(Read Mk. 13:1-37)
Introduction: In the Thirteenth chapter of Mark, the disciples pointed to the greatness of the temple structure (comparable to Matt. Ch. 24). That gave Jesus an occasion to point to the future of that building as well as the nation of Judah. (Mk 13:1-8). Also, He points to the behavior that these disciples will have to face (Mk. 13:9-13). He points them to what they shall be able to see so they can escape the destruction that the unbelieving Jewish people were to experience (Mk. 13:14-23). He told them how they were to act, to flee the city, etc. He, also, pointed to what will happen "after that tribulation." (Vs. 24-30). He says, "Verily I say unto you that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done." That makes it fairly certain that the things described up to that point have now SURELY been accomplish, does it not? Else we still have some of that "generation" still with us, and that we cannot believe — people nearly 2000 years of age.
Major points to consider:
1. Verse 31 tells us that the word is more sure than heaven and earth. In fact heaven and earth shall pass away, but His "word shall not pass away." That means that it is sure to be fulfilled, every word! Also, it will be there when each of us are judged (Jn. 12:48; Rom. 2:16). That needs to be understood and accepted!
2. He speaks of "that day and that hour" that no man knows, not the angels, not even the Son of man, but "the Father" ONLY knows of that exact time. How foolish it is, then, for man to come along foretelling the "time" when the end is coming! Yet, we see many having done that very thing. With the uncertainty of that time, man needs to be ready at all times (Vs. 30-33). What about you and me?
3. He informs His disciples, and thus us today, that the Son of man, "as a man taking a far journey, who left his house and gave authority to his servants,..." (V. 34)
4. He tells "every man" of his work and commands the porter to watch (v, 34).
5. Consequently, we are to "WATCH": not knowing when the master shall return. The reason to watch is so that no one will be caught off guard, that is,sleeping,- not doing what they have been left to do (Vs. 35-36)
6. His last word of this chapter is WATCH (v. 37). Are we heeding His instructions? If not are we mindful of what lies ahead for us?
Questions:
1. What did one of Jesus’ disciples say to Him about the Temple building (13:1) ?
2. What did Jesus say about the future of this temple building (13:2)?
3. What did Peter, James, John and Andrew ask Jesus to "tell" them (13:3-4; Cf. Matt 24:3-4)?
4. What advice did Jesus give the disciples first (13:5-8)? Why, did He say the advice was needed?
5. What kind of treatment could the disciples expect (13.9-13)?
6. What would the disciples "see" that should signal them to "flee to the mountains"(13:14-23?
7. After the "tribulation" what could they expect to see (13:24-27)?
8. What were they to "learn" from the "fig tree" (13:28-30)?
9. What’s His point about "this generation" (v.30)
10. Who knows the day and hour of the end?
