Good morning, how are you all feeling? It is good to be here and I am glad we can meet together. Remember when we couldn’t? Remember when we had hard limits on how many people can come to church? Remember when we couldn’t go out? It was seriously the first time in my life that I bought track pants.
I am very thankful that we are not in last year or the year before. I think the pandemic has been a great disruptor in our society as a whole - and it is still really early days to say how much it has shaped things. We got to relearn the definition of essential and paid homage to the truckers and shelf stackers and checkout assistants[1].
By now, we all know what zoom is, and maybe how to change our virtual backgrounds and put on face filters. Kids at school now submit assignments not in written form but as a video. Everyone now is expected to use video, even in calling one another. We are also a bit better at washing our hands.
As we look in the revision mirror of the pandemic what will be looking forward to now? In light of this pandemic’s cultural disruption, what are we living for now?
In our passage today Jesus is talking about two great disruption events that will shake the world. One would have people thinking it would be the end of their world as they know it and the second event is actually the end of the world as we know it. Jesus warns about these events, but more importantly, He tells His disciples how they should live in light of these epic things which are coming.
This passage has been seen to be a really tricky one and on the extremes, there are liberal scholars who say Jesus couldn’t have said these things because they were too accurate and so the words were put in Jesus' mouth after the events. And at the other end, there are sceptics who say this shows the Bible is wrong as the things Jesus has said haven’t come true. What do you do with that? Well, I reject both positions and still understand there can be a debate on this text. So humbly, I should say upfront that I might not have all the details nailed down, and am open to a conversation afterwards if you want.
I am going to pray for God to help us with this text, to see what this means for how we are to live today.
Heavenly Father,
Send your Spirit to help us to read and head and understand your word. Open our eyes so we can see you and prepare for your coming.
Amen.
So in this text, we come to one of the longest speaking bits of Jesus in the book of Mark. This is placed just after Jesus has spent some time engaging with the religious leaders and critiquing the temple. And just after this Jesus is about to be anointed and then go into the Lord's Supper. So here between the night before He is betrayed and just after interacting with the Jewish religious system, we have this long talk answering two specific questions.
When leaving the temple, the disciples make a comment on how great the temple is. They say:
“Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” (Mark 13:1)
So the disciples comment how great the build is and then Jesus says something quite startling. He says in verse 2:
“Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”this massive building, not one stone is going to be left. This statement raises a few questions, so later, four of the disciples, Andrew makes it in with Peter, James and John this time - they ask more about this startling statement. They ask two specific questions, they say:
“Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?” (Mark 13:4)So this is the set-up to the rest of Jesus’ answer. And so, Jesus replies talking about the lead up to when this is going to happen, the sign of when it will happen and then He talks about the days after this event which is going to be more climactic than the temple being destroyed.
Jesus was maybe pre-empting the disciples thinking, that if the temple was destroyed, it would be the end of the world. Jesus goes on to say that it won’t be, there will be time after it, and only when the Son of Man comes, will it be the end of the world.
Today, the Western world is looking at the war in Ukraine, and if Putin decides to nuke London, Paris and New York it would be devastating, but it wouldn’t be the end of the world. For some it would be, it would be a terrible event and I don’t even want to entertain what it would involve, but history and time itself would still be going on. While the great Jerusalem temple and all that it symbolises could be destroyed, Jesus talks about days after it, for it won’t be the end of the world.
So in Jesus' answer to the disciples, there are kinda three time periods mentioned, but more importantly, there are two things the disciples are not to do and two things they are to do. I will try and quickly give you some markers about these time periods, and then focus on what the disciples are not to do and to do.
In this passage, I see there are three time periods
- The time before the distress
- “The days of the distress” and
- “That time” after the distress
The time before the distress v5-13
And first off Jesus talks about things that are close. He talks about the time before the distress and the non-signs that will happen, in verses 5-13.Jesus talks about global and personal problems that will arise. Jesus says in verse 7 these things must happen but they are not the end, these things are the beginning of birth pains. There will be wars, earthquakes and famines, but they are not the sign you are looking for.
