We are back in our series, “The Gospel of Mark”, and this weekend Pastor Scott preached from Mark 13:1-13. We don’t know the day or the hour of Jesus’ return, but we do know from His word that He IS coming back. In this message, we learn how we can take courage, be on guard, and live vigilantly as we wait for His return. Check out this sermon to learn more!
Sermon Notes
The Gospel of Mark: A Story of the Son of God Mark 13:1-13 // The Temple, Tribulation, and Triumph (Part 1)
“And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.’ And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, ‘Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?’ And Jesus began to say to them, ‘See that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name, saying, “I am he!” and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains. But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.’” Mark 13:1-13
“A confession of ignorance about the precise significance of some of these statements is nothing of which to be ashamed.” Sinclair Ferguson
“The fact is, we have yet to find a scholar who can perfectly unravel the knotty problems of the Olivet Discourse. Study of it requires a proper humility and a willingness to admit that we do not know everything.” Kent Hughes
Some foundational realities: 1. God’s word is infallible, our interpretation is not
2. We must humbly study what God has given us
“Some of the events have come to pass; some still remain in our future; some have a dual fulfillment, meaning the predictions came to pass but a more complete fulfillment awaits. How we determine which events are which has been the subject of debate for centuries, and we will not solve the riddle in this short space. So, rather than speculate, we will keep our eyes on the big picture.” Chuck Swindoll
With What is Obscure… We study, we pray, we make an educated guess, and we trust God.
With What is Clear… We learn, we obey, we take steps to grow, and we trust God.
“‘And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.’” Mark 13:37
1. Jesus’s Declaration (v.1-2) “And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.’” Mark 13:1-2
“And the glory of the Lord went up from the midst of the city and stood on the mountain that is on the east side of the city.” Ezekiel 11:23
“‘See, your house is left to you desolate.’” Matthew 23:38
2. Jesus’s Explanation (v.3-8) “And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, ‘Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?’ And Jesus began to say to them, ‘See that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name, saying, “I am he!” and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains. Mark 13:3-8
“‘Many will come in my name, saying, “I am he!” and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.’” Mark 13:6-8
“‘Many will come in my name, saying, “I am he!” and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.’” Mark 13:6-8
“And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming.” 1 John 2:28
“You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” 2 Peter 3:17-18a
3. Jesus’ Exhortation (v.9-13)
“‘But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.’” Mark 13:9-13
“‘I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.’” John 16:33
“‘And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.’” Mark 13:37
How do we apply this?
1. Stay awake to the reality that Jesus is coming back
2. Be on guard against obsessing or ignoring this reality
3. Live intentionally in light of His return
