Day 160: Jesus Warns the People (2026)
Jesus delivers a prophetic warning in Mark 13 that the temple will be destroyed and that his followers will face persecution, division, and even death—families torn apart by faith. Fr. Mike Schmitz emphasizes that this isn't just ancient history; it's a living reality in parts of the world today where Christians are hated, betrayed by loved ones, and forced to flee. He highlights how early Christians heeded Jesus’ warning in 70 AD, escaping Jerusalem before its destruction, and draws a powerful parallel to the present moment: we are living in an age that is not only indifferent to Christ but increasingly hostile. The episode culminates in the Last Supper, where Jesus institutes the Eucharist with profound clarity—'This is my body,' 'This is my blood'—giving his disciples, and us, the greatest gift short of salvation. Fr. Mike closes with a moving reflection on Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane: raw honesty ('Remove this chalice from me') and total surrender ('Not my will, but yours'). This is the model of prayer we’re all called to—honest, trusting, and rooted in love.
Jesus warned that families would be divided over faith, and this is still true in many parts of the world today.
Early Christians fled Jerusalem in 70 AD after recognizing the 'desolating sacrilege'—a prophetic act of obedience that saved lives.
The Eucharist was instituted at the Last Supper as a clear, tangible gift: 'This is my body,' 'This is my blood.'
Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane models authentic prayer: honest about suffering, yet fully trusting in God’s will.
Persecution for Christ’s sake is not a future possibility—it’s a present reality for millions around the world.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Mission Continues Beyond This Year
Fr. Mike introduces the ongoing mission of The Bible in a Year, emphasizing its global impact and the need for listener support to keep it free and expand into new languages and platforms like YouTube.
Jesus Warns of the Temple’s Destruction and Persecution
“Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. And children will rise against parents and have them put to death.”
The Desolating Sacrilege and the Call to Flee
“When you see the desolating sacrilege set up where it ought not to be, let the reader understand. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.”
The Necessity of Watchfulness and the End Times
Jesus teaches that no one knows the day or hour of His return. He uses the parable of the householder and the watchman to urge constant vigilance and prayer.
The Anointing at Bethany and Judas’s Betrayal
“She has done what she could. She has anointed my body beforehand for burying.”
“And he said to them, This is my blood of the covenant which is poured out for many.”
“And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Remove this chalice from me, yet not what I will, but what you will.”
“When you see the desolating sacrilege set up where it ought not to be, let the reader understand. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.”
Host
Jesus
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Fr. Mike Schmitz
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Mark
other
Peter
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Ascension
organization
Judas Iscariot
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Psalm 68
book
Josephus
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Day 154: The Baptism of Jesus (2026)
27m • 6/3/2026
Day 157: Following Jesus (2026)
28m • 6/6/2026
Day 150: The Dedication of the Temple (2026)
29m • 5/30/2026
WhEre you are DENYing your own TRUTH
14m • 5/31/2026
Day 151: Wisdom and Folly (2026)
21m • 5/31/2026
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