Deconstruction
And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” Mark 13:1-2
Chapter 13 can be a rough ride if you believe Hollywood or preachers obsessed with reading the tea leaves of the end times. Yes, there can be some dark imagery, but these are all teaching lessons for the disciples and the early church. So hang on to your hats for a few days. But first, a soft landing.
I am in the school that believes Mark wrote his Gospel between 50-60 AD as he is sharing Peter’s perspective. Peter died sometime between 60-64 AD, although some date it as late as 68 AD. The Romans destroyed the Temple in 70 AD. All this to say that Jesus is telling his disciples that the temple will be destroyed 40 years before it happened.
But there is also symbolic teaching about the end of the temple rituals and sacrifices to honor God and blot out sins. A new High Priest has arrived to be the once and for all sacrifice to atone for sin.
High Priest and Sacrifice,
You are the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Thank you!
Amen!
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