Not only will there be trouble on a global level; there will also be trials and persecutions on a personal level.[4] Verses 9-13 has Jesus again preparing His disciples for hard times. They will be hauled in front of authorities, people who they are close to will betray them and they will be hated because they follow Jesus. This is pretty much the quick summary of the book of Acts and what happened to the disciples later.
The days of the distress v14-23
So there will be all these global and personal events, but they are not the signs. Jesus turns to the sign in verse 14. It’s the “when you see” bit. This is answering the disciple’s question, and I call this “the days of distress” taking that description from verse 19. And the sign for when this will happen is they will see the "abomination that causes desolation"... Whatever that is.Mark assumed his readers would know what that mean. This phrase is kind of a loaded historical term in regard to defiling the temple.
In the book of Daniel, it talks about a ruler causing the abomination that causes desolation and will destroy the sanctuary (Dan 9:26-27).
Before Jesus, in the Maccabean War in 167 BC, the ruler set up a statue of Zeus in the temple on the spot where the alter of burnt offerings should go, and they made sacrifices to this statue. In their Jewish writings, they referred to this incident as desolating sacrilege (1 Mac 1:54)[5] where it shouldn’t be. So already this phase was loaded. However, this sign could just mean the Roman army are in a place they shouldn’t be. Luke’s equivalent account says exactly this (Luke 21:20). This sign was the lead up to the fall of Jerusalem, it was the army coming to take siege of the city.
I don’t think this sign is describing something in the future, because Mark says the readers should understand what this all means, and I think he means his the originally reader, not the reader 2000 years into the future. Jesus also assumes the disciples will see it, in verse 14 and to take heed of this warning in verse 23. Also, if this was to happen in the future, if it is regarding the temple -then the temple will have to be rebuilt. This could be tricky as one of the holiest sites in the Muslim world, the Dome of the Rock, is built on that temple spot right now.
When people see this sign, Jesus says this will be a terrible time for all to live through it. Those in Judea should run, not to the safe cities where you normally would go to for security when an army is coming, but to the mountains[6]. This was the advice that the Christians took before Jerusalem was brought to its knees. It is estimated about 1.1 million Jews were killed in the fall of Jerusalem, but there were no Christians among them[7]. Two church fathers in the fourth century write that the Christians in Jerusalem fled to a town called Pella before the Romans took the city out[8]. The Christians did this because of Jesus’ warning, so were spared in the destruction.
In the book of Daniel, it talks about a ruler causing the abomination that causes desolation and will destroy the sanctuary (Dan 9:26-27).
Before Jesus, in the Maccabean War in 167 BC, the ruler set up a statue of Zeus in the temple on the spot where the alter of burnt offerings should go, and they made sacrifices to this statue. In their Jewish writings, they referred to this incident as desolating sacrilege (1 Mac 1:54)[5] where it shouldn’t be. So already this phase was loaded. However, this sign could just mean the Roman army are in a place they shouldn’t be. Luke’s equivalent account says exactly this (Luke 21:20). This sign was the lead up to the fall of Jerusalem, it was the army coming to take siege of the city.
I don’t think this sign is describing something in the future, because Mark says the readers should understand what this all means, and I think he means his the originally reader, not the reader 2000 years into the future. Jesus also assumes the disciples will see it, in verse 14 and to take heed of this warning in verse 23. Also, if this was to happen in the future, if it is regarding the temple -then the temple will have to be rebuilt. This could be tricky as one of the holiest sites in the Muslim world, the Dome of the Rock, is built on that temple spot right now.
When people see this sign, Jesus says this will be a terrible time for all to live through it. Those in Judea should run, not to the safe cities where you normally would go to for security when an army is coming, but to the mountains[6]. This was the advice that the Christians took before Jerusalem was brought to its knees. It is estimated about 1.1 million Jews were killed in the fall of Jerusalem, but there were no Christians among them[7]. Two church fathers in the fourth century write that the Christians in Jerusalem fled to a town called Pella before the Romans took the city out[8]. The Christians did this because of Jesus’ warning, so were spared in the destruction.
