Mark 13:1-13 (NIV)

Today’s passage is one of those passages whose interpretation has been argued over for a long time. The two dominant views take this passage to be referring to the end times on one hand, and the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem on the other. We tend towards the view that Jesus is referring to the destruction of the temple that ended up taking place about 40 years after he spoke these words.

Our reasoning for this is based on four things: 1. the continuity of the context of Jesus’ challenge of the temple system throughout chapter 12; 2. the common use of apocalyptic language to describe something as unimaginable to the Jewish mind as the temple being destroyed; 3. Jesus saying within the passage that these things will happen, but the end is still to come (meaning in the future); and 4. that the temple was indeed destroyed within some of the disciples’ lifetime.

We might be wrong, but either way, the point in this passage is the resilient hope that Jesus is calling his disciples to in the face of their world being turned upside down.

----------REFLECT----------

1. What image stood out to you the most in this passage?

2. Have you ever experienced something in your life, that was at the center of your life, being destroyed? What was or is that experience like for you?

3. Jesus tells the disciples that they will face harsh persecution, and calls them to trust the Holy Spirit. How has your faith cost you? In what ways do you need help from the Holy Spirit?

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