Mark 13:1-4

Passage

As Jesus was leaving the temple for the day, one of the disciples commented on how beautiful the structure was.  Jesus replied that the day is coming that none of these stones would be left in place and the beauty of this temple would be gone.  As they leave Jerusalem, Jesus and His disciples go out to the Mount of Olives – across the valley from Jerusalem.  James, John, and Andrew – Jesus’ inner circle – ask Jesus privately to know when the destruction of the temple will happen. 

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

One of Jesus’ disciples comments on how beautiful the temple looks.  On one hand, this is a neat comment.  The disciple is expressing their God-given ability to see beauty.  But on the other hand, the disciple is seeing beauty in the temporal.  The disciple is focused on the temporal.  As good as it is for the disciple to be able to genuinely recognize beauty, the disciple still isn’t where he should be.  What is beautiful about the temple is the relationship with God that it enables.  Our relationship with God is permanent.  The place we worship is not.

How easy is it to get caught up in the “things” of life – even if we are seeing good things like beauty?  Why is it so difficult to get caught up in the hard things of life like relationships and who we truly are on the inside?  Why is it easier to focus on God-stuff rather than God?

Second Thought:

Jesus is blunt with His disciples.  There is a day coming when this beautiful building is gone.  In truth, that day was less than 40 years into the future.  The Romans tore down the temple after the Hebrew people revolted in 72 A.D.  But about what is this concept not true?  The seven wonders of the ancient world – how many are still standing in the glory they had when created?  How many of our so-called modern buildings are in structural failure?  Ancient works of art are fading from ultraviolet light exposure.  The reality is that this world is passing by.  This world is only temporary.  There are many beautiful things in this world – but none of them will last outside of God’s preservation.

How does it make you feel to think along these lines?  What is the point that Jesus is making about your life when he talks about the temporal nature of things?

Third Thought:

Jesus’ inner circle finally gets some quiet time with Him.  Notice that Jesus doesn’t push them away.  He doesn’t invite the rest of the disciples in.  Jesus freely has this moment of inner circle time – and it’s completely okay with Him.  A few of Jesus’ disciples have done some deeper thinking and they want to pick Jesus’ brain.  They are rewarded for their effort by having some cool intimate time with the Lord before He is arrested and crucified.

Are you a part of a spiritual inner circle with someone who can spiritually speak truth into your life?  If so, who?  What benefit does that bring to you and your spiritual life?  If not, what might you be missing out on?  Who might be able to speak spiritual truth into your life?  Who’s spiritual inner circle might you legitimately be able to break into?

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 13: 5-8