Introduction
‘This is but the beginning of the birth pangs.’ Ministry often feels like a very long and painful labour hey? Let’s encourage one another that there is a happy ending!
Mark 13.1–8
As he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!’ Then Jesus asked him, ‘Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.’
When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, ‘Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?’ Then Jesus began to say to them, ‘Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say, “I am he!” and they will lead many astray. When you hear of wars and rumours of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birth pangs.
Questions:
- Marvelling at our buildings, it seems, was ever thus! The challenge is to look to who our buildings point to. Is this a challenge your community need to hear?
- Wars and rumours of wars are ever with us… what does it mean to not be alarmed, when surely it is not about being indifferent?
- Are we aware of the birth pangs? What are we looking to be born?
Things to think about with the child at the centre:
Children can be very impatient! There is real value in encouraging the older members of a congregation to come alongside children and youth and share their experiences of what a lifetime of faith looks and feels like.
Join the conversation on 11 November at 1pm by clicking here
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