Inquiring Minds
TRANSLATION
(5) Some of Jesus’ disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God. He said, (6) “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left upon another. Every one of them will be thrown down.” (7) “Teacher,” they asked him, “when will these things happen? What sign will indicate that they are about to take place?” (8) He said to them, “Be on guard that you are not deceived, for many will come in my name claiming, ‘I am he’ and ‘the time is near.’ Do not follow them. (9) And when you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened, for such things must take place first, but the end will not happen right away.”
(10) Then Jesus said to them, “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. (11) There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. (12) But before all these things, they will seize you and persecute you and hand you over to synagogues and imprison you, dragging you before kings and governors for my name’s sake. (13) This will result in your having a testimony to them. (14) Decide ahead of time not to be concerned with how you will defend yourselves, (15) for I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. (16) But you will be betrayed even by parents and family and relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. (17) Everyone will hate you for my name’s sake, (18) but not a hair of your head will perish. (19) By standing firm you will gain life.”
OBSERVATIONS
The second temple which King Herod had constructed in Jerusalem became the chief example of architectural beauty and symbol of durability for the Jews of Jesus’ day. Little did Israel know that within a few years, the Romans would demolish the temple and leave Jerusalem in ruins (AD 70). Jesus’ prophecy of that coming devastation left the disciples astonished and seeking more answers to their anxious questions. Repeated words in this segment included “stone(s)” (vss. 5 & 6), “the time” (vss. 6 & 8), “nation” and “kingdom” (both occurring twice in vs. 10).
While the tumultuous events of the coming tribulation will be uniquely catastrophic, those who belong to Jesus can be assured of his protection and provision as they witness to his lordship in their lives. They will know just what words to speak, what actions to take, and how to respond to every adverse situation they will inevitably face. He gave us this unwavering promise, “Not a hair of your head will perish...by standing firm you will gain life” (vss. 18 & 19).
OUTLINE
I. The disciples asked Jesus about the “when” and “what” of end time events. (5-9)
II. Jesus assured them of his protection whatever trials they have to face. (10-19)
IDEA STATEMENT
We need not fear the chaos coming at the end of the age if we rely on Jesus’ promise to protect those who are his no matter what we may have to endure.
APPLICATION
For decades “Inquiring minds want to know” was the byline of The National Enquirer, America’s most notorious supermarket tabloid. The timing and nature of the events surrounding the Second Coming have fascinated “inquiring minds” for centuries. Jesus dealt with the curiosity of his disciples not by specifically answering their questions regarding the “when” and “what” of future events but by giving them a general overview of what to expect and some breathtaking promises about his protection during the coming turmoil.
We should take time to meditate on the three great promises Jesus left with his disciples to encourage and strengthen them. First, he said, “I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict” (vs. 15). He then assured them, “Not a hair of your head will perish” (vs. 18). Finally, he added, “By standing firm you will gain life” (vs. 19). We may not know the exact timing of these coming events or specifically what will take place, but we can trust that our great God will sustain and uphold us no matter what happens.