Mark 13:1-13 (CLICK HERE FOR BIBLE VERSES)
Hi GAMErs,
Today’s passage is Mark 13:1-13. With an open mind and a humble heart, read this passage and see what sticks out to you in this passage. Is there a verse, a phrase, or a lesson you think the Holy Spirit may be highlighting for you in this passage? After you’ve thought about the passage yourself a bit, read the GAME sharing below. Let’s go!
Mark 13:1-2 (NIV)
1 As he was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!”
2 “Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”
On verses 1-2: Even as the disciples were admiring Jerusalem’s pride and joy, the temple, as well as the surrounding buildings, Jesus predicts that all these builds will be destroyed one day. Jesus was right. In 70 AD, about 40 years after Jesus made this prediction, the Romans burned down the temple and demolished Jerusalem’s other buildings.
Mark 13:3-10 (NIV)
3 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately,
4 “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?”
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.
8 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.
9 “You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them.
10 And the gospel must first be preached to all nations.
On verses 3-10: Jesus and four of his disciples are sitting on the Mount of Olives, which at its highest peak is only about 100 feet taller than Jerusalem. Looking at the temple from their mountain view, the disciples ask Jesus when his prediction about the temple’s destruction would happen and when the end times would come.
The disciples probably grew up assuming that the destruction of the temple and the end of the world would happen at the same time. Jesus clarifies that the destruction of the temple, wars, earthquakes in various places and famines (v8) and other “such things must happen, but the end is still to come.” (v7) In other words, rather than wanting his disciples to be fixated on when the end would come, Jesus instead wanted his disciples to be focused on preaching the gospel to all nations (v10) and being on their guard against persecution and prosecution for their faith (v9).
I believe Jesus would probably tell His church the same today. Jesus does not want His church caught up on questions about when exactly Jesus will return and when the end times will come – something which not even the Son knows (see verse 32). Instead, Jesus wants us His church to be focused on bringing the gospel to as many people and nations as we can and being excellent witnesses for Jesus Christ.
Mark 13:11-13 (NIV)
11 Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
12 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death.
13 All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
On verses 11-13: To prepare the disciples for the trouble, persecution and prosecution they would face, Jesus gives them some advice: when you are arrested and brought to trial, trust that the Holy Spirit is with you and will give you words to witness for Him. Also, in the midst of all the chaos, trouble and even hatred you encounter, stand firm in your faith and rely on the Holy Spirit for help.
Jesus, thank You for clarifying for us that when you return is God’s business, and preaching the Gospel to the nations is our business. Thank You that You don’t leave us to do our business on our own, but that You empower us with what we need to preach the gospel and witness for you. May we be wise, bold, passionate, ready and effective witnesses for You. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
copyright © 2022 Justin Lim. All rights reserved.
