The Gospel of MarkSample

Let’s look carefully at how this conversation begins. An unnamed disciple notes the grandeur of the Temple in Jerusalem. It is no wonder, because King Herod had undertaken huge development plans in the Temple that meant it was most probably the largest sacred place in all of the Roman empire at the time!

Jesus replies, saying that not one stone would remain upon another - a shocking thought to his Jewish followers for whom the Temple was the center of their worship. They ask Jesus: “Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that these things are about to be accomplished?” (v4) Ok, pause there, the rest of the chapter is Jesus’ response to these questions.

Many of us might have been taught this passage as referring to End Times, and we will see in the days ahead that there are good reasons for this. However, when we read the chapter as Jesus predicting when the Temple will be destroyed in answer to these questions, does it change the way we interpret the chapter? Take some time to write down your thoughts.