Mark 13

• In Mark 13, Jesus teaches about the end of the age. He is responding to 2 questions that are asked in a private conversation with Peter, James, John and Andrew while they are on the Mount of Olives. Here are the two questions: "Tell us, when will these things be?" and "what will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?" The disciples are asking about the Temple. But in the usual Jesus fashion, He gives them and us an answer that contains more than we could ever ask or think. The context: In verse 1-2, Jesus has just told them about the literal destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Verses 5-13 seem to be answering this question about the destruction of the Temple. If this is the case, these events have already been fulfilled. History tells us that the Temple was destroyed in 70 A.D. when Titus invaded Jerusalem. Question #2 seems to be answered in verses 14-37. Here Jesus deals with events concerning the end of the age or the end of time as we know it - "when will all these things be fulfilled?" In the last part of this chapter, Jesus is obviously speaking of things which are to come. Verse 26 helps to clarify this with "they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory." This event is yet to happen. But, as believers, we look forward to this with great hope and expectation. For believers this will be the ultimate. For unbelievers, this will be the worst day ever. For further insights, you may want to read Matthew 24-25 and Luke 21. Please note: There is a lot of controversy and many interpretations over what is said here. I humbly submit my thoughts to you to help bring hope and some clarity. Remember, Jesus did not give us these words to stir up controversy or confusion or to give us a nice neat chart on the end times. He gave us these words to fill us with hope and faith. Dig into these for hope and faith, instead of just information and time frames. Let's end this part in the same way Jesus did: "And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!"