How do I even dare to exposit such a holy and mysterious passage as Mark 13?
Only with earnest prayer, study, and caution.
I will share what is clear to me, and will be careful to say “this may portend, or may mean,” for much is mysterious. I will also provide a link to particularly helpful sermon from the Reformed site, Monergism, for those who wish to go deeper.
One of the first things that kept being repeated by trusted theologians and Scripture alike was that when Christ returns it will be in the clouds and not through the clouds.
Why does this matter?
When Christ returns, He will join heaven and earth, and His presence will fill both. When the LORD came to His Temple, a cloud FILLED the Temple, representing the presence and power of the Lord. So when Christ comes in the clouds, His presence and power will fill the new heaven and earth. So the glory of the sky on that great day is our symbol for the week, representing two clear truths in this chapter:
- That great day when “men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.” (Mark 13:26)
- For us to live daily for His glory, so as to be ready for the day He comes suddenly. (Mark 13:35-37)
The second coming of Christ is very good news, especially for those in most of the world who are so oppressed. Right now most of in this pandemic are not starving or homeless — but many are, and are dying. Keller says we forget about those who are suffering, so we do not long for The Second Coming.
But we should not only long for it, but cling to its promise, for more intense suffering may be on the horizon for us. The suffering described in the opening of Mark 13 was fulfilled by the martyrdom of the disciples and early Christians, is being fulfilled by the continuing and escalating martyrdoms today, and may very well portend to suffering that will occur before the coming of the Lord.
Highlights From Last Week:
What I am seeing in this pandemic time that God has either brought or allowed, is that my sisters on this blog are drawing nearer to Him. (That seems to be true for believers and unbelievers alike.) But how I see it here! In your prayers, (Diane’s wonderful prayer to not pretend she is whole when she broken); I in your care for one another, (Nila and Rebecca expressing their love for one another, Lizzy continually bringing Mary’s needs to us and helping us remember birthdays…) and in the way you are digging in. (All of you!) I absolutely loved reading all your reflections on the widow’s mite. Yes, indeed, Jesus loved her heart and dependence.
The other thing I truly think is there, but would love your thoughts, is that the religious leaders have not been faithful and wise managers. They made God’s temple a den of thieves, cheating the poor, cheating widows. I see the widow, who has a good heart, like the poor woman giving all she has to a television evangelist. (Once, because of someone I love, I went to a gathering of people that watch a “Christian” station that I see as very corrupt. They were almost all very poor, and many from oppressed minority groups. These were the people supporting this corrupt station.) This widow is not being condemned, but praised, for Jesus sees her heart. And those in charge of the temple will be condemned, for He sees their hearts too. The misused temple will be torn down, and Jesus will come as the True Temple to live in the hearts of His people. I also believe this interpretation fits in this week’s lesson. Thoughts?
I was not familiar with this song Nila posted — but it is perfect for this time when what is transitory is being shaken so that we may remember what cannot be shaken:
Sunday:
- What stands out to you from the above and why?
Monday: The Temple and The Tower of Babel
I learned something new this week in listening to John Lin’s sermon on Mark 13. (Available for 2.50 at Gospel in Life). Click here: https://gospelinlife.com/downloads/this-world-won-t-last-forever-5474/
Buildings often show what is valued (worshipped) in a city: Paris has beautiful cultural museums, New York has enormous financial buildings, and Washington D. C. has magnificent political buildings. Herod had built this temple to show how great “his” city was — it took up a third of Jerusalem and was not just a religious center, but a spectacular center for economic, political, and social purposes. Like the Tower of Babel, it was built to glorify man. My friend Ann Dahl supplied me with this model, which is how the Temple looked in Herod’s Day. This is a replica that is outside of Jerusalem today.
Lin said Jerusalem was a city built around a temple. It should only have been built by the Lord’s King, but it was built by Herod. We know, from past chapters in Mark, how it was being abused.
2. What had distressed Jesus about the temple? (review Mark 11:17 and Mark 12:38-40)
3. Read Mark 13:1-2
A. What do the disciples say to Jesus?
B. What specific prophecy does He give them?
This was fulfilled in 70 A. D. — to the letter. Gold melted in the fire, so to get it, every stone was pried up, and “not one stone was not left upon another.”
