In this episode we dig deeply into Mark chapter 13, the longest block of Jesus’ teaching in the Gospel of Mark. We will take special note of the historical and prophetic contexts which shape our understanding of Jesus’ last teaching. Here, he predicts the coming destruction of the Jerusalem temple in AD 70 and uses that event as a prototype to reveal details about his second coming at the end of the age. This is a complex chapter, but Jesus gives us an important clue to its interpretation by the repeated use of the key terms “these things,” which refer to the events of the near future surrounding AD 70, and “those days,” which will see Jesus’ second coming in judgment. Jesus’ main point is that his followers should be vigilant and faithful, rather than speculating about an exact timetable for future events.
00:00 Opening Comments
03:44 Historical context (vv. 1-4)
09:12 Near future: Destruction of the temple (vv. 5-13)
16:55 Distant future: End of the age (vv. 14-27)
30:41 Application (vv. 28-37)
38:32 Closing comments
Study Questions for Mark 13
1. Jesus delivers this message in the context of his prediction that the temple would be destroyed (v. 2). How does this context influence your interpretation of his message?
2. Why was the temple so significant for the disciples. What would its destruction mean to them (vv. 1-2)?
3. What are some events that might deceive the disciples into thinking that the end has come? What do those signs really signify (vv. 5-13)?
4. How would the church’s persecution increase its witness (vv. 9-10)? How will God support then during these trials (v. 11)?
5. The abomination of desolation was prophesied by Daniel (Daniel 9:27; 11:31-32; 12:11). What do these verses from Daniel add to your understanding of this phrase used by Jesus in verse 14?
6. Jesus speaks of “days of distress” that will come before the end of the age (v. 19) How does Jesus’ description highlight the unique awfulness of those days (vv. 14-23)?
7. How does Jesus describe the coming of the Son of Man (vv. 24-27)?
8. How would Jesus’ promise in v. 31 bring comfort to those living through the destruction of the Jerusalem temple in AD 70? How do these words bring comfort to you?
9. What does it mean to keep watch for the end of the age (vv. 34-37)? What does that look like in our daily lives? How does the Father’s secrecy about the timing of the end (v. 32) affect our watchfulness?
10. What is the aspect of Jesus’ second coming that excites you most? What do you find most distressing? What questions would you like to ask Jesus about it?
I am not releasing new episodes during the Christmas holidays. I will return on January 12 with the first episode in our second season on the early chapters of Genesis. I would love to have you join me.
Episodes released every two weeks on Monday
Contact me: https://www.biblewisdomtoday.com/contact/
