Mark 13:3-13
Find a way to separate yourself from whatever’s going on around you so you can fully enter into today’s passage. if you haven’t read the introduction to Mark’s Gospel, read it here.
Read Mark 13:3-13 keeping in mind this previous dialogue in Mark 13:1-2: ““As Jesus was leaving the Temple that day, one of his disciples said, “Teacher, look at these magnificent buildings! Look at the impressive stones in 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!””
The temple in Jerusalem was the center of religious and sociopolitical activity for Palestinian Jews. So Jesus’ prediction of the temple’s destruction is understandably alarming to the disciples who are quick to ask “When?” and “How will we know?” His prophetic answer rings as true today as it did then.
There will always be those who call for a violent response to persecution (or perceived persecution), but Jesus calls for a different way. Jesus calls us to love our enemies and respond to persecution with creative nonviolence regardless of which “side” of the conflict we deem to be the right side. For followers of Jesus, the only call to action we should follow is that of our leader. But we must realize that both those who persecute and those who wish to violently overthrow persecutors will be put off by our allegiance to the non-violent way of Jesus.
Read Mark 13:3-13 again paying special attention to Jesus’ words in verses 9-11.
We are not alone. That is the promise of Jesus regardless of the challenges we face and regardless from which direction the challenges come. If we follow Jesus, we have the Spirit of Jesus living in us to strengthen us, guide us, and empower us. In this broken and confused world, trouble will come, but to thrive in a divided world we must keep our eyes fixed on our Savior - the source of life.
Jesus warns that both religious institutions (local councils and synagogues) and governing bodies (governors and kings) will likely misunderstand when we choose to love our neighbors and respond with creative nonviolence to persecution. In what ways have you observed this in our current world?
How are you exhibiting love for your neighbor when your neighbor has significantly different beliefs than you do?
If today’s passage has been troubling in any way for you, take a few minutes to share honestly and openly with Jesus. Allow Jesus to help you discover the underlying cause of your discomfort.
As you end this time of reflection, get quiet for a moment and just listen to the Spirit of Jesus. If you sense Jesus inviting you to do something, make a plan for following through.
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