Elaborate statements about the misuse of power using the Temple as a metaphor. He was against what the Temple as a physical place had come to represent, NEVER against the people. To speak against some things is not speaking against people.

Mark 13:1-13

Going thru passover, going into Jerusalem and doing what they’re use to, doing whats natural.

NT Wright puts it in a perspective of sorrow. He makes the point that what every Jewish person wanted was a Messiah to put it all back together in a very human way; meaning ending their “captivity”, bring peace, and justice to the Jewish people.

God is putting things together ina much more artistic way.

If we start something we need to see it thru. Jesus is seeing his way thru to the end.

Mark 13:14-27

Isiah 13:10; 34:4 referenced.

There’s an overload of revolution in this area at this time (Jesus’ time). The siege of Jerusalem in 69 AD was horrible for the Jewish people, or anybody caught in the city. Jesus did not want his followers to stay, he wanted them to run, as fast as they could; to get the hell out of dodge. The prophetic language in the text refers to this time period because it was the end of the world the Jewish people had known up to that point; not necessarily the end of the actual world.

The first set of verses is “don’t panic, speak up”

This second set is “run like hell, there’s no getting out of it.”

We do not live in a society where we have crazy people running thru our hometowns burning down churches, and crucifying thousands in a people group… But there are devastating things happening around the world all the time.

Once the Temple was destroyed, Judaism changed. It was a much more intimate relationship when they didnt have the temple to congregate in and around. In some fashion this allowed for the Church o grow in a way it wouldn’t have been able to going thru the Temple.

Mark 13:28-37

This is a cyclical thing, Marks preferred writing style.

There’s a “commandment” Jesus issues with “Leave it to God” which is something different in apocalyptic prophecies. Usually there’s a checklist of what to watch for and when it will all come about, but Jesus makes a point to bring out the difference between Jesus (the son) and God (the Father) saying that he doesnt know when the end will come, so why worry about it.

Jesus steps away from the “Im gonna die soon” mantra and steps into the future of the church, the future in general. He even sounds scared for his friends, and people.

Prayer Requests:
Leslie and family traveling to Austin to visit pregnant sister
Huge North American Wholesale Trade Show (Amanda working it) this weekend.
San Antonio Bead Show weekend of the 17th, Amanda working it too.
Insane few weeks for the Mathews. Patience.
Leslie going to doctor tomorrow for 3 moles there might be concern for
Deb’s grandmother, in a lot of pain, probable surgery upcoming
School, homework, tests, projects, etc.

Praises:
Ben’s mom is coming home at the end of the month!
Deb has a new car!
Cannon has a full-time job!
Nicole’s dad has a new job making 60% more than at his previous job!
Busiest Gem and Mineral show in 3 years!