➡️Mark 12:38-44

Jesus contrasts the ostentatious scribes with a poor widow's humble offering.

While wealthy individuals contribute large sums to the temple treasury, the widow gives just two small copper coins — all she has to live on.

This passage isn't merely about stewardship or tithing percentages.

Jesus is both commending the widow's faith and expressing righteous anger at a religious system that failed to care for its widows.

Her act becomes a Christ-like image — giving all she has just as Jesus would ultimately give everything for our redemption.

➡️Mark 13:1-2

As Jesus leaves the temple for the final time, his disciples marvel at its magnificence.

Jesus responds with the shocking prophecy that not one stone will remain.

This isn't just about physical destruction but marks a theological transition.

The temple had served its purpose as God's dwelling place, but now Jesus himself is the true temple.

When the temple curtain later tears at Jesus' crucifixion, it signifies this transition: God's presence would no longer be contained in a building but found in Christ and his church.

➡️ Mark 13:3-13

The disciples ask when these events will occur, and Jesus describes ongoing signs: false messiahs, wars, natural disasters, persecution.

Rather than providing a precise timeline, Jesus emphasizes faithful endurance amid tribulation.

These signs aren't just about a distant future but characterize the entire period between Christ's ascension and return.

Jesus promises the Holy Spirit will provide words during persecution — not through spontaneous revelation, but through the apostolic teachings and Scriptures internalized by believers.

The central message isn't fear of calamity but faithfulness in confessing Christ until the end.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #jesus

Mark 13 may appear frightening with its talk of the "abomination of desolation" and cosmic disturbances, but it actually contains profound comfort for Christians.

When Jesus speaks of the "abomination of desolation standing where it ought not to be," He's giving us a sign.

Some interpret this as the destruction of the Jerusalem temple in 70 AD, while others see it pointing toward Christ's crucifixion itself — the ultimate moment when the innocent bore what should have been our punishment.

Throughout this chapter, Jesus doesn't aim to terrify us but to prepare us.

The warnings about tribulation, false prophets, and cosmic signs aren't meant to create anxiety but to reassure: "This world, with all its brokenness, is not your final home."

Notice Jesus' practical advice: when things get difficult, flee to safety. Don't try to salvage your possessions.

This is solid spiritual guidance — we aren't called to fix everything that's broken in this world. Some suffering simply can't be eliminated this side of glory.

The good news shines through when Jesus says, "For the sake of the elect, whom He chose, He shortened the days."

God limits our suffering and preserves us through faith until the end.

When Jesus speaks of the Son of Man coming in clouds with power and glory, He's describing not just judgment but salvation — the angels gathering His elect from the ends of the earth.

The fig tree illustration reminds us that these signs aren't meant to frighten but to encourage — summer is coming! The difficult seasons will end.

Jesus tells us to "stay awake" — not through anxious vigilance but by remaining where Christ has promised to be through Word and Sacrament.

This isn't a burden but a gift.

Mark 13 isn't a chapter of doom but of profound hope.

Even in the darkest times, lift up your heads — your redemption draws near.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

Bible Study: Mark 12:18-37

➡️ Who Gets the Wife in the Resurrection? (18-27)

The Sadducees, who didn't believe in resurrection, tried to trap Jesus with a scenario about a woman who married seven brothers consecutively.

They asked whose wife she would be in the resurrection.

Jesus responds by explaining they misunderstand both Scripture and God's power.

In the resurrection, people "neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels."

Jesus then quotes from Exodus, reminding them God is "the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob" - not of the dead but of the living.

This reveals that those who have died continue to exist, contradicting the Sadducees' belief that death is final.

➡️ What Commandment Is the Most Important? (28-34)

When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus quotes the Shema: "Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one," and commands to love God with all one's heart, soul, mind, and strength.

He adds the second command to "love your neighbor as yourself."

The scribe agrees and adds that these commands are "much more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."

Jesus tells him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God."

Unlike previous confrontational exchanges, this conversation shows someone genuinely seeking understanding.

➡️ How is Jesus David’s God and Son?

Jesus poses a question about the Messiah: How can the Christ be David's son when David himself calls him Lord?

Quoting Psalm 110, Jesus demonstrates the divine nature of the Messiah.

This teaching reveals that Christ is both human (descended from David) and divine (David's Lord).

Interestingly, after these teachings, "the great throng heard him gladly," showing how Jesus gradually won over the crowd with his teaching despite earlier hostility.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #jesus