The introduction of the temple in chapter 13 of Mark suggests the deemphasis on temple worship in regard to the sacrificial system. One of the disciples calls attention to the stones of the temple and the other temple structures. Jesus responds by telling the disciples that the entirety of the temple will be demolished and not a single stone will be left standing. Jesus then continues with an apocalyptic monologue that ends with, “This is but the beginning of the birth pangs.” Jesus then give a warning and charge to his disciples and future followers.
The temple was supposed to be the physical location where the presence of God lived. With its destruction where would the presence of God reside? Because of the structure of the chapter, the text suggests that the presence of God, or the Holy Spirit will reside in Christ's followers. In Psalm 118:20-24 there is a prophetic reference to the Messiah(Jesus). The analogy of buildings and Christ being the chief cornerstone brings new insight into Mark 13. The the Messiah, Jesus, is a person and on Him the foundations of a new temple will be built.
The warnings given about the end times of the “2nd temple” parallel the events that occur in chapter 11. At the time of Jesus the temple had become desecrated and corrupted with practices based around financial gain. Prior to the physical destruction of the physical temple, the place where God's presence dwells has become tainted with false teachers and vile practices. In Chapter 13 Jesus warns of how the new place where God's presence will reside, people(church), will become corrupted and the elect/stones of the temple will be led astray tainting the temple. It is with this analogy in mind that Jesus ends his warnings of destruction with the hope that some of the temple, the ones who remain faithful will be saved. He also impress a sense of great urgency, making it seem as if the end times for the 2nd temple are very near and how his believers should be in a constant state or readiness.
This state of readiness hearkens back to the time of the Passover and the passing of God's judgment over the ones who heed God's warning and obey. In light of the transfiguration and the command from the sky saying, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him, “ (Mark 9:7) the importance of heeding Jesus commands becomes preeminently clear. Jesus is warning of the impending judgment of God in his apocalyptic warning. In order to escape death one must, “Keep awake.”(Mark 13:37) Be ready to leave this land of bondage and journey into the promised land.
