Jesus is preparing his disciples to stand firm in the catastrophe which is coming to ancient Israel, especially Jerusalem and her temple. They must see, in those future days, that he has ascended to rule from above and is building
Getaway
From Jesus’ ascension until just before the fall of Jerusalem his followers must testify to Israel: tell of what God has done through his Son whom they killed. Some will believe and be saved. But many won’t and the formal
Future worries
In stress-filled times our minds can be disturbed making our responses unreliable. Jesus knows that the four disciples who ask him about the future face just this danger. They have heard him predict the fall of Jerusalem’s temple, which means
The resurrection principle
Once the disciples recognised Jesus as the Christ, God’s king, he began to tell them of his impending death. He also assured them that this will work out for glory, since the Father will raise him back to life. But
More than words
Jesus will do no signs for the leaders of Israel since they are sinfully unwilling to face reality. But he will perform miracles with deeper meanings for his disciples. So he gives sight back to a blind man using a
Beware the yeast!
Jesus has come home but it’s not so welcoming any more. Opposition tests him, demanding evidence that God is with him. Israel has always been like this, wanting God to prove himself before they’ll trust him. Jesus will have none