Watch! (Mark 13)

Matt. 24:2-3 – Please read with me. – 1) When will ‘these things’ (destruction of the temple) be? – 2) AND what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?

The last verse sums up the answers: Mk. 13:37 “And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” How will that help the disciples then and the ‘all’ that Jesus mentions?

He first warns his disciples that they need to ‘watch’ and will need to warn others of false Messiahs. Vs. 5-6 He explains that world crises and wars are not the signs of the destruction of the temple. Vs. 7-8

He next warns the disciples (apostles) that they will receive personal persecution. Vs He promises the Holy Spirit will be with them. Vs.11

In vs He speaks of the one sign that would precede the destruction of the temple. The ‘abomination of desolation’ is a term used in Daniel 9:27 and 11:31 which meant to foretell the action of Antiochus Epiphanes of Greece when he set up a figure of Zeus in the Holy Place.

This apocalyptic term was completed when Titus destroyed the temple and all sacrifices ceased in AD 70. Not one stone of the temple was left on another to hint it’s actual location on the mount. Luke tells us what the sign is Lk. 21:20 “When you see Jerusalem sorrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near”.

Mark 13:14-23 Save yourselves. Escape immediately. Consider the ones with children. Pray it not be in winter. Thank God that He will shorten those days for the elect’s sake.

Vs It will come after those days. Vs. 26 All will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds. Acts 1:11 I Thess. 4:16-18

Mk. 13:32 “But of that day and hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the son, but only the Father.” What are we to do? Vs. 33 “Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.” Watch! Vs

Be diligent and prayerful. Be ready by being prepared. 2 Pet Are you prepared? Acts 2:38-41