Welcome to Timeless Truth with Pastor Jim Thomas. In season 2, Pastor Jim is leading us in a study of Mark. Today’s passage is Mark 13:1-13
The Jewish Temple
- 950 BC: 1st temple built by Solomon
- 586 BC: Destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar
- 512 BC: Rebuilt under Zerubbabel
- 167 BC: Desecrated by Antiochus IV Epiphanies
- 19 BC: Renovation & expansion by Herod the Great
- 30 AD: Jesus predicts destruction
- 70 AD: Destroyed & dismantled by Roman general Titus
What does Jesus specifically tell His followers to do with this information about the things to come?
- Be on the alert, on guard, take heed v. 5, 9, 23, 33, 37
- Don’t be misled v. 5
- Don’t be afraid v. 7
- Be ready to serve as witnesses v. 9-11
- Persevere until the end v. 12-13
What categories of events will mark the beginnings of the unraveling of this world system?
- Spiritual deception v. 5-6
- International conflict v. 7-8a
- Natural disasters v. 8b
- Increasing persecution of Christians v. 9-13
“History is not a random series of meaningless events. It is rather a succession of periods and happenings which are under the sovereign rule of God, who is the God of history.”
John Stott
In spite of the ominous news about the kingdom of this world coming to an end, Jesus offered three comforting statements rich in hope:
- “Destroy this Temple and in three days I will raise it up.” John 2:19 Jesus will have the final say, the last word and that word is filled with the hope of new life!
- These are the beginnings of birth pangs… “we’ve only just begun” & birth pangs lead to the delivery of new life!
- He who suffers/endures to the end will experience 2 things: 1. Their life will become a testimony to the world about Jesus and the Gospel and 2. Assurance of salvation. Standing fast on the promises of Jesus, in the power of God, will serve as a comforting and sure sign to themselves that they are among those who will receive salvation in His name!
For further study of the scriptures, prayerfully read Bible books like:
Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Joel, Amos, Zechariah. In the NT: Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21, Acts 1, I Thessalonians 4, 2 Thessalonians 2, 2 Peter 3, Revelation
Other books:
- The Last Days According to Jesus by R. C. Sproul
- Contemporary Options in Eschatology by Millard Erickson
- The Bible and the Future by Anthony Hoekema.
- Search these websites: thegospelcoalition.org & bible.org
