Hard Truth

February 11, 2020

“Gentle Jesus, meek and mild” is one of many caricatures of Jesus bandied about in both religious and secular circles, less so in the latter because they increasingly aren’t even aware or don’t even care about this first-century rabbi. It could just as easily be said that he is “Raging Jesus, mad and wild” if one would only reference his cleansing of the temple or his description of the end of times in Mark’s gospel, chapter 13. I suspect the former stereotype is more popular because we prefer a Jesus we can manipulate to one who wrests control of the status quo with righteous fury. 

This morning’s reading from Mark’s gospel intrigues me, especially in light of the misinformation so commonly spread by those who would use him for their own purposes. The scene is set when his disciples comment on the magnificent architecture of the great Temple. I admit to being impressed by great architecture myself. The towering arches of Westminster Abbey or Salisbury Cathedrals, the majesty of our own Capitol buildings or the Lincoln Memorial, the onion domes of the Orthodox, and the symmetrical beauty of the Taj Mahal inspire me. Jesus was unimpressed. “Not one stone will be left upon another,” was his only comment.

Those words led to a discussion with his disciples about the End Times. He spoke of “wars and rumors of wars,” of natural disasters, famine, and drought, of persecutions, betrayals, and martyrdom for the faith. He told of a time to come that would be so dreadful that were it not shortened, no one could live through it, and of false teachers able to perform signs and wonders with the intent of deceiving people into following them. Then comes the end, but without warning it will come like a tsunami, overwhelming those unprepared for it.

This is not the gospel proclaimed by popular preachers today. There are few who stand at the edge of the precipice crying out the warning that the bridge is out and danger lies ahead. We speak often of the wonderful plan God has for us, of the benefits of following Christ, the fulfillment that comes. Others speak politically, hoping as many did in the first century that the Messiah would vanquish the political powers, rescuing the oppressed, and reversing the roles so the downtrodden could finally do the downtreading. 

Jesus’ command isn’t what we like to hear. “Speak the Truth. Endure to the end. Watch and pray.” Deliverance will come, but it may not be from the fire, but through the fire. 

I don’t always like what Jesus says, but I am thankful he loves and trusts us enough to tell us the truth. He doesn’t treat us like children who have to be shielded from harm, but says plainly what we may not want to hear. That is the sign of genuine love; it prepares us for life as it is, rather than life as we wish it would be.