Jan 28, 2024

Mark 13:24–37 ESV

“But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”

Purpose: the disciples will need endurance

Why do disciples need to endure?

Because being disciples of Jesus will never be easy

The ordinary suffering of living in the world

The specific suffering of belonging to Christ

Audience

A) Disciples who will experience the crucifixion of Christ

B) Disciples who will experience the destruction of the temple

C) Disciples who will experience the cost of discipleship

What do disciples need to endure

Unhelpful

“I think” or “I feel with no scripture

“Could it be possible” or “I’ve always been taught” scenarios with no scripture

Indoctrinating our own personal experiences with no scripture

Things working against us

Lack of understanding of the old testament

lack of understanding of different genres of scripture

Possible overexposure / fascination with “end times” teaching

Isaiah 13:9–10 - Destruction of Babylon in 539 BC

Acts 2:14-21 - Pentecost

We need to remember that Jesus changed everything

The cosmic imagery really meant that this was a universe-shifting event, moreso than actually talking about stars falling, etc.

Coming on the clouds: which is it?

Ascension (Acts 1:9)

Second coming? (Acts 1:11)

Definitely was a quote from Daniel 7.

Ascension:

Applies Daniel 7 directly

Enthronement language

But vs. 30 didn’t really happen, did it?

Second coming

Gathering the elect didn’t happen? Or did it?

Reads more naturally

We need to remember that Jesus controls everything

Greek word Angelos:

Translated to “Angel” 179x

Translated to “Messenger” 7x

James 2:25; Luke 9:52; Mark 1:2

We need to remember that Jesus keeps everyone - John 6:37

We need to remember Jesus warned everyone

We need to remember Jesu promised everyone:

His return

His justice

His kingdom

What does it look like for the disciples to endure?

Disciples who are eagerly waiting

Disciples who are faithfully working

Hebrews 9:27-28

How can the concept of enduring apply to the ordinary suffering of living in the world and the specific suffering of belonging to Christ in today's context?

Questions:

What stood out to you from the text and sermon this week?

Did anything surprise you?

Did anything confuse you?

Was there anything you found hard to hear?

What is the author of the passage trying to communicate to us as readers? Or, what is the main idea or big point of the passage?

What do we learn about people from this text?

What do we learn about God from this text?

What do we learn about Jesus from this text?

How does the concept of Jesus controlling everything impact our understanding of the text/sermon?

What are some modern challenges that we might need to endure in our daily lives?

What does it look like for us as disciples of Christ to eagerly wait and faithfully work?

Extra: get practical; what are ways that you’ve personally grown / practical ways to implement this?

In what ways can we pray for each other from this text?

Is there anything in the text we can ask God to help us do?

Is there anything in the text that convicts us of sin and our need to seek forgiveness?

Is there anything in the text that makes us praise God for his goodness?

Is there any way we can pray for one another out of this text?

Does anyone have any prayer needs that we can bring before the Lord as a group?

Extra: If you knew that the world was ending a week from today, how would your behavior change?

Fig tree, etc.

Endurance - to eagerly wait and faithfully work

3. We don’t need to be afraid of the end times. We can rely on Jesus “holding” us and know that we’re secure. We can also rejoice that He wil bring justice.

4. -

5. “Staying awake” and not getting lazy; going outside of our comfort zones to be faithful. Continuing to study his word. Learn from the Bible, teachers, and community (from last week)

6. Pray for us to find practical ways to stay awake and endure