Prophecy Panic

Prelude

Jesus would have frustrated modern reporters. He often did not answer questions, but replied with more important comments. Purpose: What’s the purpose of Jesus’ prophecy in Mark 13? Plan: Let’s discuss Jesus’ non-sequitur answer to his disciples’ question about when these things will be in Mark 13:1-8.

1. Great Buildings

Then as He went out of the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, “Teacher, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!” And Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” (Mark 13:1-2 NKJV)

The Second Temple in Jerusalem was an architectural wonder and existed longer than some countries have been nations — 420 years. What if someone said that the greatest architectural icons of our nations would be destroyed. Complete destruction such as leaving not one stone upon another was familiar in ancient warfare.

2. When

Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Him privately, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?” (Mark 13:3-4 NKJV)

When is the same question that most Christians seem to ask today. Yet, Jesus did not answer the “when” question. Life in Roman Judea under occupation was difficult. The Jews wanted freedom. Imagine how hard it was to hear that something even worse was about to occur, the destruction of a national icon.

3. Don’t be Deceived

And Jesus, answering them, began to say: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and will deceive many. (Mark 13:5-6 NKJV)

Jesus’ answer as to when these things would be was to avoid deception. Jesus warns against false prophecies, or a fearful attachment to prophesy, what some call prediction addiction. There will be wars and threats of war, but we should not panic. The end will not follow those things immediately. Even earthquakes and famines would come, but even that is not the end yet.

4. Don’t be Troubled

But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. (Mark 13:7-8 NKJV)

Many have predicted Christ’s return in their lifetimes and so far they have all been wrong. 4 schools of thought: Preterists believe that this prophecy was fulfilled in 70 AD, at the destruction of Jerusalem. Historicists believe that this details events of history. Futurists believe it is still future. A fourth view sees this as symbolic of good triumphing over evil. Jesus said no one knows the day or hour (Mark 13:32). Predicting when is speculation. What did Jesus want us to know?

Christians panic and false prophets profit. Jesus taught that it was not the end yet, only the beginning of sorrows. God wants us to have faith and not be fearful of wars and rumors of wars, or worry about earthquakes and famines and troubles. Let’s watch in prayer and stay faithful.

Postlude

Civilizations and their monuments come and go. Ours will too. Let’s not be deceived by politicians and their bogus claims to be saviors or false prophets who claim to know when the end is. Let’s not be troubled, knowing the inevitable result of human sin and that the only answer is Christ’s return (1 Timothy 1:17 KJV).

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Readings

1 Samuel 1:4-20; 1 Samuel 2:1-10; Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18), 19-25