Mark lesson 29
Read Mark 13:1-37 – https://www.bible.com/bible/59/mrk.13.esv
Mark 13:1-13
As they left the temple area, one of the disciples pointed to the
magnificent buildings and commented on their splendor. Jesus replied
that they all would be torn down. This remark astonished the disciples.
They asked when this would happen, and what sign there would be of the
temple's impending destruction. Jesus began answering by telling about
some things that would happen before the temple was destroyed. He warned
of false christs, wars, natural disasters and great persecution. These
events would be unsettling for the Christians, but Jesus told us so we would not be surprised when we saw these things begin to happen and think they had caught Him by surprise.
1. According to v1-‐4, what subject was Jesus discussing in these verses? Answer: The destruction of the _____ in Jerusalem.
2. Instead of saying that the events of these verses were signs of the
immediate end, what did Jesus say in v7? Answer: The end is _____
Mark 13:14-‐30
This paragraph is one of the most difficult in the gospel of Mark.
Several things should be carefully observed: 1) Jesus said that all of
these things were going to occur within that generation (13:30). 2) We
know that Jerusalem and the temple within it were destroyed by Roman
armies in the year 70 A.D. Contemporary reports chronicle Jerusalem's
horrible siege and tell that thousands (possibly more than a million)
died in the conflict. 3) Jesus warned the Christians to flee to the
mountains. History records that the disciples fled to a mountain
fortress near the Dead Sea. As far as we know, no Christians perished in
that war. It always pays to listen to Jesus.
3. What did Jesus tell the disciples in Judea to do when they saw the
evil thing in the temple (v14)? Answer: They should _____ to the
mountains.
4. When did Jesus say all the things in 13:1-‐30 would occur? a) when
He returns for the final judgment; b) within that generation; c) no one
knows; d) 2000 years later. Answer: _____
Mark 13:31-37
In verse 30 Jesus said that the destruction of the temple would occur
within that generation. But in verse 32, He spoke of an event that would
occur at a totally unknown time. He was referring to His own return and
the destruction of the world. Not even Jesus Himself knew when that
would occur. So. He exhorted everyone to be alert and constantly
prepared His return.
Note-‐-‐ Practical lessons: 1) We should not believe anyone who claims to be able to predict the date of the Lord's return. If Jesus didn't know, surely no mere man does. Anyone who claims to be able to discern the time of Jesus' return by a careful study of prophetic texts is claiming to know more than the Lord Himself and should not be taken seriously. 2) Since we don't know when the Lord will come back, we should always be ready. If you knew for sure that the Lord would come back today, would you change some things in your life? Then why not just assume that He is returning today (for He might), and make the changes immediately? It is utterly foolish to procrastinate in our repentance.
5. Who knows when Jesus will return (cf. 1 Thess. 5:12)? a) those who study prophecies: b) the angels; c) Christians; d) only the Father. Answer: _____