READ: Mark 13:1-13: … Take heed that no one deceives you …
watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils … And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
The disciples’ exclamation in verse 1 follows Jesus’ words from Matt. 23: 37-39, just before leaving the temple: “See, your house is left to you desolate.” The disciples then point to the impressive buildings and beautiful stones of the temple complex. Would all this become a desolation? There is great astonishment in their words.
But Jesus says: not one stone will be left upon another of these great buildings. When they arrive on the Mount of Olives and sit where they can overlook the temple, they ask Jesus: when will all this happen?
The disciples are shocked: what will come of this, is this the end, and when can we expect it—will there be a sign, an indication? Matt. 24: 3 specifies it even more: what is the sign of your coming and of the end of the world? The disciples see the destruction of the temple coinciding with the end of the world. This is not correct; instead, the destruction of Jerusalem in the year 70 is a foreshadowing of the final judgment. The most important thing is not knowing the exact time, but being prepared! They must be cautious not to be deceived by false Christs and false prophets who will mislead many.
Additionally, they must be careful to persevere in faith because persecution and hardship await them. They will be hated by all because of the name of Christ. Lawlessness will increase. All of this is a great trial. Only those who persevere to the end will be saved.
There will always be signs that Christ will return: wars, epidemics, natural disasters. But first, the gospel of the Kingdom must be preached throughout the whole world. Then the end will come.
Are you ready for the day of Christ’s return?
Singing: Hymn 39:2 (1984), 51:2 (2014)