June 20, 2016
THE MARVELOUS RETURN OF OUR SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST
Mark 13:24–37
Bill Pitts
Central Truth
No one knows exactly when, but rest assured, Jesus is coming back. And it will be a marvelous return. Don’t be surprised on that day; rather, be prepared. Trust in Christ, love others, and let your actions be a testament to your faith (John 14:6).
Key Verse | Mark 13:26
"And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory." (Mark 13:26)
Mark 13:24–37
The Coming of the Son of Man
24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27 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.
The Lesson of the Fig Tree
28 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. 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
No One Knows That Day or Hour
32 But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard, keep awake. 1 13:33 Some manuscripts add and pray For you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants 2 13:34 Or bondservants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35 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, 3 13:35 That is, the third watch of the night, between midnight and 3 a.m. or in the morning— 36 lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”
Dive Deeper | Mark 13:24–37
When Jesus Christ returns, no one will have the excuse of not being warned. According to last week’s reading, God will provide many obvious signs around the world before Jesus returns and the gospel will be proclaimed to all nations. God’s character of compassion and unfailing love is displayed in the way He gives everyone one last chance to believe in Christ.
Today’s reading tells us about how Jesus will return in great power and glory. What incredible news that His first action when He comes back is to gather His people! The passage goes on to teach us to recognize the signs God will send to reveal that Jesus’ coming is near: "[T]he sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven . . . ." (Mark 13:24-25) No one knows the time when Jesus will return, only God the Father. This means we must always be faithful and vigilant. "Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come." (Mark 13:33)
Think of it this way. If your boss left you in charge for the day, but he unexpectedly had to come back early and caught you sleeping on the job, how would this look for you? After reading this text, we should be prepared for this day and not caught off guard. For me, personally, my mind is prone to wander, so I have to remind myself daily of His truth by reading God’s Word and praying. Also, through community with other believers, I am sharpened to be more like Christ.
Distractions abound on a daily basis from social media, TV shows, and the news. Let’s instead focus on the One who does not change: the giver of life, the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37). Let us love others with the hope that this love will share the freedom that is in Christ. This is how to be prepared for Jesus’ return.
Discussion Questions
1. What does Jesus mean in Mark 13:37 to "stay awake"?
2. Share with those in your community a time when you disregarded a warning or sign and things did not go well for you.
3. Share about a time when someone left you in charge of or trusted you with something and you were irresponsible with it. How did the owner feel? Relate this situation to today's passage.