1. What sign does Jesus mention that will signal the beginning of the Great Tribulation? Answer: The "abomination of desolation" standing where it should not be. (Mark 13:14)
2. What does Jesus instruct those in Judea to do when they see this sign?
Answer: Flee to the mountains. (Mark 13:14)
3. According to Jesus, what will this time period be unprecedented for?
Answer: It will be a time of tribulation unequaled from the beginning of creation until now, and never to be equaled again. (Mark 13:19)
4. Why does Jesus say that God will cut short those days?
Answer: For the sake of the elect, whom He has chosen. If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. (Mark 13:20)
MARK 13:14-20 - THE GREAT TRIBULATION
14 "But When You See The Abomination Of Desolation Standing Where It Ought Not To Be (let The Reader Understand), Then Let Those Who Are In Judea Flee To The Mountains."
JESUS WARNS OF A FUTURE DESECRATION OF THE HOLY PLACE, LIKELY REFERENCING DANIEL'S PROPHECY.
15 "Let The One Who Is On The Housetop Not Go Down, Nor Enter His House, To Take Anything Out,"
THE URGENCY OF THE SITUATION REQUIRES IMMEDIATE FLIGHT WITHOUT DELAY.
16 "and Let The One Who Is In The Field Not Turn Back To Take His Cloak."
SIMILARLY, THOSE WORKING SHOULD FLEE IMMEDIATELY WITHOUT RETURNING FOR POSSESSIONS.
17 "And Alas For Women Who Are Pregnant And For Those Who Are Nursing Infants In Those Days!"
JESUS EXPRESSES COMPASSION FOR THOSE WHO MAY STRUGGLE TO FLEE QUICKLY.
18 "Pray That It May Not Happen In Winter."
WINTER CONDITIONS WOULD MAKE THE FLIGHT MORE DIFFICULT AND DANGEROUS.
19 "For In Those Days There Will Be Such Tribulation As Has Not Been From The Beginning Of The Creation That God Created Until Now, And Never Will Be."
JESUS DESCRIBES AN UNPARALLELED TIME OF DISTRESS AND SUFFERING.
20 "And If The Lord Had Not Cut Short The Days, No Human Being Would Be Saved. But For The Sake Of The Elect, Whom He Chose, He Shortened The Days."
GOD'S MERCY LIMITS THE DURATION OF THIS TRIBULATION FOR THE SAKE OF HIS CHOSEN ONES.
What was the significance of Herod the Great's renovation of the Temple in Jerusalem?
Question 2 of 4
How did the disciples react to Jesus' prophecy about the destruction of the Temple?
Question 3 of 4
Analyze how wars and rumors of wars serve as indicators of distress in relation to Jesus' teachings on the Mount of Olives.
Question 4 of 4
Discuss the implications of natural disasters such as earthquakes and famines as mentioned in Jesus' warnings about end times.
PERSEVERE UNTIL THE END
A. The Temple's Demise And Its Consequences
(1-2) Jesus Foretells The Temple's Destruction.
As He Was Leaving The Temple, One Of His Followers Remarked, “Master, Look At The Impressive Stones And Structures Here!” Jesus Replied, “Do You Observe These Magnificent Buildings? Truly, Not A Single Stone Will Remain In Place; All Will Be Toppled.”
"Teacher, Observe The Type Of Stones And The Architecture Present Here! The Disciples, Much Like Sightseers, Were Astonished By The Splendor Of The Temple In Jerusalem. Their Wonder Was Warranted; The Temple, Renovated By Herod The Great, Stood As One Of The Most Impressive Edifices Of Antiquity, Symbolizing The Pride Of The Jewish Community."
"Every Stone Will Be Overturned, And None Will Remain In Place: Approximately 40 Years After Jesus Delivered This Prophecy, A Jewish Uprising Against The Romans Led To A Disastrous Defeat For The Jewish People. The Romans Annihilated Jerusalem, Along With The Temple, Perfectly Realizing Jesus' Prediction."
B. The Questions Of The Disciples Regarding The Future
(3-4) The Prediction Made By Jesus Raises Two Queries In The Thoughts Of His Disciples.
While He Was Seated On The Mount Of Olives Facing The Temple, Peter, James, John, And Andrew Approached Him Privately And Inquired, “When Will These Events Occur? What Will Be The Indication That All These Things Are About To Happen?”