Tuesday: First, Great Suffering
Brian Borgman has two very helpful sermons on this challenging passage, should you want to go deeper. Here is a link to the first:
I will summarize.
The near prophecy of the martyrdom that happened in the early church is intertwined with martyrdoms to come, and foreshadows the final judgment. It is often difficult to tell of which He is speaking. But it does seem that the “abomination of desolation” refers to the destruction of Jerusalem. Borgman quotes D. A. Carson who explains that though there has been more catastrophic suffering since the destruction of Jerusalem, never has an individual city seen such suffering.
4. Read Mark 13:3-13
A. What question do the disciples ask after hearing this shocking
prophecy?
B. What does He tell them in verses 5 through 8?
C. What does the metaphor of “birth pangs” tell you about the
nature of the impending judgment?
D. What kind of suffering does Jesus tell them to expect? What promise
does He give them in verse 13?
All of the disciples, except for John, history tells us, died martyrs’ deaths. They were betrayed, beaten, and put to death. They were given words when they needed them (consider Stephen!) And, as Tertullion said, “the blood of the martyrs became the seed of the church.” Christians have continued to be martyred, in increasingly greater numbers with each century. This prophecy was fulfilled and continues to be fulfilled.
5. Has the testimony of martyrs impacted you in any way? The disciples? More recent martyrs? If so, how?
Wednesday: The Abomination that Causes Desolation
This phrase has always mystified me, but both N. T. Wright and Brian Borgman say it refers to the abominable practices in the Temple, which included Temple prostitution, cheating the poor and the widows, and more. Those abominable practices may have been what led God to destroy the Temple. There seems to be evidence in the text that this is referring to this specific event that happened in 70 A.D.
6. Read Mark 13:14. One clue that this refers to the Temple is in verse 14. Do you see it?
7. A parallel passage in Luke 21:20 also seems to indicate that this prophecy referred, at least in part, to the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem. Do you see it?
8. How does Jesus describe the distress in Mark 13:15-20?
This did occur at the destruction of Jerusalem — but may also foreshadow future suffering.
9. Read Mark 13:20-23 and list warnings and promises. (Again, this has happened and may foreshadow a final tribulation.)
Thursday: The Son of Man Coming In The Clouds
Children are often taught that heaven is way up high — but that is erroneous, according to N. T. Wright, in his book: “Surprised by Hope.” They have always been closely intertwined, and one day will be joined. It is a mystery — but I found this helpful:
Heaven and earth, it seems, are not after all poles apart, needing to be separated forever when all the children of heaven have been rescued from this wicked earth. …It is not we who go to heaven, it is heaven that comes to earth, indeed, it is the church itself, the heavenly Jerusalem, that comes down to earth. …Heaven and earth are made for each other in the same way (Revelation is suggesting) as male and female. And when they finally come together, that will be cause for rejoicing in the same way that a wedding is.
When will this happen? I think it will happen when Jesus comes in the clouds, and I think this passage teaches that, but I am not sure! The reason it is a mystery is because these prophecies of past, present, and future are so intertwined. But we know for certain it will happen and we should be ready.
10. Read Mark 13:24-31
A. What, according to verse 24-27 will follow that distress?
Keller, in his typical way, says the sun was darkened and the earth
shaken at the crucifixion, foreshadowing this great and terrible day.
B. What lesson should we learn from the fig tree?
Verse 30 is mysterious — but does show that some of these things
happened within the lifetime of the disciples — but that doesn’t
mean they will not happen again.
C. Read verse 30. What things happened within the lifetime of the
disciples in Mark 13:9-23? (This is also, probably, a foreshadowing
of future suffering.)
Friday: Be On Guard
11. Read Mark 13:32-37
A. What illustration does Jesus give to illustrate being on guard?
B. How would you pray for yourself in regard to this warning? For
your loved ones?
Dr. Halverson, the late chaplain of the U. S. Senate, said that his philosophy of life was “with Christ.” He imagined Christ with him every moment of the day, in every interaction, to help him live for His glory continually.
