Standing Firm
READ
As they walked around Jerusalem, the disciples couldn't help but marvel at the massive temple stones and beautiful architecture. "Look, Teacher! What magnificent buildings!" they exclaimed. But Jesus' response, captured in today’s passage, probably wasn't what they expected.
Let’s take a moment to read Mark 13:1-13:
As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!”
“Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”
As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately, Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?”
Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 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.
“You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
REFLECT
"Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down." Talk about a conversation-stopper! Like us, the disciples immediately wanted to know when this would happen. We're all curious about the future, especially when it sounds concerning. We want dates, timelines, and certainty.
Instead of giving them a specific date, Jesus focused on preparing them. He warned about false teachers, mentioned wars and natural disasters, and spoke candidly about coming persecution. Not exactly lighthearted small talk! But notice that Jesus wasn't trying to scare them—he was equipping them.
When Jesus talked about standing firm through difficult times, He was speaking to people who lived under Roman occupation, where opposing powers seemed overwhelming. For his disciples, Roman rule wasn't just a political inconvenience—it was a crushing daily reality. In this context, Jesus' words about persecution and standing firm weren't theoretical. His followers understood what it meant to live under an oppressive system where speaking truth could cost everything. When he mentioned being "brought before governors and kings," they knew exactly what those tribunals looked like. When he spoke of family betrayal, they'd seen how political pressures could turn loved ones against each other.
Maybe you feel that way too sometimes—facing problems or challenges that seem too big to overcome. Perhaps it's a health diagnosis that has upended your life, a financial crisis with no clear solution, a workplace that feels hostile to your values, or a relationship breakdown that seems beyond repair. Maybe it's the weight of systemic issues—injustice, polarization, environmental concerns—that feel too entrenched for any individual to impact.
Like the disciples, you might look at these challenges and see only their overwhelming size, wondering how anyone could possibly stand firm when the opposing forces have so much more power. The beauty of Jesus' message is that he doesn't deny the reality of these challenges or their difficulty. Instead, he acknowledges them fully while assuring his followers that even these formidable powers don't have the final word. Standing firm doesn't mean single-handedly overcoming these challenges, but rather maintaining trust in God's ultimate purposes even when everything visible suggests defeat.
RESPOND
Take a moment to process what God might be leading you to do in light of what you read.
When difficult circumstances arise, do you tend to ask "when will this end?" or "how can I remain faithful through this?"
Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would give words to those facing persecution. When have you experienced God's help during a challenging situation?
REST
Take a moment to rest in God’s presence and consider one thing you can take away from your time reading, then close your devotional experience by praying:
Lord Jesus, when I'm impressed by the temporary things of this world, redirect my gaze toward what truly lasts. Help me to stand firm when challenges come, not through my own strength but through Your Spirit's power. Remind me today that You've already overcome the world and that nothing I face is beyond Your care. Amen.