While Seated On The Mount Of Olives: The Mount Of Olives Offered A Sweeping Vista Of The Temple Mount Situated Over The Kidron Valley. From This Vantage Point, Jesus And His Followers Had A Clear Sight Of The Temple, Which Led To Their Inquiries.
"Please Inform Us, When Will These Events Occur? The Initial Inquiry From The Disciples Concerned The Timing Of The Temple's Demolition. Although Mark Does Not Include Jesus' Response, The Gospel Of Luke (21:8-23) Offers It."
"What Will Indicate That All These Events Are Coming To Completion? The Second Inquiry Pertains To The Signs That Would Denote The Realization Of Jesus' Prediction. The Remainder Of Mark 13 Discusses This Topic."
D. The Course Of History Leading Up To Jesus’ Return
(5-8) Jesus Outlines Overall Global Conditions During The Time Between His Ascension And His Second Coming.
Jesus Responded To Them By Saying, “Be Careful That No One Misleads You. Many Will Come In My Name, Claiming, ‘I Am The One,’ And They Will Lead Many Astray. However, When You Hear About Wars And Rumors Of Wars, Do Not Let It Disturb You; These Events Are Necessary, But The End Has Not Arrived Yet. Nation Will Oppose Nation, And Kingdom Will Rise Against Kingdom. There Will Also Be Earthquakes In Different Locations, Along With Famines And Hardships. These Are Merely The Initial Stages Of Distress.”
Be Cautious That No One Misleads You: Jesus Cautioned His Followers About The Threat Posed By False Messiahs Who Would Arrive In His Name, Pretending To Be Him Or His Emissaries. Numerous Individuals Would Fall Victim To These Frauds.
Conflicts And Speculation About Conflicts: Jesus Warned That Wars And The Possibility Of Wars Would Take Place Prior To His Second Coming. While These Events Have Been Prevalent Throughout History, Jesus Emphasized That They Do Not Serve As Particular Indicators Of The End Times.
These Occurrences Are Inevitable, But The Conclusion Has Not Arrived: Jesus Pointed Out That Phenomena Like Conflicts, Food Shortages, And Seismic Activities Have Been Present Throughout Human History Since His Ascension. He Stressed That These Do Not Signify That The End Is Near.
These Events Mark The Onset Of Troubles: Jesus Likened These Disasters To The Initial Stages Of Childbirth, Indicating Both The Arrival Of A New Era And The Possibility Of A Rise In The Frequency And Severity Of Such Occurrences.
Overview
Jesus' Message Delivered On The Mount Of Olives Emphasizes The Importance Of Being Alert, Persevering, And Exercising Judgment During Difficult Times. Although Disasters And Hardships Are Unavoidable, They Do Not Automatically Indicate The End Times. Rather, They Signify The Onset Of A Phase Filled With Trials That Will Ultimately Result In Jesus' Return.
1. Mark 13:9, what will happen to the followers of Jesus?
They will be praised by all
They will be delivered over to councils and beaten in synagogues
They will become wealthy and powerful
They will live peaceful lives
2. Mark 13:10, What must happen before the end?
The temple must be rebuilt
All wars must cease
The gospel must be proclaimed to all nations
The world must achieve perfect peace
3. Mark 13:11, Who will speak through the followers when they are brought to trial?
Their lawyers
The disciples
Jesus himself
The Holy Spirit
4. Mark 13:13, what will happen to those who endure to the end?
They will be rewarded with earthly riches
They will be saved
They will become leaders of nations
They will ascend to heaven immediately
NOTES:
VERSE 9 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.
THEME: PERSECUTION AND WITNESSING
10 And The Gospel Must First Be Proclaimed To All Nations.
THEME: GLOBAL GOSPEL PROCLAMATION
11 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.
THEME: DIVINE GUIDANCE IN TRIALS
12 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.
THEME: FAMILY DIVISION AND BETRAYAL
13 And You Will Be Hated By All For My Name's Sake. But The One Who Endures To The End Will Be Saved.
THEME: ENDURANCE AND SALVATION
WHAT DOES ENDURANCE IN FAITH LOOK LIKE IN YOUR DAILY LIFE?
HOW CAN WE BALANCE BEING ON GUARD WITH MAINTAINING A LOVING AND OPEN HEART?
HOW DOES THE PROMISE OF SALVATION IMPACT YOUR WILLINGNESS TO FACE HARDSHIPS FOR CHRIST?
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