C. What helps you to live for His glory?
Saturday:
12. What will you remember from this chapter and why?
148 comments
11. Read Mark 13:32-37
A. What illustration does Jesus give to illustrate being on guard?A man who takes a trip, leaving his servants in charge.
B. How would you pray for yourself in regard to this warning? For your loved ones?
I don’t want to be lulled by our relative ease into not taking my spiritual life seriously. Or, if very hard roads are ahead, into thinking that God has abandoned me and I must fend for myself. I need daily reorientation, putting Christ at the center and de-centering myself.I want to get better and better at trust, knowing how to really flee to God and make him my refuge.
As I was thinking about this I thought about all the ‘last suppers’ one has when getting ready to go on a diet. I don’t want to keep returning to worthless things, one more earthly consolation before I give up putting hope in it while putting on hold that which truly gives life.
Dr. Halverson, the late chaplain of the U. S. Senate, said that his philosophy of life was “with Christ.” He imagined Christ with him every moment of the day, in every interaction, to help him live for His glory continually.
C. What helps you to live for His glory?
Most of all, the truth the debt paid on my behalf, the gratitude of the sure promise of heaven. I have to keep warming myself at that fire because I am prone to wander. Thank you, Dee, and my blog sisters for keeping this place as a sure and steady blaze.Another thing I thought of while pondering this was one of the plenary sessions at a Christian Counseling and Education Foundation conference was by Alasdair Groves, it had such an impact on me. He posited that the ‘treasure in heaven’ we were storing up was the ways we invest in one another. It had such an impact on me. As an introvert committed too often to my own comfort, I can have the tendency to avoid people while simultaneously desiring deep relationships. This teaching helps me be more intentional about my interactions with others, people who are treasures of Christ.He turned the message of the session into a blog post. Here is the link if you would like to read it:
https://www.ccef.org/treasuring-others/
I read it — it was great! Will be a highlight!
Christina-oh I so love this article. And thanks for introducing me to CCEF. I love how Alasdair interpreted Matthew 6:19-21 in light of treasuring others. So timely during this covid-19 days. I really think I am rich as I have found a lot of treasures among my friends, old and new alike including many here in the blog. Thanks for sharing!
Good article Chris. Thanks for sharing!
Friday
11. Read Mark 13:32-37
A. What illustration does Jesus give to illustrate being on guard?
The illustration of the master going on a long trip and leaving instructions for what his slaves should do while he was gone. But, he put a gatekeeper who was told to watch for his return because he could come back at any time. So don’t let me find you asleep when I arrive without warning. Watch for Him!
This reminded me of when I used to babysit in my teenage years. The parents left me in charge of taking care of their children, even after putting them to sleep. I tried so hard to stay awake, as I didn’t want them finding me sleeping on the job! There were a few times that sleep overtook me and they’d have to wake me up…so embarrassing!
B. How would you pray for yourself in regard to this warning? For your loved ones?
I pray Lord that I would not be caught unprepared when You return. May I be diligent in spending time in Your Word, in prayer and living out the gospel in my life. I pray this for my loved ones who know You and for those who don’t, I pray You would draw them to You and open their eyes to see the truth. Put people in their path who would boldly share the gospel with them. Amen
C. What helps you to live for His glory?
I think what helps me is not to compartmentalize God in my life, but rather intentionally make Him every part of my life. I heard a sermon on 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray without ceasing” to mean “living in a state of God consciousness.” This is a day to day struggle for me, but I know when He is first and foremost in my thoughts in all I do, He will be glorified.
Wow — that’s a rare babysitter!
I was the youngest — no experience or common sense — I put the baby on the counter and answered the phone. He fell off and had a golf ball sized lump on his head.
10 C. What happened within the lifetime of the disciples? They did go to many places , countries, proclaiming the Gospel. They were persecuted, and beaten and did stand before governors and kings to bear witness. They were hated, but they stayed strong, with the Holy Spirit to guide and help them. they were hated.
