Text: Luke 21:5-19
Dennis Sanders explores Luke 21:5-19 for the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost, where Jesus predicts the temple’s destruction and the trials His disciples will face. I reflect on the beauty of the temple contrasted with its impending ruin, connecting it to themes of impermanence observed at the 9/11 Memorial.
Earlier this year, my husband and I went to New York City. We took the train to lower Manhattan to visit the 9/11 Memorial. It was quite moving to see these two grand footprints of where the two towers stood. The busyness of this massive city was stilled as we heard the rushing of the water fountain. The water flowed down into a hole, concealing its destination. It was a reminder of how many people; workers, first responders, and travelers entered buildings and planes and never returned.
Maybe the thing that captured my attention the most was The Sphere. This is a bronze sculpture that stood in the plaza between the two towers. It was damaged in the September 11 attacks, but it was salvaged and placed in Liberty Plaza overlooking the memorial. It’s no longer a perfect sphere. The top is dented inward. It is a stark reminder of that horrible day, but it is also a stark reminder of how things don’t last.
The disciples were quite stunned at the sheer beauty of the temple. But Jesus told them that these beautiful stones wouldn’t last. He was right. By 70 CE, the Romans would level Jerusalem and destroy the temple. It would come tumbling down. Jesus then talks about terrible things: wars. Persecutions. Betrayals. None it is good. As William Butler Yeats says, “Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold.”
In the midst of everything going to seed, Jesus says don’t be terrified which seems sort of bonkers. But he tells them to trust in him. He will give us the words to speak. We can bear witness to his mighty acts in the world. And even if they take our lives, we can rest assured that our souls are secured in Christ. Buildings don’t last, but Christ and his church does.
Questions:
Jesus warned that we shouldn’t be led astray. How could we be led astray?
The word “testify” can also be “witness.” In Greek, the word translates to martyr. What did it mean to testify for the disciples who faced persecution? What does it mean now?
How will the followers of Jesus be treated because of him? How might we be treated if we take Jesus at his word?
Jesus says, Don’t worry about formulating a defense; instead, trust in Jesus to give us the words and bear witness to God. What does that look like?
What are your answers? What are your questions? Please send them to lectionaryq@substack.com. Listen to the podcast on your favorite podcast app.
Listen to Church and Main Podcast (Dennis’ Other Podcast):
Opening and closing music by David Cutter Music:
https://www.davidcuttermusic.com
(website) https://www.youtube.com/@dcuttermusic (YouTube)
