Be on Guard

Conversations on the Mount of Olives.

What is your comfort?

Mark 13:1–4 ESV

And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?”

From Babel, to Jerusalem, to St. Peter’s Basilica, what is your comfort?

Do not make for yourself a new temple. Constructed in Jesus’ name for the sake of personal security. We like to find comfort in the establishment, and in accomplishment. But what happens when that all disappears? Maybe you didn’t notice from the 1 Corinthians 13:13 last week about investments but only 3 things remain and the establishment and achievements are not on the list.

They want an amount of control. They want to know what is going to happen so they question Jesus about it. Could you let us in on whats going to happen so WE are ready? Surprisingly Jesus answers the question, but if you think Jesus is actually giving them details about the Last Day so that they know what to expect then you would be missing the teaching.

Is He Good?

Mark 13:5–8 ESV

And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.

Things get bad. All around the world. It seems like they are getting worse too. Don’t they? I’m guessing every generation since Jesus’ ascension has been thinking the same thing. As the evil spiritual forces of this world, sin, death, and the devil continue to spiral out of control God’s people have been viewing the happenings around the world and thinking this is it.

Jesus begins this teaching by saying, “So that no one leads you astray...” He then describes the natural and national disasters that will befall the earth. Its not so we recognize when they get really bad… its so we don’t question the goodness of God and the good news of Jesus

Its not for us to know when, its to know who. God is good and working good even in the midst of all this bad. He describes it as birthing pains because from a terrible pain something good comes. And its not the pain itself that brings the child. The child is coming afterwards.

We too must trust in Jesus so when we see his word fulfilled it doesn't give us confidence in our knowledge but in His.

Is He Faithful?

At this point Jesus’ teaching takes a personal turn. He looks to the future lives of the disciples and the ministry they will lead and challenges them again…

English Standard Version Chapter 13

9 “But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. 10 And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. 11 And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12 And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. 13 And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake.

You will be beaten. You will be judged. You will be put to death.

A scary future, and without a doubt a direct prophecy given to the disciples for the ministry they would have after Jesus’ resurrection. We must not, however, believe that our fate will be any different. For we all follow in the footsteps of our savior.

John 13:16 ESV

Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.

So be on guard. The question behind this teaching is; Will God be faithful? Will we have what we need to endure this kind of suffering? He points out two things. The first is that we will be persecuted for our beliefs. The second is that we are given an opportunity to give an account for the hope that we have.

Notice how Jesus answers the behind question.... its not if you have enough faith....

Mark 13:11 ESV

And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.

What must we know… That Jesus has got this covered.

Endure - to the end will be saved.

English Standard Version Chapter 13

But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

Hold fast to God’s goodness, and His faithfulness because they have been revealed to you in His son Jesus Christ.