The Temple was a phenomenally impressive building, grand in stature and stunning in beauty. Thus, for Jesus to predict that the Temple would one day be completely destroyed would have been extremely difficult for the disciples to believe. How would that be possible? When would it occur? What would be the signs? These are the types of questions that would have been on the disciples hearts, and they are the precisely the types of questions that they later ask Jesus as they sit on the Mount of Olives (remember, the very place that was a reminder that God’s King and judgment would arrive one day). But as Jesus answers the question - a response that we’ll take some time to unpack as this section speaks of both the destruction of the Temple (which happens in 70AD) and his later second coming - it’s critical to note that Jesus is less concerned with precise details (i.e., dates and places) and more concerned with his disciples being ready - that we would stick to him, not be deceived, live consistently (even amidst trouble), and be found ready when he returns.

So often when we think of Jesus’ return, we can be caught up in trying to ‘decode’ signs rather than focusing our lives on being found ready. This sort of thinking can develop into an unhealthy fixation that leads us into distraction or deception. That is, when we’re more concerned with predicting when Jesus’ return, we end up distracted from the mission that Jesus has entrusted to us, and potentially susceptible to be deceived by others! Our concern should be less with precisely when the King will return, and more with the reality that he is our King right now!

Questions

Prayer

Almighty Lord, we thank you that we can have absolute confidence that Jesus will one day return to judge and rule the world. As we wait, please help us to live lives in accordance with your will, trusting in your plans, that we would not be distracted nor deceived in the meantime. In Jesus’ Name, Amen