Sermonette: Nov. 19, 2018

As I was reflecting on Mark 13:1-8, the assigned gospel reading for Sunday, Nov. 18, I began to wonder: Is Jesus a pessimist or an optimist? I think this text reveals a significant difference in how Christ looks at things compared to how we see them.

The one disciple, who was struck by the beauty of the temple buildings, could very well represent each one of us. In our human condition, we are so easily caught up in beautiful things that won’t last. Maybe the disciples wondered if Jesus had gotten up on the wrong side of the bed when he said, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down” (Mark 13:2).

His response reminds me of someone who always has a negative comment about everything. It can be the most beautiful day, but for them it is either too hot or too cold. I struggle with this from time to time. I’m generally a pretty positive person, but I know I can get pessimistic about things at times, especially when it snows at the worst possible time or when my cynicism sets in around something someone has done.

This brings me back to my initial wondering: Is Jesus a pessimist or an optimist? Neither one, it seems. I think Jesus is a realist. Being God, he sees things as they truly are (and as they are going to be, which, thank God, we can’t). I’m sure Jesus saw the beauty of the temple, but he wanted to direct the disciples attention, and ours, to a greater reality; something more important than buildings.

The truth of the matter is: In just a few decades not one stone was left upon another; all was thrown down by the Romans. And I wonder if we are putting as much (or more) effort in building a “church” that truly lasts, as we are in building one that will crumble? That seems to be Jesus’ concern in this text.

Jesus went on to warn the disciples, “Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray” (Mark 13:5-6). You see, while we are focused on buildings and maintaining things that won’t last, the “church” that does last, the people, could very well be going astray. Remember that whenever the apostle Paul refers to or addresses the church, he is speaking to the community of believers, the people. Hmm . . .

So it seems that Jesus is concerned that we might focus too much on things that won’t last, the building, and not tend to the more important thing that will last, the people. It seems that Jesus is more concerned about building relationships that last instead of building things that will eventually crumble and fall away.

I pray that we might better reflect the character and care of our Lord, and be less impressed with things that crumble and more focused on people. I pray that when we are called upon to do things that will distract us from caring for God’s people, we might say, “No thanks, we’re building relationships that last.” Glory be to God!