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Pursuing Jesus In The
Gospel Of Mark
Looking Into The Future
Mark 13:1-37
Introduction:
The Allure of Prophecy
The one topic
that is guaranteed to draw a crowd is prophecy. We all enjoy investigating what
will happen in the future. The more specific one can be with the details the
better.
The one topic
that is guaranteed to sell books is prophecy. From Hal Lindsey’s The Great Planet Earth
to Tim LaHaye’s Left Behind
series, people have snatched up these books. It is a sure fire way to the top
of the bestsellers’ list. I unashamedly admit that I have read these books and
thoroughly enjoyed every word.
Just a few days
before He dies, Jesus has a discussion with four of His disciples about the
future. In what is commonly called The Olivet Discourse—because they were
sitting on the Mount of Olives which afforded a clear view of the Temple—Jesus
answers their questions about when the predicted destruction of the Temple will
occur and what warning signs they should expect.
The Setting
(vv. 1-4)
The Jews were
proud of their Temple. Despite the fact it had been built by Herod in an effort
to pacify the Jews, it still stood at the center of their daily lives and
religious devotion. Just as you and I would be awed by the size of the
buildings in New York City, the disciples are fascinated by the magnificence of
the Temple.
Ancient
historians tell how the southwestern view of the Temple on Mt. Moriah cast an image of dazzling whiteness from its marble
walls rising 200 feet over Jerusalem and blinding fire from its golden dome.
Some of the marble stones weighed over 100 tons and measured 37’x18’x12’. The disciples point this out to Jesus.
As he was leaving the Temple, one
of his disciples said to him, "Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What
magnificent buildings!" "Do you see all these great buildings?"
replied Jesus. "Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will
be thrown down."
Mark 13:1-2 NIV
History reports
how devastatingly true Jesus’ prediction was. When Jerusalem fell to the armies
of Titus in 70 A.D., the Temple was destroyed stone by stone. Except for some
pieces of stone in The Wailing Wall, nothing remains of the Temple other than
the foundation.
It’s almost
impossible for them to imagine that this could happen. This is one time we can
be very glad they asked the same questions we would ask.
As Jesus was sitting on the Mount
of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him
privately, "Tell us, when will these things
happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be
fulfilled?"
Mark 13:3-4 NIV
In any
discussion involving prophecy, the when and what questions are always the
focus. There are four main methods used to interpret prophecy that have been
used by commentators to determine what Jesus meant.
1.
Jesus was referring
only to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.
2.
Jesus was referring
only to the end times.
3.
Jesus refers
to the destruction of Jerusalem in vv. 5-23 and the end times
in vv. 24-37.
4.
Jesus intertwines
teaching about the destruction of Jerusalem with application
to the end times.
This last
approach, which is also called double fulfillment, is the one I follow. This is
often found in Scripture as a prophet predicts the fall of a nation that also
foreshadows events that are still to occur.
Four times during
His discussion with Peter, James, John and Andrew, Jesus commands them to watch
out, to take heed or to be on guard. However the word is translated in English
it is the same, identical Greek verb based on the root word that means “see.”
We will use Jesus’ commands to frame the look He provides into the future.
1st
Command: Watch Out That No One Deceives You (vv. 5-8)
The intent of
Jesus’ first command is to help His disciples—whether living in 30 A.D. or 2007
A. D.—to avoid panic.
Jesus said to them: "Watch
out that no one deceives you.
Mark 13:5 NIV
I understand
why Jesus moves to stop feelings of panic. This chapter deals with the period
of time commonly called the Tribulation. This is the 7-year period that will
mark the end of the world as we know it. During the Tribulation the Antichrist
will rule the world. It will be a time when God’s judgment is unleashed on all
those who have refused to accept Jesus as the Messiah.
As the end
approaches, terrible things will start to happen. He tells us what to expect.
Many will come in my name,
claiming, 'I am he,' and will deceive many. When you hear of wars and rumors of
wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be
earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth
pains.
Mark 13:6-8 NIV
Jesus points
out three signs they should watch for.
1.
Religious
Cultism: There will be many who claim the authority
and power of Jesus
2.
Social
Upheaval: Nations will fight against each other
with wars and rumors of war being common
3.
Natural
Catastrophes: Earthquakes and famines will become
more widespread
Any one of
these is tragic. When combined they cause panic. Jesus cautions these are but
the beginning of birth pains.
The command to
help us avoid panic is important. Throughout the history of the church, many
have interpreted the signs of their day to mean the end was upon them. The
beginning of birth pains doesn’t guarantee a short labor. With the rise of each
new cult, the declaration of every war and the announcement of natural
disasters, each generation has birthed prophets claiming the authority of Jesus
and declaring, “The end is near.”
