Follow Jesus - alert and ready for his return!

illustration about basket ordered for wedding. (imagine grand gesture)

If only I had read the description, rather than relying on my expectation.

What should we expect from Christian life. We have been thinking about what it looks like for us to follow Jesus - but what should we expect.

So easy to have wrong expectation - often fed to us by media. We expect it to be easy, or we expect it always to be sunshine, or expect not to have to struggle.

How often wrong expectation, can leave dissappointed, or make us lose assurance.

As we wait for Jesus return, what should we expect from Christian life - and how can we keep going?

Last few weeks (since picking up Mark again) what looks like to follow Jesus.

This week

BIG IDEA

Follow Jesus - staying alert and ready for his return

Bible reading: Mark 13: What word/phrase is repeated throughout?

BIBLE READING MARK 13

Caviat. Don’t have time today to go into great depth onsome of the language use. But do discuss it together over coffee outside in the week, or email me. One of more difficult passages in Mark, hotly discussed amoungst theologians. Much of the debate lies around what historical event Jesus is refering. 3 main positions,

1) Jesus is talking about his death and ressurection,

2) Jesus is talking about the destruction of the temple that would happen in AD70

3) Jesus is talking about His second coming in the future and time leading up to it.

Im persuaded humbly, based on structure of Mark, that option a is unlikely, there are a lot of difficulties with it, but Jesus alternates between talking about the destruction of the temple and talking about times leading up to his return. And actually like he did using the fig tree as picture of what will become of the temple, he now goes on to use what will become of the temple as picture of what end times will be like leading to his return.

So that his disciples will continue following him knowing what to expect in the very soon to happen events, and as they persevere, will set pattern of what all believers should expect until Jesus returns.

We can disagree - as long as we are united in Jesus and seeking scripture as final authortiy. But I think whatever our position on the events Mark’s purpose is very clear in showing us what Jesus wants us to do.

Disciples ask this question after Jesus predicts falling of temple.

Mark 13:4 NIV

“Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?”

Asking what should we expect in the last days? And to them and us Jesus says this.

Did you pick up on the repeated phrase? 6 times we get this phrase:

"Be on your gaurd, stay alert, keep watch, watch out. It’s how Jesus concludes.

Jesus point -

Mark 13:23 NIV

So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.

Literally:

Watch out!

Wants them and us to know what to expect, and be alert, so that we may not be surprised and tripped up.

Illustration: Pick-pockets in Russia

4 things we are to watch out for spiritually.

.CLICK

Watch out! Don’t get to comfortable

Mark 13:1–2 NIV

As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” “Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”

For disciples temple not just beautiful building but symbolic of their Jewish heritage and at heart of thier relationship with God. It was sign that though they were following Jesus, they still had a place in Jewish society. But Jesus warning - its all about to be taken away. The temple would be destroyed in 70AD in Roman seige of Jerusalem, and before heat rising on Jesus and in wake of his death, his followers would be excluded from any ties to Judaism, and face great threat. Religious comfort would soon be gone.

Jesus saying “dont get too comfortable” So easy to assume things will be the same, and become comfortable in what we are used to. We have our favourite seat in church, or on the sofa! We are generally tolerated in society, Christianity on the whole still seen as positive thing. Enjoy reasonable degree of religious freedom. We have a building that is our central point. We all have our own traditions that we are used to. These are all good things - but temptation is to over rely on them - give then too high a place in our spiritual life.

Don’t get too comfortable.

CLICK

Watch out! don’t be decieved by false gospels

Mark 13:5–6 NIV

Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many.

In the next century a lieral fulfiment as Jewish extremist Simon Bar-Cochba at least claimed full Messiahship and let a revolt against Roman rule in Judea.

Since 2014, Bendiksen has been following seven self-proclaimed Messiahs from around the world, each truly believing that they are the second coming of Jesus Christ.

Photo of one

But probably not biggest danger for us. False Messiahship comes in much more subtle form - those who preach a false Jesus.

Or as one commentator put it.

CLICK

Mark: An Introduction and Commentary ii. The Signs of the End (13:5–8)

to worship Christ with false beliefs about him is to worship a false Christ

See this all over the place, the prosperity gospel, your best life now. We see this in liberal theology, where Jesus is just the approver of your own believes, or figment of own imagination. Or a reduced Jesus of the Jehocvah witness or Islam who deny his deity. They will even come with false signs - miracles, and prophecys.

Jesus says watch out. dont be decieved

CLICK

Watch out! Don’t be distracted by world events

Mark 13:7–8 NIV

When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 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.

sign that we are in the end times will be a strring of false teachers, and so will a worsening political and world situation. World is broken, and will continue to live out its brokeness. Pandemic took us all by surprise, but in someways it shouldnt have. Jesus tells us its exactly what we should expect. International crisis, world wars, natural disasters.

Romans reading

Romans 8:22–23 NIV

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.

What point is Paul making, that creation like a mother in childbirth, groans for new creation to arrive. So Jesus he is calling us to watch out. Not to let world situation trouble us, or surprise us, nor let it distract us. How easy it can be in light of global event, or local, or personal circumstance to be comsummed by it and curve in on ourselves. It’s in this present that we are live and witness.

Not being distracted from Jesus call on our lives, nor from future that is promised.

