Mark 13:1-8
In the gospel of Mark, Jesus predicted that change would come to the religious institutions of his day. As he came out of the temple in Jerusalem during the last week of his earthly ministry, one of his disciples said, “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!” Then Jesus asked, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down” (Mark 13:1-2).
In the year 70, the Romans attacked the city of Jerusalem and destroyed the temple. Many people were killed or enslaved, and the treasures of the temple were stolen. The destruction of the temple was one of the greatest tragedies of Jewish history, and it caused Jewish and Christian residents of the city to scatter.
Perhaps the emphasis isn’t the end of the Temple but the new birth of the Kingdom of God to which it points — and the difficulty and suffering of that birth suggesting that this is the beginning of Mark’s birth narrative. Jesus knew that this process would be painful, but there would also be hope for new birth and new beginnings. In fact, the Jewish faith was completely reshaped by the destruction of the temple, forcing Jews to shift to worship in synagogues led by rabbis. Christianity also became more congregation-focused, because followers of Jesus could no longer gather in the temple as they did in the earliest days of the church.
Our hope is found in establishing a stable and healthy community of faith. A congregation that reflects Jesus, loves people, and engages in sacrificial service. Welcoming all excluding none.
Rev. Jann Osborn
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