Victors of Faith Over Difficult Times (Mark 13:1-13)

[Stephan Choe]

August 28, 2025

Verse 13:        "And you will be hated by everyone for my name's sake. But whoever endures to the end will be saved."

The general hatred against Christians is increasing in Europe and also in South Korea; Jesus Christ predicted this. Should we be designated because of this? No! We should listen carefully to Jesus' prediction and take courage. Today's text gives us such courage.

Jesus had preached in the temple, encountered hostile religious figures, and healed the sick. He then walked with his disciples through the magnificent halls of the temple complex to the exit to leave the city. As he left the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Teacher, look what stones and what buildings!" (1).

The enormous building blocks and the magnificent structure of the temple amazed Jesus' disciples. The temple, built by Herod the Great, was among the marvels of its time. Some of the temple's stones measured up to 15x4x6 meters. The front of the temple was said to have been covered all over with heavy gold plates. When the rays of the rising sun shone on it, the temple looked like a gilded mountain of snow, for where it wasn't covered in gold, it was a stealthy white. The temple seemed so vast and solid, as if it had been built to last forever. Jesus' disciples were overwhelmed by the splendor and grandeur of the temple. They forgot that Jesus had called it a den of thieves. They probably envied the priests who worked in the temple in magnificent priestly garments.

What did Jesus then say to his disciples? Did he perhaps tell them about the building's history like a tour guide?

Verse 2 gives us Jesus' response: "And Jesus said to him, 'Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left upon another that will not be thrown down.'"

Jesus let his disciples know in advance that the temple would be completely destroyed. The destruction of the temple was part of divine judgment.

The prophecy of the temple's destruction came true in 70 AD. When the Jews rebelled against Roman rule, the Romans, under the leadership of the general Titus, besieged Jerusalem for a year, so that the people of the city starved to death. Titus then completely destroyed the city and the temple. More than a million people died either by hunger or by the sword.

People admire great buildings and envy the rulers of the world. But our God, the Creator of all things, is never impressed by such works. Rather, He searches people's hearts and judges them when we forget God and boast about their glory.

The Palace of Versailles, built by the "King of Sun" Louis XIV, still amazes tourists today. But we must not forget that not long after his reign, the French Revolution broke out, and his grandson, Louis XVI, was guillotined.

St. Peter's Basilica in Rome is magnificent. But we must always remember that the Reformation broke out after this building was built. Solomon built the first temple. However, his kingdom was split into two after his death. God does not want people to boast about their works and their abilities, but rather to boast about God alone and rely on Him.

As Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the Temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him alone:

"Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?" (3-4).

The disciples wanted to know when the end of the world would be. Perhaps if they knew exactly when the end times would happen, they would want to live carefree until then and then quickly prepare for it shortly before the end times.

Jesus answered them: "Beware that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he,' and will deceive many" (5.6). Jesus did not tell them the exact time of the end times, but warned them about the deceivers.

He continued: "But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be afraid; it must happen. But the end is not yet… This is the beginning of birth pains." (7-8).

False Christs, in the face of wars or natural disasters, claim that these are the end times. But Jesus says, "It must happen this way. But it is not yet the end time!" Such wars or natural disasters are like the birth pangs of the new heaven and earth. Therefore, we can endure hardships with great hope until the end.

Jesus told them in advance that they would face difficulties: "But be on your guard, for they will hand you over to the courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues, and you will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, as a testimony to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all nations." (9-10).

Jesus foretells the persecution to the disciples in advance and says that this persecution is a good opportunity to spread the gospel. The gospel is being actively spread in the prisons of North Korea. This is an example.

And Jesus says in verse 10: "And the gospel must first be preached to all nations."

God is Sovereign. He wants to use the persecution of Christians for the good of humanity and spread the gospel among all nations to save them.

No one can thwart God's will and His plan. God loves us humans so much that He even gave His Son, Jesus Christ, for our salvation. We should remain convinced of God's love and his salvation. Jesus says in verse 11: "So when they lead you away and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but speak whatever is given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit."

Our God cares for us diligently. Therefore, we need not worry. Amen!