Mark 13:1-4, CEB - As Jesus left the temple, one
of his disciples said to him, “Teacher, look! What awesome stones and
buildings!”
Jesus responded, “Do you see these enormous buildings?
Not even one stone will be left upon another. All will be demolished.”
Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives across from the
temple. Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will
these things happen? What sign will show that all these things are about to
come to an end?”
Mark 13, along with it’s parallels
in Matthew 24 and Luke 21, has been called “The Little Apocalypse.” This is because it speaks of the end of the
world. Traditionally, people tend to
respond to this chapter in one of two extreme ways. Some, who note that the end of the world has
not come in over two thousand years since these words were spoken, simply
choose to ignore it. Others try to “match
up” the events mentioned by Jesus with events in their current time as a way to
be certain that the end is near and Jesus will return any minute. Neither of these approaches to this chapter
are very helpful. Over the next few
reflections, we will pursue a different path.
By paying attention to some of the details, we can both take the message
seriously in every set of circumstances and also keep it all in healthy
perspective with the rest of the gospel.
Although
vs. 1-4 are the text for today, my encouragement is to read the whole chapter
today at least once. Make some notes to
yourself about what questions this “Little Apocalypse” poses for you. Ask God to use this chapter to speak into
your life and our world circumstances right now. In the coming reflections, we will hopefully
address some of those questions specifically.
Questions: What are
your opinions regarding the “end of the world?” How does this Mark 13 speak to
those opinions?
Prayer: Lord, it
seems that every generation believes that the world is ending soon. Help us find a healthy and Holy Spirit-inspired
perspective on what is happening around us and the larger world. Help us to see ourselves and the world as you
do. Amen.
Prayer Focus: Pray
your way through Mark 13. As you read it
again, Let the verses guide your words and questions to God.
Song: End of the World – R.E.M.
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