Mark 13

Mark 13 is one of the strangest chapters in the book. Many Bible translations include “titles” for different sections. Some of the titles used for chapter 13 are:

Jesus Foretells the Future
Jesus Tells of the House of God
Jesus Speaks About the Future
Signs of the End of the Age
Destruction of the Temple Predicted
Things to Come
Warning About Trouble
Doomsday Deceivers

They all sound very dramatic. Some even sound frightening.

The wisest and most respected Bible scholars have several different views about Mark 13. Some think the entire chapter tells of the distant future. Others think it refers to things that happened in the decades after Jesus’ resurrection. And others think that it refers to both.

This strange chapter clearly describes the horrifying things that happened during the Roman-Jewish War (A.D. 66-70). Christians were persecuted. Roman emperors devastated Judea and eventually destroyed the Temple, one of the most amazing buildings of its time.

But the true Temple, Jesus Christ, stands firm forever.

READ & REFLECT

Mark 13

verses 1-36 (Jesus warns and reassures)

Even if this chapter was written mostly about things that happened in Judea thousands of years ago, Jesus’ teachings always contain lasting truth. Write down things in this chapter that are important for his followers to know, remember, and do, no matter the year or place (for example: “Don't let anyone mislead you.”)
What are some ways you can learn, remember, and do these things?
Think about the difference between being wise, obedient, aware, and active versus being afraid, worried, confused, and helpless. Why are some people like the first list and others like the second list? How can you be like the first list?

General Reflection:

What do you learn about Jesus from this passage?
What do you learn about following Jesus from this passage?

Extra Info

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The temple was destroyed in A.D. 70 during the Jewish- Roman wars. It was never rebuilt.

Old Testament References

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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007, 2103 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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