Today’s Scripture Readings

When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, ‘As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.’

They asked him, ‘Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?’ And he said, ‘Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, “I am he!” and, “The time is near!” Do not go after them.

‘When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.’ Then he said to them, ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.

Jesus’ prophecy of the destruction of the Jerusalem temple is a revelation announcing both an imminent historical catastrophe and a sign of the last days.

For first‑century Jews, the temple was the dwelling place of God, the primary place of sacrifice, and a microcosm of heaven and earth, which explains the astonishment of its predicted fall. Jesus frames this catastrophe with warnings of false messiahs, wars, earthquakes, famines, and heavenly signs. The destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple also function for us as a sign of the end times and the final judgement.

Jesus prepares his disciples for persecution and the call to bear witness—even unto death—promising preservation through endurance. Despite the horror, darkness and persecution of these times, the disciples are promised ‘not a hair of your head will perish.’ (Luke 21:17)

We are called to witness to our faith in the promises of Jesus, to be discerning of false prophets and teachers and place our hope in God’s triumph over evil and the fulfilment of God’s kingdom.

Jesus’ prophecies summon believers to cultivate patience, remain faithful, be attentive and hold confident hope in God’s ultimate justice and renewal.