26th Sunday after Pentecost Mark 13:1-8

Context

In the Book of Mark

Mark 13 contains the “Olivet Discourse,” also called “the Little Apocalypse.” At the beginning of this chapter (and our reading), the disciples marvel at Herod’s spectacular (and at that time partly unfinished) temple. Jesus dampens their admiration by predicting its utter destruction. A short time later, while on the Mount of Olives (halfway between Bethany and Jerusalem), Peter, James, and John ask Jesus about this prophecy.

But before looking at Mark 13, we should take stock of where we are in the book of Mark. The bigger picture is very relevant.

In Mark 11, Jesus entered Jerusalem with much fanfare. For the disciples and the crowd, their messianic hopes look…

1. What’s the most impressive building you’ve ever seen? (Let people share.) Now, imagine that it’s also the center of your national, religious, and cultural identity. In a very real sense, it determines (partly at least) what you think makes you you. Now, imagine that someone you respect tells you that in a few years, it will be violently destroyed. You’re pretty close to the perspective of the disciples. How do you feel?

2. What does it mean to say that Jesus was a prophet? (This is not to say, as some do, that he was just a prophet. Also, I use the past tense only because I think of this role as particular to his earthly ministry—use the present tense, if you prefer.) Offer your group a hint: Prophets do more than tell the future. And what…