This is Spoken Gospel.

We’re dedicated to seeing
Jesus in all of scripture.

In each episode, we see what’s
happening in a Biblical text

and how it sheds light
on Jesus and his gospel.

Let’s jump in.

The disciples are amazed
at the beauty of the temple,

but Jesus tells them
that it’s all coming down.

This announcement
shocked the disciples.

The temple was God’s house
and the center of Jewish life.

The destruction of the temple would mean
the end of the world as they knew it.

So, they ask Jesus when this
will happen, and Jesus responds

by telling them about several
signs that must happen first.

This passage can become
confusing very quickly.

Sometimes it sounds like Jesus
is talking about imminent events,

like the destruction of the
temple by the Romans in 70 A.D.

Other times, it sounds like Jesus
talking about his second coming.

Or maybe Jesus was talking about
both the present and the future.

But regardless of which view is correct,
Jesus’ encouragement to his disciples is the
same—stay alert.

Jesus repeats this message
nine times in this passage.

“Watch out.”.
“Do not be alarmed”.

“Be on your guard”.
And “keep watch”.

So regardless of whether Jesus is talking
about the past or the future, his answer to

his disciples’ question is less about a
date, but an attitude of confidence in God.

Jesus tells us that persecution
will come, and this is good news.

When it seems that the battle is being lost,
Jesus is preparing us for victory.

When the disciples are
captured and beaten,

they will proclaim the good news
of Jesus to kings and governors.

When they are put on trial, the Holy
Spirit will give them a perfect defense.

When their families betray them
and kill them, they will be saved.

Through their faithfulness, all nations
will hear the good news of Jesus.

But how do we know this for certain?

How do we know that beatings and
court cases and death is good news?

How do we know that the Holy Spirit will give us
words or that our suffering will end in our salvation?

The answer is—
because Jesus did it first.

Jesus was beaten and
whipped by the Romans.

He was falsely tried by the Jews.
He was betrayed by Judas.

He was hated by all his own
people who chanted, “Crucify him!”

Jesus endured all this to the
end and then rose from the dead.

Jesus guarantees the promise by living
and fulfilling it himself.

All authority is given to Jesus,
and this enables his disciples

to confidently face
suffering and sacrifice.

The consequence of our persecution
and judgment is resurrection power.

The proclamation of the gospel to all nations,
and salvation for all who endure to the end.

May the Holy Spirit open your eyes to see
the God who can use suffering for his glory.

And may you see Jesus as the
one who suffered for your good.