Daily Devotions
Mark
He, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, "Acts 2:31"
Day 275 – Mark 13
AN ASTONISHING STATEMENT
Much to the surprise of the Disciples, Jesus made the following predictive statement about the famed Jerusalem Temple.
“And Jesus answered and said to him,
‘Do you see these great buildings?
Not one stone shall be left upon another,
that shall not be thrown down.'”
MARK 13:2
1. Great buildings
As far as the Temple has all its adjoining structures, Jesus agreed that they may be called “great buildings”.
2. The final state
Jesus solemnly predicted the destruction of the Temple and its surrounding buildings. The massive stones that Herod had specially selected to build the Temple with- all would be thrown down. Not one stone would be left upon another!
IN PRIVATE DISCUSSION
This statement was too devastating to discuss openly. If any of the religious heard these words, they would take action against them. These words were sacrilegious! How could anyone speak of the temple in this manner? The Disciples were intrigued by this statement. They felt compelled to ask further questions on this subject.
“Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple,
Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Him privately,
‘Tell us, when will these things be?
And what will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?”
MARK 13:3-4
1. Opposite the temple
This means that the Disciples would be able to speak out of earshot of the religious leaders and their supporters. They were in fact outside the temple grounds.
2. The foursome
This time we have Andrew added to the famous threesome. This group would be essentially made up of two pairs of brothers.
3. When will these things be? What sign?
The Disciples wanted Jesus to explain and elaborate on His astonishing statement. They did not express any doubt here. They knew that whatever Jesus pronounced, that would be fulfilled. They were just asking what sign would precede this destruction that Jesus spoke about. They were obviously alarmed at the words of Jesus!