Yesterday we saw that there were going to be horrors in the Temple and now Jesus picks up that here in this passage. Jesus describes a series of horrific events that will occur when the disciples see, ‘the abomination that causes desolation’ which is a direct quote from Daniel. Scholars have commonly noted that Daniel’s vision was a prediction of Antiochus IV, the Syrian king who slaughtered a pig on the altar reserved for burnt offerings to the Lord and set up a statue of Zeus on the altar in the Temple. This would have been an absolute horror for the Israelite worshippers at that time as pigs were ceremonially unclean, and a statue of another god was in the place of the Lord. However, this all happened in 167BC so Jesus couldn’t have been referring to this exact occurrence but he sees a further fulfilment of the vision of Daniel. In 70AD, the Temple was completely destroyed and was used by the Romans to sacrifice to their gods and in the years of the early church there was intense persecution.

Here, Jesus seems to be referring to both of these periods at once. He warns his disciples that there will be great, unequalled distress and that those times will be dreadful but the hope is that it won’t last forever and that Jesus knows this suffering and pain. He has warned his disciples and that he himself will experience great torment, pain, and distress through his victory on the cross.

As we read these verses our hearts can be heavy and filled with sorrow and that is very appropriate. Suffering and distress is real and it will accompany the coming of Jesus. However, this all isn’t without hope and those days won’t last. There is something greater and better coming. Jesus will come again and put an end to all suffering and all distress and will bring justice to those who bring torment and suffering. Our role is to stand firm knowing that he is in control. MC

Questions

In the midst of pain and suffering, how can you stand firm in Jesus? What difference does it make knowing that Jesus will ultimately have the victory?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, who knows and sees all things, help us when we are in distress to look to you, to stand firm in you, and trust you in all things, Amen.