The Gospel of MarkSample

Rather than reading this passage as a load of facts to “know” to have the right doctrine on End Times, maybe we should read it as Jesus being a caring shepherd of his people.

Verses 3-23 can be read as Jesus warning his followers about the tumultuous days after his death, resurrection, and ascension. He is warning them ahead of time of the coming destruction the Romans will bring upon the Temple. Verse 21, for example, is often read as false Messiahs in the last days, but this was also a real reality for Jesus’ first followers. Before and after Jesus’ life, many people claimed to be the Messiah, the promised Son of Man and sought to gather an army to overthrow the Romans. Jesus warns his followers not to go out to the desert or the mountains to be part of these rebellions, they were not going to be him returning. When he returns, everyone will know about it.

Let’s take some time today to reflect on our own attitudes towards the Bible and especially “End Times.” Rather than needing to know everything, how can we follow Jesus faithfully in good, and difficult, times?