How well do you process information requiring deep thought when you have received the most shocking news of your life? It’s good for us to understand why Jesus’ disciples didn’t fully understand what he was telling them. None of it made sense until after his resurrection and ascension.

Jesus’ sobering statement was followed by a time of silence. The disciples’ journey from the temple grounds to the Mount of Olives probably took ten or fifteen minutes. Apparently, those disciples pondered Jesus’ words. This was a shocking moment among several shocking moments in those last hours before the crucifixion.

Verses 3 and 4 tell us the next part of the conversation. 

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?” 

They asked for one sign. Jesus gave them several. He did not tell them everything they asked for, but he told them what they needed to know. He asked them in verse 2, “Do you see . . .?” See here means to view with perception. See more than the facts; see the truth. Then he explained the rest of the story.

1. There will be persecution.
2. There will be wars.
3. There will be false appearances of the Messiah.
4. There will be false prophets. 

They needed to know how to discern the difference between what is true and what is false, what is real and what is an illusion. 

These lessons remain valuable for our day. Deception and destruction are the devil’s work. Truth and restoration are God’s work. Know the truth. Join Jesus in building a better world. Help others learn how to discern what is right and wrong, true and false, now and forever.

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I will ponder our world through the lenses Jesus gave us to see. 

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