Signs of the Times

N.T.#420 "Signs of the Times"

Nov. 8, 2024

Mark 13-Part 2

LET IT GLOW 

Here we have a conversation between Jesus and His disciples on Tuesday before the crucifixion on the Temple mound. This chapter is known as the Olivet Discourse. 

When the group left the Temple, they would have climbed up the hill to the Garden area of the Mount of Olives overlooking Jerusalem. The disciples pointed out the beautiful stones and buildings. However, Jesus told them the great buildings would be destroyed and stones thrown down. Those impressive buildings must have been magnificent. Yet one day they were going to be completely demolished.

This happened in 70 AD whenever the Romans destroyed the Jewish Temple by fire. The golden items within the Temple melted and ran down between the stones. Later the people overturned the stones looking for gold. It is that way today. Only the Wailing Wall remains as part of that area. The Golden Dome has replaced the Temple for Islamic worship of pagan gods.

In our lifetime, we have seen beautiful towers fall in the city of New York due to an invasion of the enemy. Many large cities have to tall skyscrapers reaching to the sky, towering above the city. We experienced this in Boston as we walked the Freedom Trail. Tall buildings surrounded the historical landmarks. Other large cities have similar buildings.

One day Jesus will return to earth to rule as King for a thousand years. All those pagan buildings and statues will come down as the Messiah is lifted up and worshiped.

LET IT GROW

Then Peter, James, John, and Andrew privately asked Jesus when those things would be and what the sign would show them these things are about to be fulfilled.

Jesus' answers were (in my words and NLT, verses 1-13:

• Don't be deceived or misled, for many would come in His name claiming to be the Messiah. 
• Wars and threats of wars will be hear of, so don't panic.
• These things would take place, but the end won't immediately follow.
• Nation will go to war against nation, kingdom against kingdom.
• Earthquakes in many parts of the world and famines will happen.
• Personally, believers will be handed over to local councils and beaten.
• Christians will stand trials before governors and kings because they are Jesus followers.
• Family members will betray family members and cause them to be killed. 
• Everyone will hate you because you are My followers. but the one who endures to the end will be saved.

Are we ready? If God choses to leave us here during this time, will we remain faithfully following Jesus?

LET IT GO 

Turn our eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, then the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the eyes of His glorious face.

What do we need to let go so we are completely following Jesus?