1 As he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!” 2 Then Jesus asked him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.” 3 When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?” 5 Then Jesus began to say to them, “Beware that no one leads you astray. 6 Many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. 7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. 8 For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birth pangs.
Prayer Focus: The rest of this week we will read through the 13th chapter of Mark, sometimes called the little apocalypse. Looking at the large stones of the Temple provides an occasion for Jesus to talk about what is to come. The disciples want to know what sign to look for that the Temple will be overthrown. Back on the Mount of Olives again, Jesus speaks of the danger to come. This time the threat is from those who seek to lead his followers astray. Do not be distracted by false Messiahs, wars or rumors of wars, or even earthquakes and famines. This is but the beginning of something new being born. Pray that you might have patience and trust to wait for the new thing. Do not be distracted by those that want to draw you away.
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