Monday 28 April 2025
"But the one who endures to the end will be saved." (v. 13)
Background
Today, many churches around the world will be celebrating St Mark’s Day. He is, for example, the patron saint of Venice. Most scholars believe that Mark's Gospel was the earliest gospel to be written – although Paul’s letters are probably rather older.
When the Israelite people were exiled in Babylon, the Old Testament psalmist asked, “How can we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?” (Psalm 137) Today’s passage describes another traumatic situation, one that must have seemed like the end of the world. Methodist scholar, Professor Morna Hooker, who wrote The Gospel According to St Mark (A&C Black, 1991), is among those who suggest that it reflects the period immediately after the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple, which was a revenge attack by the Romans in AD 70.
Early Christians would be among those who wondered how these destructive and painful events could be part of the road to God’s kingdom. Mark’s response is to recall how Jesus urged his followers to remain steadfast and faithful in trying times. We learn that however bad the situation, God will never desert you.
It's not difficult to find parallels to the destruction of Jerusalem in the contemporary world. Ironically, the most horrific example is close to Jerusalem, in Gaza. No one could be unmoved at the sight of homes destroyed and bodies maimed in the long bombardment of that small enclave. And there is no shortage of voices announcing that they have the solution to the world’s problems, and even claiming that they are speaking for God. Christians still need to hold on to faith and act it out in situations of conflict and confusion.
To Ponder:
- What are the ‘signs of the times’ that make you want to question God about the future?
- What helps you to keep going in difficult times?
Prayer
When the woes of life o’ertake me,
Hopes deceive and fears annoy,
Never will the cross forsake me,
Lo it glows with peace and joy.
('In the Cross of Christ', Hymns and Psalms 167)
Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Richard Clutterbuck
Richard is a supernumerary presbyter, living in Gloucestershire after a ministry that has taken him to Tonga, London, Gloucester and Belfast. He was formerly Principal of the West of England Ministerial Training Course and of Edgehill Theological College.