CLICK

Watch out! Don’t be discouraged by persecution

Mark 13:9 NIV

“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.

Jesus here is clearly putting forward what lies ahead for his followers - immediately for the disicples, and then for the Roman church. As they saw the increasing hostility towards Jesus, it must have been dawning on them what was to come. Bitter perscution - such that will break even the closest natural ties. v12. They will be hated.

But this is also a warning for us. We aren’t yet living under such persecution, yes Christians across the world are and right that we pray for them. Some of us will have personal experience of being hated, and of family members who have cut us off. And we should expect all of this and more as we live and speak for Jesus. Call is not to be discouraged but to keep holding out the gospel.

There are the warnings. It’s a bleak picture. Things will get pretty bad. Language gets darker and more scary from v14-25, (no time for details but feel free to quiz me in week) in someways repeating the pattern of v2-13 but with use of OT prophercy, and seems to alternate between what will happen immediately probably AD70, and what will happen in times leading up to Jesus return.

We get this abomination that causes desolation v14 (Daniel 7 and 11 language)

Simply put in context is a great act of sacriledge - a miss use of what is sacred that results in complete destruction. Effectively a great persecution.

We see people fleeing v15-16- probably immediately talking about fall out of Roman sacking of Jerusalem. and of Roman standards standing on the temple ruins. Today all over the world Christian are forced to flea from their countries for fear of death, and Christian faith is spat on.

Great distress like never seen before, false prophets, and Messiahs, toppling of political powers, in language of v24-25. The world is going decend into chaos.

Things going to get bad. Jesus wants us not be unaware not to have wrong expectation - but to be on guard. And here is his promse.

Mark 13:13 NIV

Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

But question is how. Hear are the warning so we might have right expectation. But how can we be sure to keep following Jesus in wake of reality?

Be ready

Be ready! Jesus is coming back soon

Litered throughout. It’s as if he breaks the bad news, he continually keeps reassuring them, but it will be okay.

There will be those who decieve, and wars and chaos, but don’t be alarmed v7

v7b - the end is still to come, and these are but birthpains. v8.

People will hate you, you’ll be persecuted, but Holy Spirit will equip you, v11 and there will be salvation for those who endure v13

What is sacred will be stamped on, and your lives will be under threat. there will be unequaled distress - but v20, it wont last forever, God has cut it short in order to protect those he has chosen.

And v26

Mark 13:26–27 NIV

“At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.

Be ready! Don’t get too comfortable but live in eager expectation.

Mark 13:33–37 NIV

Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’ ”

Message repeated is this: Jesus is coming back. How much we need to hear this, because how easily we forget. Jesus will return. We are to live in light of the future now the present. Looking forward to day when all things will be put right. This world is just our temporary residence, and will carry its frustrations and insecurity. But our eternal residency is being prepared for us, in Jesus perfect Kingdom. Let’s not get too comfortable in here and now but prepare for life in permemant new home. Live every day in expectation.

Put key dates in diary. birthdays, anniversary, so we are ready. so we don’t forget to prepare. Jesus return every day in the diary.

CLICK

Be ready! Don’t be decieved by trust in his word

How can we avoid being caught out by a false Jesus. Some are easier to spot that others - but how can we know the real Jesus. Very simple.

Hold up bible

This is how we know the real Jesus.

Mark 13:31 NIV

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

The bible is our litmus test against false teaching.

How do I know that the real Jesus doesn’t promise us comfort and health and success now - because just told us. Faith is not abstract thing based on feels or opinion or experience, primairy - but based on his perfect, faithful word. We can look back at his trustworthiness, that we might trust him for the future.

CLICK

Be ready! Don’t be distracted but fix your eyes on Jesus.

How can we avoid letting trials that come our way, whether world events or personal circumstances overwhelm us? By fixing our eyes on Jesus - author and perfector of our faith. That trials are not destructive fires but refining fires, they are not to destroy but draw us into deeper dependence - because who has began a good work in us will see it through to completion. What do we do we fix our eyes on him, daily holding onto his goodness and his promises and his purposes.

Just like a runner focuses not on the race but on the finish line.

CLICK

Be ready! Don’t be discouraged but depend on the Spirit

Not yet facing persecution. But speaking for Jesus is hard. One thing we have identified in our lifegroup and doing talking Jesus course, as helpful as these courses are - often don’t prepare us for reality - in UK, being a Christian can be pretty discouraging - especially as we seek to share our faith and see others come to Jesus.

Mark 13:11 NIV

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.

Not an excuse not to prayfully prepare for anticipated conversations. But it is saying - that as we seek to live and speak for Jesus, through perhaps not literal trial, but in a sense that our lives and words will constantly be put on trial. We are to utterly dependant on Jesus Spirit - and trust him to achieve his purposes.

Rico Tice: We preach Christ God opens blind eyes.

Which means we need not be discouraged when it feels hard, when people hate us, or even when that day comes where we may face persecution - because Jesus is with us, and will keep us to the end, and use us for his glory.

Why because he is the one who has seen it all, experienced it all, survived it all, and conquered it all. In his death and ressurection he has faced the great abomination, persecution, trials. He has gone for us - to lead us through. So friends lets Watch! Let’s look forward to Jesus return. lets be ready.

John 16:33 NIV

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”