MARK 13
Mark 13 holds deep lessons from Jesus about his return, known as the Olivet Discourse.
1. Jesus knows that he will return to claim his bride. In verse 23, he tells us to “be on your guard.” This charge to remain vigilant comes after he tells us that false messiahs and false prophets will appear and convince people that they are God. Jesus gives his followers advance warning that people are going to try to deceive them. They will be convincing. The best way to know a counterfeit is to know intimately the authentic. If you don’t know what a real dollar looks like, how would you recognize a fake? Part of being on our guard requires intimate knowledge of our savior. How can we learn to recognize Jesus and not be convinced by fraudsters?
“This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent —Jesus Christ.” – John 17:3
2. Jesus’ return can be a terrifying proposition. We read his words about darkening sun, Jesus returning in clouds, and angels sweeping in from the ends of the earth. We read in Revelation all of the mysterious and sometimes scary things that will happen at the end of time. Taken apart from the mercy and grace of God, this would be a future we would not wish to partake in. We must remember the purpose of Jesus’ return in order to remain hopeful and vigilant. Jesus returns for ultimate salvation. He returns to gather his people for himself for one final and eternal time. His return should not fill us with dread, but hope for our long-awaited glorification. We have the greatest possible future to look forward to. How can I fix my eyes on the end goal of reunion with Jesus? How should this reality shape my present life?
“So also Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” – Hebrews 9:28
3. If we know that Jesus is returning, we have a responsibility to those who do not know. How cruel would it be for us to have prior knowledge of an upcoming judgment and not tell those around us? If we knew a hurricane was coming and we did not tell those in its path, we would hold the weight of their loss. Jesus’ desire is not to destroy humanity but to redeem it and restore it to right relationship with himself. We must be willing to share this truth with those who do not know it, or have chosen to look away. The ultimate responsibility for calling people to God is on the Holy Spirit, but we are called to be vigilant on mission for his kingdom. Who needs to hear about the love of God in my circle of influence?
“For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can the believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher?” – Romans 10:13-14
Life Application: Examine your life honestly. Do my current lifestyle, practices and budget line up with the work of the vigilant watchman? Is there an area of my life that needs to come into obedience with Jesus?
For Prayer: Pray for the people of Myanmar as they rebuild from the devastating earthquake they suffered last week. Pray for Pastor Judah as he shares the gospel amidst his mission to rebuild there.