Mark 13:3-8 New International Version
3 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?” 5 Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 6 Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many. 7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 8 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.
Wednesday - November 17
When a baseball player gets traded a certain reporter might be the first to announce it or when a politician did something a certain reporter might have an anonymous source who gives him the “inside scoop.” James, John, Peter and Andrew want the “inside scoop” on the destruction of the Temple. They want to get ahead of the game and make the necessary arrangements. Maybe they can avoid any of the pain and save their families, too. Instead of trying to avoid it, Jesus tells them to get ready. The life of faith is not power or control and definitely NOT free from suffering. But like when the pains of birth start, you know that new life is coming! THAT is good news to trust!