Mark 13 - 2.27.24
SCRIPTURE: Mark 13:5-7, 32-33
5 Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 6 Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many. 7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.
“32 But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard! Be alert[e]! You do not know when that time will come.
OBSERVATION: Jesus is talking to his Disciples about the end times. There’s a lot to absorb in this chapter but the one thing that stood out to me are not the world events but the personal warnings and the connected promises. Yes, there are lots of warnings in this chapter about the events before Christ returns. Apparently, one of those warnings is of key importance because he warns about false teachers twice. The first warning is in verses 5 – 6 but then in verse 21 – 23, he warns us:
21 At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. 22 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 23 So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.
APPLICATION: Jesus was especially concerned about us being led astray. He knows our weakness (Hebrews 4:15). He knows we can be tempted (Hebrews 2:18). He knows our fears (John 14:27). He is intimately acquainted with all our ways (Psalm 139:3). In knowing us so well, this chapter is a blessing in preparation (verse 23: So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time). Being prepared for the end times is just like preparing for an emergency. When we are prepared, we have the tools ahead of time to help us through the emergency and to safety. The same is true for these end time warnings. He wants us to be prepared and not fall victim to false teachers or false messages and ultimately be ready for His return.
He also doesn’t want us to be concerned about the day or time of his return. He prepares us by letting us know no one knows the exact day or hour of Christ’s return but to “be on guard! Be alert!.” We don’t have to worry about the details but He simplifies everything by saying to just be ready.
Throughout this chapter, Jesus gave us some great action words to help us: Watch out, be on guard, be alert, and don’t be alarmed. How can we accomplish all of these action words? How can we be prepared but well prepared? One roadmap in the Word is in the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10 – 17). It is only when we’re prepared and watchful to these signs, knowing they must take place (verse 7), we can then avoid the false teachers. Each step, each event is one step closer to the blessing and promise: Christ’s return. In the end, we have the sweet return of Jesus!
PRAYER: Thank you, Lord, for preparing us in your return. You are such a loving and caring God. You have given us everything we need to be prepared for your return. Help me to be on guard and alert to all of these warnings. Help me to be strong and ready for everything that brings your return closer! Come Lord Jesus. Amen.
- Mary Oberg
