Chapter 13 is a brief teaching on the "tribulation" or "great tribulation." In Eschatology (study of "end times"), the tribulation period precedes the Second Coming of Christ. The subject came up because the disciple commented on how magnificent the temple was (Mark 13:1-2). Jesus told them that it would be utterly destroyed. That was hard to reconcile since it was an impressive building. Not like a church you may meet in now. It was huge...with incredible stone walls and magnificent decor. To put it in perspective, it would be like someone telling you that one day "Mt. Rushmore" will be leveled and there will be no hint of a President's face anywhere. (Kind of hard to get our heads around that).
Some of the disciples (Peter and Andrew, James and John) asked Jesus when this amazing feat would occur that He just spoke of. (Mark 13:3-4). Jesus told them that there would be many "false starts" or "missed cues" about the beginning of the tribulation (Mark 13:5-8). He seems to be saying that a number of people would falsely believe that the tribulation had come...or that some would seek to gain notoriety by claiming they knew when it was coming. (How true it is...anyone remember Y2K...for example?)
Jesus said that before the end would come, the tribulation would intensify and it would be a crime to be a Christian/witness. This persecution of believers would not stomp out the movement...since Christ proclaimed that the gospel will be preached to all nations/people group/ethnic peoples), (Mark 13:10). Further, the turmoil and strife will intensify until relatives are turning one another in to find relief or to gain an upper hand (Mark 13:11-13). Many will think that the times are futile...but those who endure will be saved (v.13).
Mark 13:14-19 describes the time of the anti-Christ (a world figure/messiah-type person) who will organize the people against God and against things of God, particularly the Jew. This person will ultimately lead an effort to exterminate Christians and Jews from the planet and will set himself up as god...arguably in the temple in Jerusalem (v.14). It may seem that his reign is everlasting and that hope will never come, but Christ tells the disciples that God has intentionally set a limit (42 months) on this one's power. His reign will end when Christ Himself comes again to make war against him (Mark 13:24-27).
Remember, the disciples wanted to know "when" this would occur. Jesus gives them the answer, both in parable and directly. They are to discern the times (as they discern the producing of fruit on the fig tree) (Mark 13:28-32). Just as you can look at a tree and know with some accuracy "about" when it will bear fruit...one should be able to observe the times and do likewise.
Mark 13:33-37 is Jesus telling the disciples that they will not know in advance exactly when. They are to be as a watchman awaiting the return of his master. Every day that goes by when the master has not yet arrived, should intensify the anticipation and cause them to be more expectant and aware of the hour. So...they are to be on the alert!
The anticipation of Christ's return was a rallying point for these early followers. As such, they were vibrant and zealous witnesses of Christ. They pursued the mission and did not cling too tightly to what they had...believeing that they would be leaving it behind soon, as they were gathered to be with Jesus. I wonder (at times) if that is not the issue with the church today. Could it be that we don't "really" believe in a soon coming Jesus? Is it that we think that since it has been so long...that we have an infinite amount of time to settle up and prepare? The disciples knew that each passing hour meant one less hour before His coming. They lived as children waiting on Christmas...10 days to go! 9 days to go! 8 days to go!....
Proverbs 23:4 is the takeaway today. The verse is not an admonition against providing for oneself or one's family. It is an admonition against living for things. Things are necessary...and things are even good. Things bring comfort and pleasure. However, things are not a reason to live. Things have an allure to them that draws us away from that which is important. I tell people all the time to avoid that which tempts them to sin. If that is lust...stay off the beach. If that is food...stay away from restaurants. If that is shopping...shop online. If that is...well you get the point. When we desire wealth...we have tendency to take our eyes of that which is truly important. Soon...we have been lured away from what was meaningful, and left only with things that can never truly satisfy.
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v.37 stands out to me. Jesus says "And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!" Jesus didn't just say that to the Christian but to ALL. He promises the return and warns us to watch. Everyday we should be ready, today could be the day. TODAY! I am reminded of a game I played when I was little in the car waiting at a red light. I used to think I could figure out when it would turn green. I remember thinking... now or now or now. I never really knew when the light would change to green just wishful thinking that maybe just maybe I would get it right. Well, I don't know when Christ will return either but I have to be ready.
I too am one of those people who cling onto things. They make me comfortable. I feel better when I have things to hang onto, this is a good lesson to me... things have no value only eternal life is important. Anybody need some stuff? j/k:)
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