Mark 13:1-8

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 birthpangs.

"Let No One Deceive You"

Last Sunday, we met Jesus at the Temple watching and teaching. There He warned the disciples against the fleeting appearances of the world, and to behave with a humble and giving spirit, trusting in God's generosity. This Sunday, Jesus continues to warn us against other kinds of pride and ephemeral realities.

The context leads us from the Temple Mount to the Mount of Olives, from where we can see the Temple area with its splendid monument that fascinates the population countrywide.

One of the disciples wants to express his admiration for that site that's considered to be the residence of God on earth. "Teacher, look, what massive stones! What impressive buildings!" (V. 1). What place could be more important to admire and be proud of?

Jesus' response was certainly shocking. "You see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down" (V. 2).

It was certainly difficult for the disciples to accept, absorb and digest this unexpected declaration. They keep thinking about it and feel the need to get more information from the teacher.

Four of them ask Him privately, "When will these things happen?" (V. 4).

The question may have included three phases, who shall do it, why and how?

At this point, Jesus insists again about the core of their ministry, to avoid worldly quarrels, and to focus on their message. He calls them to remain attached to His Person and not be deceived by any other who claims to be sent in His name -- especially in times of troubles, wars, pandemics, earthquakes, famine, genocide, etc.

Jesus is teaching the disciples not to care for the ends of time that only the Father knows, but rather to be prepared for that time through faithfulness to their mission. He wants them to live in the present time where the Kingdom is already, but not yet fulfilled till the second coming of Christ.

The following verse 9 says, "But you, be on your guard." We experience with sorrow and pain the events and conditions that are happening in our time. We hear prophecies and speculations foretelling about this end.

Instead, listen to the Savior and trust what He knows and says. Live our present time in His Presence, friendship and according to His promises.

May we remain as we are called to be a sign of His Presence, immune from deceit and on our guard, expecting an end that will open a new spiritual beginning.

His call remains accurate, "Let no one deceive you!"