Matthew 24:1-14

“... the love of many will grow cold.” - Matthew 24:12b CEB

One of my favorite, and most expensive, magazines to peruse is “Architectural Digest”. I have long held a fascination for beautiful buildings and unique architecture, and it’s always hard to give up a good home and garden tour. So, I resonate with the disciples as they gawk at the beautifully ornate temple complex at the start of Matthew 24. Herod the Great had undertaken a massive remodeling project at the temple which was now attracting visitors from far and wide.

But Jesus uses this as an opportunity to share an important insight with the disciples. Yes, the building itself may be beautiful, but the system underneath it is corrupt and crumbling. What seems permanent simply will not last, and the impending future is bleak.

Of course, the disciples are super curious and want ALL the details. When? Where? What will be the signs? But Jesus isn’t so easily swayed. Instead, Jesus focuses in on preparing them for a world where things will feel unstable. Which feels ... relatable.

Jesus doesn’t want the disciples to live in fear or to allow the uncertainty and instability to overwhelm them. Instead, Jesus is seeking to teach the disciples how to endure. He says that in the midst of the chaos, “the love of many will grow cold.” How easy it is for compassion to fade when times get tough.

But Jesus calls the disciples, Jesus calls us, to endure. To remain faithful. To keep hope alive. To steadfastly remain compassionate. Even when the future is uncertain and things are difficult. - Allison