Jesus commands
us not to be deceived. We shouldn’t overreact. We must be prepared. The
constant beat of the prophetic drum in Scripture is to be waiting, watching and
working. With each prophet who falsely creates panic, the edge of anticipation
is worn down and we become like those who no longer respond to the danger posed
because someone has shouted “Wolf” too many times when there was no wolf. Watch
out that no one deceives you!
2nd
Command: Watch Out For Yourselves (vv. 9-13)
The intent of
this second command is to help the disciples endure persecution.
“When these things begin to
happen, watch out! You will be handed over to the local councils and beaten in
the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are
my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me.”
Mark 13:9 NLT
In trying to
figure out when and what will happen there are five signs to notice.
Persecution by the Jewish Authorities (v. 9)
They should
expect to be betrayed, arrested, arraigned, condemned and beaten. Following
Jesus’ resurrection this became common.
Witness To The Gentiles
They would also
stand before the secular authorities, which would be an opportunity to tell
them about Jesus. We don’t like to think about persecution as a means for
telling others about Jesus, but history shows that the great movements of God
have come when believers were forced to take a stand—often at the cost of their
lives.
This will help
to see the Gospel eventually preached to all nations of the world.
For the Good News must first be
preached to all nations.
Mark 13:10 NLT
Nations may
mean countries, but it more likely refers to people groups or those who speak
the same language. Even with the great missionary pushes around the world,
scholars have often questioned how this would occur. Modern technology makes
the possibility very believable. There has never been a time in history when
people like you and I have the opportunity and means to be part of reaching the
entire world with God’s good news.
Filling of the Spirit
Imagine
standing before a powerful ruler and being asked, “Are you a follower of
Jesus?” Now, imagine being asked that question knowing your answer makes the
difference as to whether you live or die. It’s imposing enough to know what to
say when you meet someone who is powerful or famous. Jesus assures them—and
us—of help.
But when you are arrested and
stand trial, don’t worry in advance about what to say. Just say what God tells
you at that time, for it is not you who will be
speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
Mark 13:11 NLT
Betrayal by Family
The pressure
will be so intense that family members will turn against believers.
A brother will betray his brother
to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against
their parents and cause them to be killed.
Mark 13:12 NLT
This is the
cruelest of all betrayals.
Hated by People
It had to be
hard for the four disciples to understand what Jesus meant by being hated. To
this point He has enjoyed incredible popularity with the people. The fact that that
would soon change should serve as a caution to take Jesus’ words seriously.
And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be
saved.
Mark 13:13 NKJV
Jesus offers a
beautiful and encouraging phrase that has sustained believers from that day
until now—“for My name’s sake”.
As they absorbed the stinging lashes on their backs or faced the fearsome lions,
this one thought was to sustain them—this is for the name of Jesus. Persecution
can’t be enjoyed; it can only be endured. Persecution is endured in Jesus name
because He provides immediate deliverance and ultimate salvation. (both aspects are part of being saved)
3rd
Command: Watch Out For All I Have Told You (vv. 14-23)
The third
command actually occurs at the end of the section as a summary of Jesus’ intent
to help them escape judgment.
Watch out! I have warned you about
this ahead of time!
Mark 13:23 NLT
The warning
involves an event called the Abomination of Desolation by some of the
prophets—primarily Daniel. This refers to the actual period called the Tribulation.
There are three signs.
The
Sacrilege of the Temple (v. 14)
When you see 'the abomination that
causes desolation' standing where it does not belong—let the reader
understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
Mark 13:14 NIV
The Great
Tribulation will begin when the sacred altar in the Temple is violated. Looking
back to 168 B.C., Antioches Epiphanes
tried to destroy the Jewish religion by erecting an image of Zeus over the
sacred altar along with sacrificing pigs—considered unclean by Jews—on the
altar. Looking forward just a few years, the Roman Emperor Caligula ordered a
statue of his image to be erected on the altar. Looking into what is still the future, one of the signs revealing the Antichrist is when
that person does something similar. This leads to the second sign.
The
Urgency to Flee (vv. 15-22)
When the
abomination occurs, it’s time to head for the hills. Nothing can be allowed to
stand in the way as time is short.
Possessions must not stand in the way (vv.
15-16)
Family obligations must not be used as an
excuse (v. 17)
Physical conditions like weather or
intensity must not slow them down (vv. 18-19)
Public pressure must not deceive them (vv.
21-22)
Nothing or no
one can be allowed to delay them.
The
Totality of Destruction (v. 20)
This sign is
the major reason we know the event is still to take place.
In fact, unless the Lord shortens
that time of calamity, not a single person will survive. But for the sake of
his chosen ones he has shortened those days.
Mark 13:20 NLT
The word
tribulation is taken from the word for winepress. The pressure during the
Tribulation will be unlike anything ever seen. But, even here, the grace of God
will prompt His mercy to cut the days short. His command is given to help those
who are aware of what is happening to escape the consequences of judgment that
will rain down on earth. Like the National Weather Service, He has given an
advanced warning—and His can be trusted!
