In Mark 13:1–8, Jesus and His disciples leave the temple courts in Jerusalem. The disciples are impressed: “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” The temple was magnificent—massive stones, brilliant white marble, and gold that reflected the sun. It appeared immovable and permanent.
But Jesus responds with a shocking statement: “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”
The temple represented stability, security, and national identity. For the disciples, it was hard to imagine life without it. Yet Jesus gently exposes a truth we often resist: what looks permanent in this world is not.
We, too, can be impressed with the “stones” of our lives—institutions, finances, health, cultural strength, even church buildings. None of these are evil in themselves, but they are not eternal. Jesus redirects our confidence away from structures and toward Himself.
When the disciples ask, “When will these things be?” Jesus does not give a date. Instead, He gives discernment. He warns of false messiahs, wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, and famines. “These are but the beginning of the birth pains.”
Notice what He does not say. He does not say, “Panic.” He does not say, “Speculate.” He says, in essence, “Do not be alarmed.”
Birth pains signal that something is coming—not the end of the story, but the beginning of something new. In the midst of shaking, God is still working His purposes.
As believers, we live in a world of headlines and uncertainty. Yet our confidence is not in buildings, governments, or timelines. Our confidence is in Christ—the true and greater Temple—who cannot be destroyed.
When the stones fall, He still stands.
