Jesus’ Teaching on Uncertainty

Temple Remains

 As for these things that you see, 

the days will come when not one stone

 will be left upon another; 

all will be thrown down.”

They asked him, 

“Teacher, when will this be,

 and what will be the sign

 that this is about to take place?”

(from Luke 21:5-19)

There’s a story about a fourth-grade class that winning an attendance award. As a class they could vote between a homework pass for the day or bringing a stuffed animal to school.

Amazingly, they chose to bring a stuffed animal.

As one student explained, there’s no such thing as a homework pass because you might skip it today, but you still gotta learn it.

There’s a truth here: homework is inevitable, but school is unpredictable.

Homework guidelines are clear, but lunchroom rankings and playground bullying persist.

In the gospel, Jesus overhears a discussion about the beauty of the temple and the many offerings given there.

Instead of joining the conversation, Jesus shifts the focus to disasters ;  “As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.”, conflict, and persecution.

By the time this gospel was written, many of these troubling events had already happened.

The gospel’s purpose is not to predict the future, but to help people interpret the significance of these events—both for those who witnessed them and for future generations

There’s an unsettling truth in life: there’s no such thing as avoiding events that are both inevitable and unpredictable

So, how do Christians respond to these challenges, and where do we find refuge?

Jesus assures us God will provide the necessary words and wisdom while we endure the inevitable and unpredictable.  

Our God, the One who is unchanging and powerful, is present when we’re facing inevitable and unpredictable circumstances.

This promise offers comfort and guidance, reminding us that even in uncertain times, we are not alone.