4th
Command: Watch Out Because You Don’t Know When (vv. 24-37)
Jesus closes
His instructions for the four disciples by pointing out the signs that hint at
when He will return. In replying to their question about when this will happen
He can’t tell them exactly because He doesn’t know when that will be. His
intent is that His followers will expectantly be watching and waiting for His
return.
Be on guard! Be alert! You do not
know when that time will come.
Mark 13:33 NIV
We need to
watch for these three signs indicating that His return is near.
Unnatural Disasters (vv. 24-27)
As His coming
nears the indicators are far more astounding as they move from natural
disasters, like earthquakes and famines, to unnatural ones.
In those days, right after that
time of suffering, "The sun will become dark, and the moon will no longer
shine. The stars will fall, and the powers in the sky will be shaken."
Mark 13:24-25 CEV
These signs
will baffle astronomers and encourage those who understand to be watching.
Then the Son of Man will be seen
coming in the clouds with great power and glory. He will send his angels to
gather his chosen ones from all over the earth.
Mark 13:26-27 CEV
Jesus will come
with great power and glory, dispatching His angels to gather His followers.
While this promise was directly aimed at believing Jews, it also carried
tremendous meaning for the Christians in Rome suffering persecution. Jesus
assures them God is in control and their faith will be rewarded. That promise
extends to each and every believer who has ever endured persecution for the
sake of His name.
Seasonal Rhythms (vv. 28-29)
Jesus once
again uses the fig tree to reinforce the need to be watching.
Now learn this lesson from the fig
tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that
summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it
is near, right at the door.
Mark 13:28-29 NIV
There is a
rhythm to the seasons.
In our backyard the invasive buck thorn is one of the
first to leaf out. It comes early in spring. The honey locust, however, is slow
to break dormancy. It’s not precise. We have seen it range from mid May to late
June. Whenever it finally leafs out, summer is near.
The fig is that
tree in the Middle East. When it leafed out, summer was near.
Generational Expectations (vv. 30-32)
Jesus uses another
familiar comparison to heighten their expectations.
I tell you the truth,
this generation will not pass from the scene before all these things take
place. Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.
However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even
the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.
Mark 13:30-32 NLT
Due to the
different meanings generation had, Jesus’ words carry a variety of
interpretations.
He meant His contemporaries would not pass
away
He meant the people descended from a common
ancestor—like the nation of Israel
He meant a period of time of 40-50 years
When Israel was restored as a nation, people leaped to the
last meaning. Many predicted that Jesus would return in the late 1980s—40 years
after the nation was formed. Speakers and publications predicted the date and
warned of the need to be ready. One booklet released in 1987 was titled 87
Reasons Jesus Will Return In 1987. The last reason used the generational timing
that 40 years were completed. In 1988 the booklet was revised as 88 Reasons
Jesus Will Return In 1988, with the last reason being it hadn’t happened in
1987. After 1989 I didn’t see the booklet again. Many succumbed to the
temptation to set a precise time for Jesus’ return.
This was done
even though Jesus said He doesn’t know the date. That fact is reserved for the
Father. But, Jesus says He is telling the truth that this generation will not
pass away. Note carefully that the first two meanings for generation are still
possible. He assures us that the signs of His coming are sure, but the timing
is not. All that we understand as essential for life may pass away, but His
words will never disappear. We need to be watching and trusting that the Father
knows what He is doing.
Conclusion:
Keep Watching
A Final Story
As Jesus
finishes teaching His disciples He knows He will soon be gone. He will hand
over His duties of to those disciples. To help them understand what will happen
He tells them one more very short story.
The coming of the Son of Man can
be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. When he left home,
he gave each of his slaves instructions about the work
they were to do, and he told the gatekeeper to watch for his return.
Mark 13:34 NLT
A Final Warning
Jesus would
soon leave on His return trip to heaven with the promise that He will one day
return. He gave instructions about the work to be done in His absence and then
told the gatekeeper to be watching for His return. No matter how long it may
be, they are to watch for His return.
You, too, must keep watch! For you
don’t know when the master of the household will return—in the evening, at
midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak. Don’t let him find you sleeping when he
arrives without warning.
Mark 13:35-36 NLT
A Final
Plea
Listen, now,
for what Jesus said to Peter, James, John and Andrew He also says to us.
I say to you what I say to
everyone: Watch for him!
Mark 13:37 NLT
We need to be just like our son Andy was when he was a
preschooler waiting for me to come from the church. Judi would tell him, “Daddy
will be coming home soon. Go wait for him.” We have a great picture Judi took
of him silhouetted against the bright afternoon sky waiting on the front step
watching for my car to drive up. He was waiting and watching because he didn’t
know for sure when I would be home; he just knew it would be soon.
Jesus is coming
soon. He expects that we will be watching and waiting for His return.
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