That time after the distress v24-27
While the fall of the temple would be a significant event, one indicating a serious disruption to world history, Jesus says this would not be the end of the world. From verses 24-27, Jesus talks about the days after this distress. Here there will be cosmological signs in the sky and the Son of Man will return. When this happens, later, after the distress, all those who follow Jesus will be gathered together with the Son of Man. This would be the end of the world. This would be the triumph of Jesus coming back in power and glory. This was what the Jews were looking for, and the great expectation of the Messiah, but this was not going to happen soon. It was going to happen later. Much later.In just two more days Jesus would be dead. The world would mock Him, and they would laugh at the idea of this Jesus bloke having any power or glory. But little did anyone know that Jesus was going to demonstrate just another glimpse of His power that Sunday. He would rise again, defeating death, showing His victory over sin, freeing its captives.
A recap v26-37
Verse 29-30:
“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door.What are “these things” Jesus is talking about? These things are the sign in verse 14, the ones Jesus says they will see. The ones that bring about the destruction of the temple. These things are the birth pains signs, wars, earthquakes and famine. All “these things” must take place.
But “these things” are different to “that day” which Jesus goes on to talk about in verse 32:
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.“That day” is said in contrast to “these things”. “That day” is about “that time” people will see the Son of Man in verse 26. And no one knows when that day will come.
So we are left hanging as we are in the time between the fall of Jerusalem and the Son of Man returning. What are we to do now? How are we to live knowing that a massive climatic event is coming, even if we don’t know when.
I think the warnings and advice Jesus gives the disciples in this passage, is helpful for us today. For today, we still are waiting for a massive climatic event of Jesus returning. Jesus gives two things not to do, and two things to do[9].
Jesus says we are not to be deceived or distracted instead we are to witness and watch.
Do not be Deceived
In verse 5, Jesus wants the disciples to not be deceived and later in verses 21-23 He says false Messiahs and teachers will come and to not believe them. This is a consistent warning for God’s people. When hard circumstances come, we may want a different message, an easier one, one that is more attractive. That blessing is tied up with good health and wealth, one that our culture would view as more enlightened and kind and inclusive. But God’s people aren’t to be deceived. God’s word is true. Heaven and Earth may pass away but God’s word will never pass away. Don’t be persuaded from false messages, even if it comes from the mouth of an angel, a messenger from God (Gal 1:8). Do not be deceived.Do not be Distracted
We also aren’t to be distracted. Wars, earthquakes, famine – these things will come, they are birth pains. Jesus says no one knows when the Son of Man will return, so let’s not try and work it out. In 2014 there were 4 red moons in the year, or blood moons, in 2012 the Mayan calendar ran out. Last week there was a 7.3 earthquake in Japan. Over the last month, Russia has invaded Ukraine. These things have all happened and may lead to uncertain times, but no one knows when Jesus is going to return, let’s not get distracted by looking for some sort of secret signs when we are told there won’t be any.Witness
Instead, we are to stand firm, trusting in God’s word and to witness to those around us. Verse 10, Jesus says the gospel is to be preached to all the nations. There will be turmoil and trouble, but among and through all that, the disciples had a task to do, to preach to all people. We have the same task, today, even if we are living post the Jerusalem fall.It will be hard for you to be a Christian in the workforce, at family gatherings and talking with friends.
A few years back in the Independent British newspaper, wrote an article on Christians in the London banking sector. Eve Pool, a British theologian and teacher on business ethics said:
"It's often harder for young people to come out as Christians than it would be for them to come out as gay," she says. "Because of the vocal atheists – Dawkins and so on – people think your judgement is impaired if you say you're Christian at work. The problem of serving two masters is at the heart of it. There's a worry that Christians are up to something, that they're loyal to something other than the firm."[10]Sometimes we don’t speak up for Christ as we are worried we are going to take a hit, or we have stopped speaking up because we have taken too many hits[11]. The truth is, following Jesus is counter-cultural, and people will not like that.
But the good news, the gospel is a message to all people for all time. For it speaks beyond this fallen world, it speaks about God and restoration and redemption and forgiveness, things our world desperately needs. And in the end, all those who believe, all those who are chosen by God will be swept up with Him. And we don’t know when the credits are going to roll; when the curtain is going to fall, but while it is still today, there is still an opportunity for us to speak to those around us about Jesus, and there is still an opportunity for them to hear and believe.
