About Mark: We have frequently observed connections in Mark's story with the earlier history of God's revelation documented in the Old Testament. Mark was profoundly aware that the events he reported, were signficant in a scope of time much greater than his own, perhaps even greater than he could contemplate. Already God's interventions in human history had spanned very many centuries, and predictions of the world-wide scope of the mission of Jesus might span many more. Could they have anticipated over two millenia?
Mark's theology reckoned that if God was creator of our human world, and had originated prophecies about Christ many centuries before (for example Isaiah was eight centuries before Christ), then God was in control of human history far beyond our understanding. The future was as surely in God's hand as was the past.
Predictions in Mark's day about the future were no different from prophecies in Isaiah's day fulfilled by Jesus. Prophecy was a curious thing. It was intended to assure us of God's sovereignty, to encourage us to trust God, and be alert. But it did not give us advance information in a way that satisfied our curiosity, nor make predicting sure. While some things might be expected, there was always much that would remain unknown. Even in this section of Mark, there are several references to what cannot be known about the future. What is known, and what is not known, should equally cultivate our faith in God.
Bible: Mark 13:1-23; 32-37 The Destruction of the Temple Foretold
(Verses 24-31 will be in Step 40)
1 As he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!" 2 Then Jesus asked him, "Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down."
3 When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, 4 "Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?" 5 Then Jesus began to say to them, "Beware that no one leads you astray. 6 Many will come in my name and say, 'I am he!' and they will lead many astray. 7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birth pangs.
Persecutions Foretold
9 "As for yourselves, beware; for they will hand you over to councils; and you will be beaten in synagogues; and you will stand before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them. 10 And the good news must first be proclaimed to all nations. 11 When they bring you to trial and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say; but say whatever is given you at that time, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12 Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; 13 and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
The Desolating Sacrilege
14 "But when you see the desolating sacrilege set up where it ought not to be (let the reader understand), then those in Judea must flee to the mountains; 15 the one on the housetop must not go down or enter the house to take anything away; 16 the one in the field must not turn back to get a coat. 17 Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days! 18 Pray that it may not be in winter. 19 For in those days there will be suffering, such as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, no, and never will be. 20 And if the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would be saved; but for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he has cut short those days. 21 And if anyone says to you at that time, 'Look! Here is the Messiah!' or 'Look! There he is!' — do not believe it. 22 False messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. 23 But be alert; I have already told you everything.
The Necessity of Watchfulness14 "But when you see the desolating sacrilege set up where it ought not to be (let the reader understand), then those in Judea must flee to the mountains; 15 the one on the housetop must not go down or enter the house to take anything away; 16 the one in the field must not turn back to get a coat. 17 Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days! 18 Pray that it may not be in winter. 19 For in those days there will be suffering, such as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, no, and never will be. 20 And if the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would be saved; but for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he has cut short those days. 21 And if anyone says to you at that time, 'Look! Here is the Messiah!' or 'Look! There he is!' — do not believe it. 22 False messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. 23 But be alert; I have already told you everything.
32 "But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. 35 Therefore, keep awake--for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, 36 or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake."
Comment: TAKE CARE!
CHRISTIANS live between the two comings of Jesus. We are people of a kingdom that has come, but not fully come. Our participation in the Lord's Supper provides one link between the first coming and second coming, and so does our involvement in world mission (10). So although the disciples ask Jesus about local matters (large stones and great buildings 1-2), his answer is about global things (from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven, 24-27). The gospel is for the world (13:10, 27, 14:9), and this is wise counsel rather than predictions, which will enable disciples to survive the years and centuries to come.
The theme of each section of the discourse is "Take care! Beware!" (5, 9, 23, 33), concluding with a parable that urges vigilance. In case anyone has missed this message, the final verse is clear, "What I say to you I say to all: Keep awake!" (37).
The list of anticipated troubles is extensive: changes in religious structures (1-2), deception amongst believers (5-6), civil conflict (7-8), natural disasters (8), conflict between Christians and civil or religious authorities (9 & 11), difficulty in evangelising the nations (10), conflict within families (12), public hatred (13), conflict in Judaism (14-19), and conflicting claims of Christian truth and signs (21-22).
These do not signal the end (7), only the beginning (8). And that is why there needs to be such an emphatic warning to "Keep awake!" It is easy in the long passing of time to suspect the awaited one is never coming, and to lose the sense of anticipation that inspires the early times.
And instead of these words being intended to help us predict the time of his coming, they remind us that this is something we do not know (32, 33, 35)! But in everything else Jesus gives the disciples full disclosure of the challenges to discipleship throughout the period.
Discipleship today: The story is told of a man taking a journey in Africa. People knowing the track told him that if he was taking the correct path he would come to a difficult river-crossing often frequented by crocodiles. And as predicted, he reached the river crossing. We are not told how he dealt with his difficulties, but rather how pleased he was when he reached the place to know that at least he was on the right track. As we view the history of the church and mission of Jesus, we can say the same. What Jesus predicted has occurred, and we have every reason to expect the end of the story will be equally as predicted. And if it is true that there is a God-directed unfolding of human history as a whole, then also God directs our individual lives. "The human mind plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps" (Proverbs 16:9). If you are uncertain about your future, take heart in God's sovereignty, submit your ways to him, and trust him to direct your steps.
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