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Prediction of the Temple’s Destruction (Mk. 13:1-8)

'As he was making his way out of the temple area one of his disciples said to him, “Look, teacher, what stones and what buildings!” Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be one stone left upon another that will not be thrown down.”  As he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple area, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will this happen, and what sign will there be when all these things are about to come to an end?” Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name saying, ‘I am he,’ and they will deceive many. When you hear of wars and reports of wars do not be alarmed; such things must happen, but it will not yet be the end. Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes from place to place and there will be famines. These are the beginnings of the labor pains (Mk. 13:1-8).”'

Jesus was in Jerusalem with the first four disciples Peter, James, John, and Andrew and it appears as if the disciples were visiting Jerusalem for the first time.  They were amazed at the splendor of the Temple buildings, and while they were admiring the Temple Jesus prophesied that it would be destroyed.  Early Christians believed that the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD was a fulfillment of that prophesy.  However, the destruction of the Temple was a sign that trials were ahead for those who preach the Gospel.  There was also a belief in OT times that there would be a day of God’s judgment when the wicked would be destroyed and God’s chosen people would be triumphant.  The disciples wanted to know when that would happen.  Jesus told them that there will be many false prophets claiming to be the Messiah and many upheavals, but the disciples must patiently endure these things as they will happen before the coming of the kingdom.  

Almighty God, help us not to seek knowledge of things that are of no consequence to our wellbeing or spiritual life.  Grant us the desire to understand what we should ask for and the grace to accept your guidance when we receive it.  This we pray through Christ our Lord.  Amen!

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References:

Raymond E. Brown, Joseph A. Fitzmyer, & Roland E. Murphy, (Eds.). (1990, 1968). The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentis Hall, Inc.

Jose M. Casciaro, Santiago Ausin, Gonzalo Aranda, Claudio Basevi, Vincente Balaguer, Francisco Varo, James Gavigan, Brian McCarthy & Thomas McGovern (Eds.). (2017). The Navarre Bible - New Testament. Dublin 8, Ireland: Four Courts Press.

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