Mark 13

Jesus' tone changes as he spends his last days with his disciples and inner circle of friends; Peter James, and John. The disciples are impressed by the Jerusalem Temple. Jesus hints of its destruction (about 70 A.D., Jesus dies in about 33 A.D.) Maybe Jesus is trying to point out that the building is not important, God is. How many times do we equate Church with a building rather than people?

 

The inner circle asks Jesus about the destruction and about sings that will come signifying the end. Jesus warns them that all sort of people will come saying that they know when the end is coming and that they are the returning Christ (Jesus.) Don't pay attention to them. And all sorts of terrible things will happen but they are not the end. No, the end seems to be when each person (Christian) will have to give an account (under threat probably) of their life with Jesus (God.) Even families will rat out each other in order to avoid pain on this earth. The key issue, Jesus says, is to stand firm, let God (Holy Spirit) give you the words to say when things get rough and do not give up till everyone knows about the Good News of Jesus and the Kingdom of God. Jesus says it will be well worth it if you stay true. Nothing else is more important than living out the Good News that benefits others. Nothing. Be on your guard. It will be tempting to give up on God. What tempts you to give up on God or just tempts you to give God the short end of your life? This will happen in your lifetime.

 

There must be two "ends." One big one that wraps it all up. Even Jesus does not know what God will do. And a series of smaller "ends" that each person endures in tough times. Jesus' words are clear in either event. He is coming both as judge and helper. No one misses out on the tough times where we will need to speak up about Jesus. No one has the timetable. Everyone should be on guard because the "ends" are unexpected. "Watch!"