Jesus says in verse 11 to the disciples whenever they are brought before some authority, they are not to worry beforehand about what to say, as the Holy Spirit will help them speak. God is with you - and will help you and support you in your situation. We have that promise, do we have the belief that it is true.
Watch
Finally, at the end of this passage, we are told to watch. Our master is away but He is coming back again. How much is this idea on our minds? Today could be the day, you may not get to graduate from uni or go on that holiday you have been planning. Our church building program may not get completed before Jesus returns. You might not get married. Would that be a disappointment, or when Jesus returns, would that put a few things into perspective.I think it is this perspective we are to have with this sense of watch. Obviosity we aren’t to watch for signs to indicate when Jesus will return. We aren’t to keep looking up in the sky for some UFO to come, as no one knows when Jesus is going to come. Instead, we are to watch ourselves, to pay attention to what we are doing. Are we going to be prepared and ready when our master returns?
Jesus is going to come back again - and sometimes we forget this. We lose perspective on what is most important. The world says things will keep going on and on but it won’t.
George Orwell said in his book Nineteen Eighty-Four: “If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on the human face—forever.” Jesus also saw the boot, but he assures his disciples that the “forever” part is false. The Son of Man will come and send his angels to gather his elect who have held fast to the end. Despite their suffering, the future belongs to God’s people, because one day God will intervene in the world to destroy evil forever[12].
I’ll end this with a story I took from Christopher Hitchens's book God is Not Great. This book was a strange book as many of what Christopher affirmed was standard Christianity, this is one example:
“There is a celebrated story from Puritan Massachusetts in the late eighteenth century. During a session of the state legislature, the sky suddenly became leaden and overcast at midday. Its threatening aspect—a darkness at noon—convinced many legislators that the event so much on their clouded minds was imminent. They asked to suspend business and go home to die. The speaker of the assembly, Abraham Davenport, managed to keep his nerve and dignity. “Gentlemen,” he said, “either the Day of Judgment is here or it is not. If it is not, there is no occasion for alarm and lamentation. If it is, however, I wish to be found doing my duty. I move, therefore, that candles be brought.””
It was not superstition that moved Davenport to keep on about his business. It was the acknowledgement that Jesus is coming back one day, and when Jesus does, Davenport wanted to be found doing what He was called to do.
There is a climatic event coming, one bigger than the pandemic, one that will remove all evil from this world and all the elect will be gathered together with Jesus forever. Knowing that this will come, we must not be deceived or distracted from wrong voices and hard situations in the world. Instead, we should be on about witnessing to those around us and watching our conduct, being prepared, obeying our master not knowing when Jesus will soon come.
I’ll pray:
Almighty God,you have made us and all things to serve you:come quickly to save us,so that wars and violence may endand your children may live in peace,honouring one another with justice and love;We ask that you will strength us to not be deceived or distracted,help us to be a witness to the world around us and to be alert and watchful for your comingthough Jesus Christ, your Son our Lord,who lives with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,one God, now and for ever. Amen.
[1] This line is kinda from the poem A Tomorrow by Shane Koyczan
[2] Herod's Temple
[3] David Jones, It's Not the End of the World...Yet, from the 2013 Katoomba Easter Convention, available in their app.
[4] Daniel L. Akin, Exalting Jesus in Mark (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary)
[5] R. T. France, The Gospel of Mark (The New International Greek Testament Commentary)
[6] R. C. Sproul, Mark (St. Andrew’s Expositional Commentary)
[7] R. C. Sproul, Mark (St. Andrew’s Expositional Commentary)
[8] Eusebius, History of the Church, 3.5.3 & Epiphanius of Salamis (377). Panarion, or, Against the Heresies. p. book 29, 7:8.
[9] David Jones (KEC13) lists 3 not to do and 3 to-dos, but I didn’t have time for six points. He says they are not to be Deceived, Distracted or Dishearten. Instead, they are to Witness, Withstand and Watch.
[10] God's bankers: How evangelical Christianity is taking a hold of the City of London's financial institutions
[11] I think this is line from Rico Tice, Honest Evangelism
[12] David E. Garland, Mark (NIV Application Commentary)
[13] Christopher Hitchens, God is not Great
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