First, magnificent buildings thrown down (1-4). The temple was an incredibly magnificent building. All who saw it were filled with awe. When the disciples left the temple with Jesus, they exclaimed, 'What magnificent stones! What magnificent buildings!' But Jesus knew the buildings were only temporary. He knew that every one of those stones would be thrown down when the Romans sacked Jerusalem. The temple was God's house. The beauty of the temple was in God, not in the magnificent stones. Second, stand firm and be saved (5-13). Jesus gave his disciples words of warning. He said, 'watch out,' and 'be on your guard.' The coming years leading up to the destruction of the temple would be confusing and dangerous. There would be many false prophets, wars, rumors, and earth-quakes. Jesus' people would be arrested and flogged. But through this, they would be God's witnesses and would witness the gospel to kings and governors. With the help of the Holy Spirit, they would stand firm to the end. And when they did, they would be saved. When faced with adversity, pray! God will help us to stand firm. We will be saved.
Application: Lord, help me to witness to the gospel and stand firm to the end.
One Word: Stand firm and be saved