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
Make your choice
The disciples are shocked by Jesus’ insistence that he will soon be dead. This leaves their dream of a renewed Israel in the dust. But, says Jesus, that’s where it should be for even the finest things of this world
Necessary suffering
Jesus is a mystery to many in Israel – a situation he’s had to encourage to handle false expectations. However, his disciples have come to see clearly that he is the Messiah, the Christ, the anointed king sent by God.