The disciples showed Jesus the Jerusalem Temple building. It was a magnificent stone structure; each block weighed around 2.5 tons and measured approximately 8 feet in length, 4 feet in width, and 1.3 feet in thickness. This building was an architectural marvel, and people in the first century gazed at it in awe. For the Jewish people, the Temple was central to their identity—it represented their religion, society, politics, and economy. But Jesus said, “Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down” (Mark 13.2). He prophesied its total destruction.

The disciples struggled to accept this prediction. Hearing such news was painful for them, so they asked when it would happen. In response, Jesus listed a series of signs, including both man-made disasters like wars and natural disasters like earthquakes, as indicators of the end times. However, while mentioning these events, he offered hope, saying, “These are but the beginning of the birth pangs” (Mark 13.8). This was not a message of death or despair. Death pains lead to hopelessness and non-existence, but birth pangs are purposeful and directional—they lead to joy and new life.

When we hear the word “apocalypse,” we often think of chaos and destruction. But Jesus described these events as birth pangs. As we endure the pain of hearing news about wars and natural disasters, let us be of good courage, knowing that such pains lead to new life and new creation. May the dear Lord help us to understand the importance of the present time and to live responsibly.

God bless!