Welcome back!Over the past several weeks now, we’ve read Jesus’ response (Mark 13:5-27) to the disciple’s question in Mark 13:3-4. It has been both frightening and yet encouraging, because in the end Jesus returns and His angels will gather us together to be with Him (Mark 13:27).
“At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.” (Mark 13:26)
After a frightening and terror-filled description of the signs that the disciples were to watch for, Jesus gives us hope.
“And He will send His angels and gather His elect from the four winds, from the [...]
The news just seems to get worse. Two weeks ago we began describing the great deception and chaos as signaling the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophesies. Last week Jesus continued, this time promising His Holy Spirit and salvation for those who endure. Today, Jesus speaks of the appearance of the “abomination that causes desolation” (Mark 13:14; [...]
Last week Jesus began His response to the disciples’ sincere questions, “When will these things happen?” and “What will be the sign that they are about to be fulfilled?” (Mark 13:4).
If it wasn’t bad enough that there would be great deception and chaos, Jesus continued with more frightening revelations. But this time, they come with [...]
Jesus, in beginning to answer the disciples’ question (Mark 13:4), first warns them:
“Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he’, and will deceive many” (Mark 13:6)
“When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed.” (Mark 13:7)
After the stunning revelation Jesus spoke - that the magnificent temple they were leaving was going to be destroyed (Mark 13:2) - some of the disciples wanted to know two things:
When will these things happen?
What will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?
Continue reading about Thouhtful Questions - Sincere Answers
“Do you see all these great buildings? Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” (Mark. 13:2)
I close my eyes, only for a moment and the moments gone.
- Kansas
In Jesus’ day, the great temple of Israel was a marvel to His disciples, nearly twice the size of Solomon’s [...]
Last week, Jesus warned us about the celebrities and politicians of our day. We learned how, in contrast, we should lead quiet lives and work with our hands so that we will be dependent on no one (1 Thes. 4:11).
As Jesus was warning His listeners about the self-righteous and proud teachers of the law - the “elite” of His day - He was also warning us, and every generation to follow, about them (Mark 12:38-40).
As Jesus continued to teach in the temple courts, He presented to the teachers a paradox:
“How is it that the teachers of the law say that the Christ is the Son of David?”
Jesus cites David speaking by the Holy Spirit in Ps. 110:1 as calling the Christ “Lord”. He is affirming that the Messiah will [...]
