Mark 13
-As Jesus continues His passion week, one of His disciples
notices the wonderful edifices of stones and buildings in the Temple area and
remarks this to the Lord. The Christ prophecies, “Do you see these great
buildings? Not one stone will be left upon another which will not be torn down
(Mark 13:1-2).” This occurred in about 70 A.D. when the Romans came in with
destruction of the Temple and tore down the place stone by stone to possibly
scrape up some of the Temple’s gold. Ruins of this Temple in ancient sections
of the Holy City can still be seen today as a testimony of the accuracy of
Jesus’ Words. This is a picture I took several years ago of these ruins of the
Herodian Temple:
-Later, as Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, just to
the east of the Holy City opposite the Temple with a beautiful view of it, Peter,
James, John, and Andrew of the twelve questioned Him privately of these things
wanting some signs for the end of times. Jesus gave some of the most insightful
and deliberate teaching here in this context of His second coming. His first
point was to avoid deception, “See to it that no one misleads you.” Many, He
said, would in His Name falsely claiming to be the messiah, and many would be
led astray by these counterfeits. He informed them of future wars and rumors of
wars that would occur as the beginning birth pangs of His coming. He added to
this earthquakes in various places around the world along with famines and food
shortages. He told His audience not to be afraid, or frightened, when these
early stages happen. Then He let them know that believers would certainly be
persecuted before His return. They would be delivered over to courts, flogged
with whips in the synagogues, and set before kings of the earth for the King’s
sake as a testimony to them. The gospel would be advanced and proclaimed to all
the nations. God, by His Holy Spirit, would give His followers the words to say
in that given hour. In that time, brother would betray brother, a father his
child, and children will rise up against their parents and have them killed.
The disciples of Jesus would be hated by all because they adore the Name of
Christ Jesus, “but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.” The
Anti-Christ, called here the “Abomination of Desolation,” will stand in the
Temple where he should not be, and then the Jewish people and all believers in
Judea would need to vacate to the mountains immediately without packing up at
all. The Lord pronounces woe on those who may be pregnant or have nursing
babies in those days. He also warns that people should pray that this doesn’t happen
in winter, when the weather is more harsh and cold. Those days will be a time
of trial and tribulation without parallel in world history. “Unless the Lord
had shortened those days, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of
the elect, whom He chose, He shortened the days.” Jesus also warned them not to
believe those who say that the Christ has appeared here or there “for false
Christs and false prophets will arise, and will show signs and wonders, in
order to lead astray, if possible, the elect.” Jesus then gives a pertinent
word to prepare, “But take heed; behold, I have told you EVERYTHING (emphasis
mine) in advance (Mark 13:3-23).”
-Now He goes into His return. After the tribulation, “the
sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will
be falling from heaven, and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken.
Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.”
The Christ will send forth His angels to gather His elect from all over the
earth. Jesus says to pay attention again to the fig tree parable. “When its
branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that
summer is near. Even so, you (disciples) too, when you see these things
happening, recognize that He is near, right at the door. Truly I say to you,
this generation (race, age) will not pass away until all these things take
place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away (Mark
13:24-31).” Christ, in His human element, did not know the day or hour that
these things would transpire. No one would know, not even the angels in Heaven.
So, He simply said for His disciples to “take heed” and “keep on the alert.”
The end will be like a man on a journey who is away putting all of His servants
in charge of His house, each one with a charged task. Alertness is reiterated
over and over again (Mark 13:32-37).
-*Application* Taking heed to the things that Christ reveals
and being alert to them will keep us awake and ready for His return. Summer is
here, are we ready to receive the King in all His power and glory today? Don’t
get weary as we work and wait (Galatians 6:9). Don’t be deceived by false
teachings or mockers (2 Peter 3:3-9). Jesus will come in His appointed time and
in the prophesied way. The victory is assured!
Verses to Memorize:
Mark 13:10, 23
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