5 As some of the disciples were remarking how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and consecrated gifts, Jesus said, 6 “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”

7 “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”

8 Jesus answered, “See to it that you are not deceived. For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. 9 When you hear of wars and rebellions, do not be alarmed. These things must happen first, but the end is not imminent.”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Merry Chau

It was when the disciples were admiring the temple (v5) that Jesus reminded them that this worldly monument would be destroyed. This prophecy was fulfilled in AD 70. The disciples were asking Jesus about the physical temple. But by warning them that it would not last, I think Jesus was pointing them to the eternal temple – to the kingdom of God that can never be destroyed. Jesus looks beyond the destruction of the physical temple in AD 70 and directs their attention to “the end”, when he will return. He was reminding them to be kingdom focused, not focused on things in this world.

When the disciples ask Jesus about the sign that temple would be destroyed (v7), they were probably hoping for a straight answer, but Jesus doesn’t give them one – because he was more interested in preparing them for the end of this world, not the end of the temple. So he doesn’t say something like, “When the sun turns red, the temple will be destroyed.” Instead, Jesus gives them 2 commands to follow as we wait for his return, especially when people claim that they are Jesus or when they try to shock us with end-time claims. The two commands are: “Do not follow them” (v8), and “do not be alarmed” (v9). With these, Jesus teaches his disciples (and us) what to do while we wait for his return. He teaches us how we should live.

When speaking to children, they say it’s most helpful to tell them what to do, instead of what not to do. For example, instead of saying “Don’t run”, say “Walk please.” I found it helpful to do the same with Jesus’ commands. “Do not follow them” means: “Remain faithful to Jesus”; and “Do not be alarmed” means “Be vigilant.” Jesus emphasises always being ready and on guard so that we’re not led astray by false teachers and we don’t get focused on worldly things.

Let’s pray that God helps us to be kingdom focussed, to remain faithful and to be vigilant as we wait for the return of Christ.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Merry is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.