➡️Mark 12:38-44

Jesus contrasts the ostentatious scribes with a poor widow's humble offering. 

While wealthy individuals contribute large sums to the temple treasury, the widow gives just two small copper coins — all she has to live on. 

This passage isn't merely about stewardship or tithing percentages. 

Jesus is both commending the widow's faith and expressing righteous anger at a religious system that failed to care for its widows.

Her act becomes a Christ-like image — giving all she has just as Jesus would ultimately give everything for our redemption. 

➡️Mark 13:1-2

As Jesus leaves the temple for the final time, his disciples marvel at its magnificence. 

Jesus responds with the shocking prophecy that not one stone will remain. 

This isn't just about physical destruction but marks a theological transition.

The temple had served its purpose as God's dwelling place, but now Jesus himself is the true temple. 

When the temple curtain later tears at Jesus' crucifixion, it signifies this transition: God's presence would no longer be contained in a building but found in Christ and his church.

➡️ Mark 13:3-13

The disciples ask when these events will occur, and Jesus describes ongoing signs: false messiahs, wars, natural disasters, persecution. 

Rather than providing a precise timeline, Jesus emphasizes faithful endurance amid tribulation. 

These signs aren't just about a distant future but characterize the entire period between Christ's ascension and return.

Jesus promises the Holy Spirit will provide words during persecution — not through spontaneous revelation, but through the apostolic teachings and Scriptures internalized by believers. 

The central message isn't fear of calamity but faithfulness in confessing Christ until the end.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO. 

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