Mark Chapter 13

Olivet Discourse
(Read: Mark 13:1-37)
Jesus looked at the temple and warned his disciple about the coming destruction of it. This happened in A.D. 70.  Other prophecies would be fulfilled in the near future.  Christians should not be misled by speculations about future events. There will be rumors of war and the nations will rise against nations. There will be famine and earthquakes in various places. Christians will be persecuted and accused of being followers of Christ.  The gospel will be preached to every nation.  But believers should not be alarmed because these are the beginning of the birth pain.  If anyone says, Look, here is the Messiah, don’t pay any attention. The false messiahs and false prophets will rise and perform miracles and wonders to deceive even the chosen ones. Jesus said, “Be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand”.  But when these signs become frequent and intensified, Christ's return is near. Then everyone will see the Son of man arrive on the cloud with great power and glory. Fig tree symbolizes Israel. As its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, understand that summer is near. It is a reference to Israel becoming a nation. It happened in 1948.  But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.  Therefore, stay awake for you do not know when the Lord returns.  Don’t let Christ find you sleeping when Christ returns.  It is more important to be engaged in our mission of making disciples for Christ than speculating the time of Christ's return.  We must be ready to suffer for the gospel.  The Church should be engaged in the rescue mission. Unfortunately, evangelism and discipleship have taken a back seat in the church today.  Let us pray that the church would reflect Christ's heart for the people perishing in their sin. To know more, read notes on Matthew 24 and 25.  God is concerned about the salvation of people, and he does not desire that any should perish in their sin (2 Peter 3:9).  We must take every opportunity to reach them with the gospel of Jesus Christ.