Every day Jesus went to the Temple to teach, and each evening he returned to spend the night on the Mount of Olives. The crowds gathered at the Temple early each morning to hear him. Luke 21:34-38
It’s amazing how well documented the events and stories are during this week before Passover. Every morning Jesus got up, went to the temple , and taught story after story. Let’s document these stories: story of the two sons, story of the evil farmers (most likely used this story to get a rise out of the Pharisees (Matthew 21:45-46), the story of the great feast, story of the ten bridesmaids, and the story of the three servants. And then in between these stories the priests and Pharisees ask him questions, Jesus stirs things up more, the disciples ask him questions, and then Jesus speaks about the future. This conversation about the future happens later one evening after they were leaving the temple.
One of his disciples said ” Teacher, look at these magnificent buildings! Look at the impressive stones in the the walls. Jesus replied, “yes, look at these great buildings. But they will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!” And then later, as Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives across from the Temple, Peter, James, John , and Andrew came to him privately and asked him, “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to be fulfilled?” ( Mark 13: 1-4)
Take some time to look at these verses. Jesus speaks about the future in three out of four gospels. Mark 13:1-12, Matthew 24:1-36, and Luke 21:4-33. It’s hard to read these words as we peer into the future especially as we see our entire world in relentless struggle right now. I can’t even write them or copy and paste. But we do have the comfort that one day heaven and earth will disappear, but His words will never disappear.” (Matthew 24:35)
As you read these words of the future, here’s a beautiful song by Natalie Grant, to help you meditate on the meaning of his teachings. His words are not always clear, but we do know that his promises are never broken.
Who told us we’d be rescued?
What has changed and why should we be saved from nightmare?
We’re asking why this happens
To us who have died to live?
This is what it means to be held
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we’d be held