By Mark Wilmoth

An old Chinese proverb says, “He who asks a question seems a fool for a moment, but he who does not ask remains a fool for life.” One of my old math teachers put it more bluntly: “There are no stupid questions except the one you’re too stupid to ask. If you don’t ask, you’ll never learn!” Good teachers know that questions lie at the root of knowledge.

In the week before he went to the cross, Jesus spoke of the coming judgment on Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple: “Do you see all these things?” he asked. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down” (Matthew 24:2, NIV). Jesus’ disciples, pondering the solemn tone of that warning, asked, “Tell us when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” Bible students note that 2 questions were asked: (1) When will this happen (meaning the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple) and (2) what will be the sign of your coming and the end of the age (Jesus’ Second Coming and the end of time).

Jesus answered the disciples’ questions, beginning by listing events that are NOT signs: False messiahs, wars, famines and earthquakes. While these events steal the peace, create fear and uncertainty and wreak havoc in the lives of those affected, they are common problems that have appeared many times in history, both before and after Christ.

Jesus then told the disciples how to recognize the looming destruction of Jerusalem: “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel–let the reader understand–then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.” The early Christians recognized the fulfillment of this sign as the Roman Army brought their flags and armies into the city of Jerusalem and invaded the temple. Their flagpoles, like many United States flagpoles today, were topped by an image of an eagle, which the Jews thought broke God’s command against making “graven images.” Since the Bible calls idols an abomination (Isaiah 66:3) and since armies often bring desolation, when those early Christians saw the Roman army move into Jerusalem, they knew it was time to get out! Heeding Jesus’ warning, the believers were spared the suffering and death many Jews experienced.

The disciples’ second question concerned Jesus’ return. Jesus answered, “Immediately after the distress of those days “the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.” Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.” The events surrounding the return of Christ are cataclysmic in scope; “signs” like the darkening of the sun and stars falling from the sky will not be overlooked. Note, however, that when those signs appear, the return of Jesus will be upon us, allowing no opportunity for last minute preparation. That’s why Jesus warned, “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him” (Matthew 24:44).

Unfortunately, people sometimes don’t take warnings seriously. Life coach Kathy Caprino tells about research conducted by David Maxfield and Joe Grenney. Two 12-year-old boys were sent into the street to hand an anti-smoking pamphlet to every smoker they encountered. Following up, researchers learned that 90% of the smokers found the tactic pushy and offensive. The researchers then sent both boys back into the street with a cigarette and told them to ask smokers if they could have a light. In almost every instance, the smokers refused to light the cigarette for the boys, often launching into a lecture about why the boys shouldn’t be smoking. When this happened, the boys were prompted to ask, “If smoking is bad for us, what about you? Why are you smoking?” In follow-up, the researchers discovered that 90% of the smokers were willing to participate in a stop-smoking program.

With that illustration in mind, take a walk through a cemetery near your home. Consider: Either your life will end in a place like that or it will end when Jesus returns. Are you ready?

Mark Wilmoth is with Pinehurst Christian Church in Marietta and can be reached at Minister@PinehurstChristianChurch.org