Mark 13

Chapter 13, this sermon, is known as the Olivet Discourse because Jesus delivered it on the Mount of Olives just east of the temple. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_in_Jerusalem.

"And Jesus said to him, 'Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left upon another which will not be torn down.'" v.2 And, certainly it was in AD 70.

This chapter is dedicated to the end of the age when Jesus will return. It starts with the tribulation and then moves to His second coming. I am not going to do much comment. There are so many different camps on Eschatology (the study of the end times). I was taught one thing as a kid - scared me to death - and believe another as an adult, though I still feel unsettled with the topic until I get a chance for more study. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_eschatological_views

No matter your view, however, the belief that is shared is that Jesus will return: "Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then He will send forth the angels, and will gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest end of the earth to the farthest end of heaven." v. 26-27

This says to us: "Therefore, be on the alert-for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the evening, at midnight or when the rooster crows, or in the morning - in case he should come suddenly and find you asleep. What I say to you I say to all, 'Be on the Alert!'" v. 35-37

If we are going to go through the tribulation or anytime we might be persecuted for our faith, our belief in Christ: "When they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who will speak, but it is the Holy Spirit." v.11 This brings to mind the young girl at Columbine that had the gun in her face and was asked to denounce Christ. She did not; she proclaimed His name, and was killed.

One particular note in v.14. Jesus says, "...let the reader understand..." Why would Jesus say "reader" when He was speaking in person? John MacArthur says, "This indicates that Jesus was not issuing these warnings to the disciples or to others of their generation who would not experience this event, but to believers in the end time. Those who will read these truths will be prepared and 'understand' the trials they are enduring." Did Jesus say that or did Mark add that as he was writing? Thought it was interesting.

The quotes in the video below are directly from Mark 13. Be sure to watch it to the end. I love the very last picture. Wow!