MARK 13:5-23

THE COMING AGAIN OF JESUS

I. Greetings:

II. Introduction:
The British scholar William Barclay says we often ignore two doctrines in modern times, because they do not fit our comfort zones (Barclay p.330). In Barclay’s circles, he noticed they left out speaking much about the doctrines of Hell and the Second Coming. Both could imply a truly supernatural belief structure and both doctrines make us highly uncomfortable.
In our last lesson, we noted that Jesus predicted the fall of the Temple in Mark 13:2. The disciples countered with Mark 13:4.
>>>> Have someone read Mark 13:4 what follows in Mark 13:5-23 was the answer to their question, and what we will explore today.

III. Be neither Deceived nor Frightened! Mark 13:5-8.
>>>> Have someone read Mark 13:5-6.
Q What is the main concern of Jesus here?
An = In times of crisis false leaders would emerge. Jesus’ main concern was for his disciple’s welfare. It was pastoral. In other words, His concerns were not to impart esoteric information, but were focused on our well being. Jesus worried or cared about how they would fare.
Note: He was very directive in these verses, and this was an indication of His overwhelming concern for whether the disciples would make it. In the verses 5-37 there are 19 imperatives or 19 commands or prohibitions (Lane, p. 446). In these opening verses the warnings were against bad leadership. In times of crisis such leadership will emerge. He was telling them not to be taken in.
>>>> Have someone read Mark 13:7-8.
Q Why were they not to be frightened?
An = They were privileged to know what God knows! Jesus was telling them that these things must take place. This was only the beginning. So He wanted them to stay focused, to stay vigilant. His message was: “Don’t be misled or frightened. All is in God’s hands.” The key response was to stay obedient!

IV. Do Not Wilt Under Persecution. Mark 13:9-13
>>>> Have someone read Mark 13:9-13.
Q Why would they be arrested in Mark 13:9?
An = For Jesus’ sake. The abuse, says Lane (p. 464), heaped on the disciples was intended for Jesus. The only reason the disciples were to have trouble was that they were identified with Him. Have three people turn to the following three texts and have them take turns reading them out loud to the group:
>>> Have someone read: Acts 9:1-2; Philippians 1:29; Colossians 1:24
Q Was following Jesus an honor or an advantage?
An = These passages indicate there were costs to pay when someone was closely associated with Jesus Christ. Turning back to our passage in Mark….
Q If these Mark verses were Second Coming texts, how were the disciples to be watchful? What did taking abuse on behalf of Jesus have to do with being ready?
An = If we are not sharing our faith, or being open about our faith, it could impair our readiness. The abuse could be the sign that we are ready.
Q Why were they to be free of being anxious in Mark 13:11?
An = through the Spirit of God. He made all the difference. If they were truly God’s children, then God’s Holy Spirit would be with them in their times of persecution.
Note: The courts mentioned in 13:9 were both civil and secular. Sometimes the disciples were to get in trouble with the civil authorities and at times it was the religious establishment that gave the believers trouble.
Note: It was the preaching of the gospel that caused persecution. Many today want to be politically correct and not do embarrassing evangelism. If you want to avoid persecution, do not evangelize. This is especially true in Islamic countries and even in places today in the West. If you do not do evangelism you will have no trouble, but you will also have no power or ability to speak from the Spirit. If you keep your belief private, all may seem well, but something will be missing.
Q Was verse 12 disheartening to the disciples? Why?
An = Being betrayed is extremely disheartening. Have you been significantly betrayed? If it has not happened yet, it certainly will. It happened in the early church.
Q Do you see the “why” of the betrayal in the last part of 13:13, what was it?
An = The betrayal was to come because of our loyalty to Jesus Christ. Betrayal hurts, and it is often one of the most difficult things to recover from. It can cause us more harm and discouragement than most things. Barclay tells the story of a man who was captured by the Nazi’s and severely tortured mentally and physically. He held on though and did not crack or give in. Finally, the Nazis released him to go home. A short time after he was home he committed suicide. It was later found out that when the man came home from his ordeal he found out who had turned him in. It was his son. He could not handle such betrayal (Barclay, pp. 327-328). Jesus said the disciples would need to!
Q Did Jesus experience any of the above?
An = Remember Jesus Christ was betrayed by one of His closest followers, Judas. Jesus’ experience was to become the cruel prototype of their experience. (Lane, 461)

V. Sacrilege, Flight and Vigilance. Mark 13:14-23.
>>>> Have someone read Mark 13:14-23.
Q What was the major issue here?
An = Flight! There was the urgency for flight (15-16); what could hinder flight (17-18); reasons for flight 19-20); and the final deterrent to flight (21-22).
Note: Mark said there was coming a time when abominable things would happen and nothing should keep the disciples from getting away. Christ would come back to earth again, and it would be preceded by great social turmoil. The disciples were to be ready, to be on their guard.
Q Why did phonies (false prophets) not want the disciples alert?
An = They wanted cattle, not real humans. They did not hear God and did not want others hearing Him either. They wanted people to get caught up with the sensational, “here is the Christ”, “He is there”, etc. Their only desire was to use people for their ends, not lead them to the Savior. If we are alert to the things of God, vigilant to do His will, we will know when to flee, and therefore we can succeed. There is going to be trouble coming and success will necessitate alertness!
Q As an individual, if we really believe in the Second Coming or Hell, how should it help us not be caught up in selfishness, sexual sin, materialism, or the hunt for a pride-centered career?
An = If you know of an example of someone who has missed these pitfalls, due to their beliefs, share it.
Q As a church or body of believers, how can false leaders lull us to sleep or deceive us?
An = Many times, false leadership has let the church go to sleep and be involved in other things than the preaching of the Gospel and the work of evangelism. They point to politics, nationalism, spiritual sensationalism, etc.
Q If you could only pick one command of the many Jesus has given in these verses, which one is the most important?
An = Watch, or be ready, or be alert![:]