Day 16 of Journey Through Mark: THE END OF THE TEMPLE

COMMENTARY Mark 13 includes Jesus’ longest teaching in the book of Mark. This section is called the Olivet Discourse because it takes place on the Mount of Olives, which sits across from the Temple. The primary focus of this teaching is the fate of the Temple. Jesus has already symbolically stated that the Temple was under God’s judgment (Mark 11:12-20). Now, He communicates verbally, albeit privately and cryptically, that the Temple’s destruction is near. One key to understanding this confusing and sometimes controversial passage is recognizing that Jesus uses a lot of figurative language. For example, Jesus says in Mark 13:24, “The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.” Jesus did not intend for us to interpret this verse literally. This cosmic image is symbolic of socio-political upheaval and had been used by earlier prophets to describe the destruction of ancient Israel’s enemies (e.g., Isaiah 13:10; 34:4). Another key is recognizing that most of what Jesus predicts here was fulfilled when the Romans destroyed the Temple in 70 AD. Ancient Jewish historical works make it clear that “wars,” “false messiahs,” and “false prophets” who could “perform signs and wonders” were all characteristic of this period (Mark 13:7, 22). Jesus Himself says in Mark 13:30, “This generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.” This does not mean that this passage does not refer to the end times in any way. But the primary focus of this discussion, as Mark records it, is about the end of the Temple. Even though much of what Jesus describes here has already occurred, this passage still has significance for us today. First, the fact that the Temple was destroyed as Jesus foretold affirms that He is who He says He is, and His message is true. He is the “Son of Man” who sits enthroned by the Father “with great power and glory” (Daniel 7:13-14; Mark 13:26). Second, God’s condemnation of His Temple reminds us yet again that God stands against all structures of injustice, no matter how holy their appearance. Third and finally, Jesus’ encouragement that “the one who stands firm to the end will be saved” applies at all times (Mark 13:13). We may face difficulty when we follow after Jesus, but He promises eternal victory for those who endure. SCRIPTURE MARK 13 CHAPTER 13 THE DESTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE AND SIGNS OF THE END TIMES 1 As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” 2 “Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” 3 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?” 5 Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 6 Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many. 7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 8 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. 9 “You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. 10 And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. 11 Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. 12 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 13 Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 “When you see ‘the abomination that causes desolation’ standing where it does not belong—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let no one on the housetop go down or enter the house to take anything out. 16 Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak. 17 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! 18 Pray that this will not take place in winter, 19 because those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now—and never to be equaled again. 20 “If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has shortened them. 21 At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. 22 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 23 So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time. 24 “But in those days, following that distress, “ ‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; 25 the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’ 26 “At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27 And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens. 28 “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. 29 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. 30 Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. THE DAY AND HOUR UNKNOWN 32 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. 34 It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. 35 “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” REFLECTION 1. In Mark 13:1, one of Jesus’ disciples remarks, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” At this time, the Jerusalem Temple was considered by many to be the most beautiful building in the world. But it also became such a point of nationalistic pride that the honor given the building began to surpass the honor given to God. When have you found yourself honoring the gifts or symbols of God more than God Himself? How can you make sure your reverence for holy things doesn’t blind you to what God values most? 2. Throughout this passage, Jesus repeatedly encourages His disciples to “be on guard” because adversity could come to them at any moment (Mark 13:9, 23, 33). We may not face the same difficulties as His first disciples, but we too should be ready for whatever may come our way. How have you prepared yourself to endure as a Christ-follower through difficult and confusing days?