelines — it’s about the deep upheaval of the world and how to stay faithful when everything seems to be collapsing.

So what do we do with this today?

We live in a world that is, in many ways, always shaking — politically, spiritually, environmentally, socially. Jesus' words speak to people who are tempted to anchor their hope in what looks stable: temples, systems, institutions (even religious ones). But when those things crack or fall, Jesus doesn't call us to panic. He calls us to discernment, to endurance, and to trust that the story isn't over.

This passage doesn’t offer a neat timeline or some kind of predictive code for Christians to figure out and point to as proof of Christ’s divinity or something. Rather, it offers a posture: Stay alert. Don’t be deceived. Don’t give in to fear.

Instead, hold fast to Christ — to his way, his teaching, his promises. Even in the midst of upheaval, his words remain trustworthy. And even if the sun darkens and the stars fall, the Son of Man is still coming with power and glory.

That’s the hope that keeps us steady.

Mark 13:14-27

“When you see the disgusting and destructive thing standing where it shouldn’t be (the reader should understand this), then those in Judea must escape to the mountains. Those on the roof shouldn’t come down or enter their houses to grab anything. Those in the field shouldn’t come back to grab their clothes. How terrible it will be at that time for women who are pregnant and for women who are nursing their children. Pray that it doesn’t happen in winter. In those days there will be great suffering such as the world has never before seen and will never again see. If the Lord hadn’t shortened that time, no one would be rescued. But for the sake of the chosen ones, the ones whom God chose, he has cut short the time.

“Then if someone says to you, ‘Look, here’s the Christ,’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t believe it. False christs and false prophets will appear, and they will offer signs and wonders in order to deceive, if possible, those whom God has chosen. But you, watch out! I’ve told you everything ahead of time.

“In those days, after the suffering of that time, the sun will become dark, and the moon won’t give its light. The stars will fall from the sky, and the planets and other heavenly bodies will be shaken. Then they will see the Human One coming in the clouds with great power and splendor. Then he will send the angels and gather together his chosen people from the four corners of the earth, from the end of the earth to the end of heaven.

Psalm 31:1-3

I take refuge in you, Lord. Please never let me be put to shame. Rescue me by your righteousness! Listen closely to me! Deliver me quickly; be a rock that protects me; be a strong fortress that saves me! You are definitely my rock and my fortress. Guide me and lead me for the sake of your good name!

Prayer

God,

Help me with a healthy and righteous understanding of what has been, what is, and what is to come. I’ve got a lot of scholar in me — I want to question anything that doesn’t look or sound reasonable. And yet I’ve lived long enough to know the world holds plenty of irrationality.

So help me, God: Keep me sharp and keep me loving. Help me to live in the righteous mixture of alertness and yet compassion. Don’t let me speed up so much that I become an anxious mess. And do not let me meander along like a bumbling fool.

Keep me steady like Jesus.

By your Spirit & in Christ,
Amen.