Jesus and the “End”
This post is a continuation, listing various hyperbole found in the Bible. Clicky here, for all my posts detailing what I’ve found.
It’s the worst time EVER!
Scene: Jerusalem at Passover
Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings.
“Do you see all these things (buildings)?” he asked. “I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”
Later, as Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, wanting to know more.
“Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of the end of the age?”
In answering this question, Jesus gave a long description of the signs of that time. Since we know the temple was leveled by the Romans in 70 CE, in other words…”not one stone was left on another”…, we have the advantage of history to study Jesus’ words concerning this time.
Jesus described it like this: “For then there will be great distress (tribulation), unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.” (Matthew 24:21)
Was it really unequaled in distress? Was Jesus lying? Or was he using a favorite speaking device of his…the hyperbole?
Jesus’ language mirrors earlier prophets describing the first destruction of Jerusalem in 586BCE
In describing the judgment of Jerusalem during the time of the Babylonian captivity, Daniel says, “… Under the whole heaven nothing has ever been done like what has been done to Jerusalem.”(9:12) Ezekiel, a prophet living during the same disastrous time, says this, “Because of all your detestable idols, I will do to you what I have never done before and will never do again.” (5:9)
Sounds familiar, eh? God said the same thing the first time Jerusalem was destroyed.
The End HAS Come
This particular hyperbole led me down a path from one set of eschatological beliefs to another. If I take Jesus’ words literally in this case, ignoring the precedent set by earlier prophets who tended toward non-literal exaggeration, it would lead me to believe that this “worst time ever” hasn’t happened yet. It is still yet to come. Hence, all the other signs of the end that Jesus details haven’t happened yet either.
But…
If Jesus is employing the use of exaggeration not meant to be taken literally, then his words have already come to pass. Which flip-flops what I’ve always believed to be a future time of horrible tribulation.
Jerusalem was destroyed in an “unequalled way” by the Romans in 70 CE. There have been anti-Christs and wars and rumors of wars. (Mat 24:5-6) Famines and earthquakes plagued the land. (7) False prophets appeared to many and performed signs and miracles. (11, 24) The abomination that causes desolation has seen the holy place. (15) The gospel has been preached to the “whole world” and the end has come. (vs 14)
Wait a minute! But we are still here. Nothing ended! Are you sure?
With the destruction of the temple, came the end of the Jewish faith as it was practiced for centuries. Something new was being born from the ashes…
“No one tears a patch from a new garment and sews it on an old one. If he does, he will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins.” (Luke 5:34-37)
Out with the old, and in with the new.
Stay tuned…there is more hyperbole glittering in the midst of this end of the age prediction.
A Face to Reframe
My friend Beth is headed back to Turkey after serving there as a missionary for ten years. She has a neat project she is launching called “A Face to Reframe.” Click here to read her flyer.
“A Face to Reframe” will be “launched” this April in Antalya, Turkey through a mini-project with Downs Syndrome Turkish children. I’ll be coming alongside a retired American couple who have been working with disabled children in Turkey. Together, we’ll launch a beta photo clinic with 10-15 year olds that will be continued with Turkish college student volunteers. I’ll be coaching from a distance and receiving the kids’ work, editing, and providing feedback. We’ll be involving the Turkish government and hope to have the city host an exhibit to raise public awareness and begin to repair the marred identity of these valued children.
She is asking for cameras, memory cards and camera bags, as well as financial assistance for travel expenses and the photography exhibit. To donate, visit here. To visit A Face to Reframe website, visit here.
The Hyperbole of Jesus
This post is a continuation, listing various hyperbole found in the Bible. Clicky here, for all my posts detailing what I’ve found.
Understanding hyperbole is a mark of maturity.
Ever try to intentionally exaggerate with a child? It doesn’t work. They only think in literal terms. Hence, when teaching the gospel to small children, we avoid using metaphoric language such as “Ask Jesus into your heart” and “Jesus is knocking at your door.” With maturity comes greater understanding of language and the wisdom to evaluate the intent behind the words. As readers of the Bible, we too must be careful not to think childishly…only literally.
Jesus used language with flair to make his point stick between his hearer’s ears. He wanted those who wanted to understand to have to chew things over to get at the meaty meaning underneath. It takes maturity, with the ability to understand language devices and wisdom to evaluate, to get at the heart of Jesus’ chewy words. Its an ongoing process!
Barefoot and Sullen?
When Jesus sent his followers out on a mission, he said, ” Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.” Luke 10:4
Jesus meant they had a job to do, and they were not to let everyday things and niceties distract them.
An obvious one…
What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? Luke 9:25
No rich men in heaven?
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Matthew 19:23-24
I have read that this is an actual reference to a gate in Jerusalem that was called the “Needle Gate.” Or some version of that. I have also read that this is a load of crock! But either way, of course Jesus isn’t saying it is impossible to be wealthy and follow him. I’ll go with the hyperbole route for this one.
Stumble It!