11. A. We are told to be on guard; as a man who is going on a journey, puts his servants in charge.
B. Prayer for self; Abba Father, As your word teaches, I pray to be alert at all times, being willing to be used for your glory. Help me to think about your instructions and your signs of your intervention in all things. Forgive me when I stray and cause me to come before you to search my heart, see if there be any wicked way in me, that I may repent and be corrected . Father I pray this for my daughters and son and all my grandchildren to be protected as they seek you. I pray that you will intervene in their lives, also, so that they may return to you. I thank you, Father, for all you have done and will do in our lives. Bless my Christian sisters and brothers. We are missing fellowship with one another, in worship, but may you draw us together in unity that your Name may be glorified. In Jesus’ name, Amen
C. What helps me to live for his glory? First by coming to the Lord in the morning, in prayer and reading the Bible. Since the quarantine, my husband has been much more interested in doing these times together. I am thankful, and know God is teaching us in this hard time.
I am thankful, Dee, for your teaching and questions that draw us to go deeper.
This pandemic has caused me to see the needs of the younger generation more than ever. I will claim Philippians 1:6 for multiple grandchildren who have strayed so from their commitment to Jesus and following the world’s ways.
Shirley, Philippians 1:6 is a verse I have been praying for my daughter and other loved ones.
Thanks, Shirley. Good verse to pray.
Dee, I appreciate this being a “safe” place, even when different opinions surface about eschatology, election and other “hard” subjects. You have a very special gift and I thank God for you.
Ditto!
Thanks so much!
Friday: Be On Guard
11. Read Mark 13:32-37
A. What illustration does Jesus give to illustrate being on guard? – Jesus explains it to them as if a man went away and left his house in the hands of his servants to take care of, with each of them having their assigned responsibilities with one of them keeping watch at the door.
B. How would you pray for yourself in regard to this warning? For your loved ones? – Lord, I don’t want to be sleeping when you come, I want to be doing what I’m assigned to do by you. Help me to keep my heart and mind open to those who come to deceive us so I’m aware of who they are. Help me and my family to always do your will so when the time comes we are ready to be with you. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.
Dr. Halverson, the late chaplain of the U. S. Senate, said that his philosophy of life was “with Christ.” He imagined Christ with him every moment of the day, in every interaction, to help him live for His glory continually.
C. What helps you to live for His glory? – For me, to always want to try and please Jesus and to live for his glory, is remembering just how much He sacrificed for me, why before I was even a thought. He chose me from the beginning of my time and I need to remember that a small sacrifice for me to give something up is nothing compared to what he gave and up did for me.
Friday: Be On Guard
I am behind as I have been busy participating in my Mom’s services and burial virtually. Thankful for technology these days. Thank you again for your prayers and support.
11. Read Mark 13:32-37
A. What illustration does Jesus give to illustrate being on guard?
A man (Jesus) going away and left his servants (saved people) in charge. We have to always be on guard because the man or owner of the house might come and we do not know when that would be.
B. How would you pray for yourself in regard to this warning? For your loved ones?
Lord, that I would not let my guard down as I live my life and wait in hope for Jesus’ second coming. You have left me as one with an assigned task. Let me be faithful in that. Let the one who is watching by the door be on guard as well. I presume they are our prophets in our generation.
I pray for my loved ones who do not know you yet or are living a life not pleasing to you. I pray they will turn to you for the only hope they can have for the afterlife.
Dr. Halverson, the late chaplain of the U. S. Senate, said that his philosophy of life was “with Christ.” He imagined Christ with him every moment of the day, in every interaction, to help him live for His glory continually.
C. What helps you to live for His glory?
That Jesus died for me while yet a sinner. And that He is worthy of all honor and glory.
Saturday:
12. What will you remember from this chapter and why?
Jesus will come again and I need to be always ready. At the moment, I want to be faithful to the assigned task which He has given to me-love Him with all my heart, soul, and strength and to love my neighbor.
Saturday:
12. What will you remember from this chapter and why? I think my takeaway is to remember that the prophecy in scripture is mysterious, but that my work is to trust God, to stay concerted to Him and to invest in others come what may. In ease and plenty or in want and great distress to stay focused on Christ.
That said, what sticks with me isn’t always what resonates immediately. I have learned that I am a slow processor. 🙂