Mark 13 is often banded the ‘little apocalypse’ as it contains a number of alarming predictions. In the first section Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple, something that is later linked to the fall of Jerusalem and the destroying of the temple in 70CE. The disciples’ view of the temple, with its large stones, is contrasted with the devastating picture of these being broken up and knocked down. The description is of a time of chaos and fear. (This may reflect some of the persecution experienced by the early church.)
This is a difficult
chapter, engaging with concepts that tend to be far from our experience.
However, if nothing else, it reminds us, as Douglas Hare (Mark) puts it,
that – “Christians are to be constantly on guard against whatever might
distract them from being faithful to Jesus, and are to proclaim his gospel
everywhere.”
The essential challenge is to stand up for
what is right, no matter the threats, opposition or persecution that have to be
faced. There will be difficult things to confront, but God’s people should not
be alarmed.
People will make all sorts of claims, Disasters
will take place, both natural and those provoked by our inhumanity to each
other. These difficulties are not something that can be avoided. As Hare says –
“preaching the good news will not protect Jesus’ followers against the world’s
hatred.”
But it is worth standing firm through all
of this, and it is possible. The one who endures to the end will be saved. I
wonder what are the things that make us feel threatened. I wonder if we turn to
God as we should.
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