November 16, 2024 – Twenty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost

And so, on the 26th Sunday after Pentecost, we bid goodbye to our year with the Gospel of Mark. (There is one more Sunday in the year, but the Gospel for “The Reign of Christ” Sunday will be John.) The text is Mark 13:1-8 — which is just the beginning of Jesus’ discussion of things apocalyptic.

We like to have as little as possible about the signs of the end of the age, and so it seems apropos that we only get this reading and then stop. But you could certainly say that this week brings the story full circle. On the first Sunday of Advent, the year began with another chunk of the same chapter’s predictions of Christ’s second coming (Mark 13:24-37). So, in truth, we have the lectionary year of Mark beginning and ending with its eye on the end of the age.

This week, we hear only eight verses, but they are a good summary of the whole passage in chapter 13 of Mark’s Gospel. First, Jesus and the disciples talk about some big buildings around the Temple. Then the two pairs of brothers among the disciples ask for a discussion about the signs of the end.

Earlier Jesus and “the boys” had their discussions about the scribes, and then they chatted about the people giving donations in the Temple. Now they are going on their way. One disciple, maybe someone who didn’t make it to the big city very often, is impressed by the buildings: “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!” (Mk 13:1). Jesus’ response? “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.” (13:2).

I don’t think Jesus was intending to talk about the apocalypse here… it seems more like an attempt to refocus the disciple on what really matters. And then, the rest of the conversation may have gone something like this, paraphrased in my own words, because Mark left it out: Are you impressed by things human? Think about the long term: the biggest and best things we make will eventually crumble. So focus on the eternal things. Let me tell you a story about the Kingdom of Heaven…

It was Peter, Andrew, John, and James who heard a bit of the conversation and figured Jesus was talking about the end times. They wanted to know more. Mark simplifies in his writings what happens next (in my mind): If the buildings are going to fall, we want to know when. Will there be signs? Is this gonna be some of that crazy stuff we read about in the prophet Daniel?

And honestly, ever since, when Christian conversation turns to the End Times, someone in the room has tried to make some predictions. We decide that Jesus is coming again sometime in our own lifetime. Sometimes, groups gather around leaders and prepare for the end. They may create charts or publish detailed books on the prophesies to make it all seem convincing. They might start whole new religious sects. They might write best-selling novels about it.

But regardless of how they do it, they foster a lot of fear, and we live in a lot of anxiety about it. And as a result, Christians get all anxious with the feeling that Jesus is coming the day after tomorrow. But Jesus himself is actually pretty low key about it. He has three words of wisdom on the topic:

1.    Watch out for those who claim to know too much about the end times. Specifically, watch out for those who make claims about being a Messiah. (“Many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray” (Mk 13:6).) He even repeats the instruction later, expanding it to “[I]f anyone says to you at that time, ‘Look! Here is the Messiah!’ or ‘Look! There he is!’—do not believe it. False messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect” (13:21-22).

You might think that someone who claims to be Jesus would land in mental care. But people are vulnerable. The anxious. The ill-informed. The lonely. The broken. The ostracized and marginalized… They can be preyed upon by those claiming to be the savior. Think about cults that are led to do bad things. But Jesus is clear: anybody claiming to be him is not.

2.    Don’t be led astray by what you see on the news and putting the events of the day on the timeline of the apocalypse. People looking for signs of the end in human conflict, evil leaders, or natural disasters can easily find a connection. There are always wars and rumors of wars, says Jesus, “… but the end is still to come” (13:7).

And Jesus goes on to say not only are there always wars and strife between nations, but famines and earthquakes. There is still a lot to happen before the end – and a lot of work to be done. Because first, we Christians, we followers of Christ, must proclaim the good news to all nations (13:10).

3.    Don’t panic. Sprinkled throughout chapter 13 are the following nuggets:
“…do not be alarmed…” (13:7)
“As for yourselves, beware …” (13:9)
“…do not worry…” (13:11)
“…be alert; I have already told you everything.” (13:23)
“Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come.” (13:33)
“Therefore, keep awake – for you do not know when the master of the house will come…” (13:35)
“What I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.” (13:37)

So pay attention… but don’t freak out. There will be bad stuff in the world. But the one who is coming is good. He loves you. And you. And you. And you. And all of us.

“Not one stone will be left here upon another,” Jesus says (13:2). Is the overturning of the world a hopeful thing? Because we must remember: The only Jesus is Jesus, the Word made flesh, who came to dwell among us and will come again. When he wants to, not when we think he is.