Tag Archives: Mark 13

Sermon Outlines

Jesus’ Prediction Regarding the Destruction of Jerusalem (Mark 13:1-37)

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Jesus' Prediction Regarding the Destruction of Jerusalem (Mark 13:1-37)

(Mark 13:1-37)

I. The background of the proclamation (13:1-2)

    A. The Jewish view of Jerusalem (Psalm 48:1-3; 50:1-2)
    B. The grandeur of the temple

      1. The disciples called the stones and buildings “wonderful” [NASB]
      2. Jesus simply referenced its size: “great” (large)
      3. These stones measured about 38x12x18 feet

II. The apostles asked three questions (13:3-4; cf. Matt. 24:3)

    A. “Tell us, when will these things be?”
    B. “And what will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?”
    C. “And what will be the sign…of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3)

III. Jesus answered all three questions (13:5-37)

    A. “When?” (13:5-13) – after…

      1. False claims (13:5-6)
      2. Wars, rumors of wars (13:7)
      3. Natural and national disasters (13:8)
      4. Religious persecution (13:9-13)
      5. All of these things will happen before the “these things” of 13:2 happen, and “all these things” would happen during “this generation” to which Jesus spoke (13:30)

    B. “The sign when all these things will be fulfilled” (13:14-31)

      1. The abomination of desolation (13:14-23; Daniel 11:31; 12:11; Luke 21:20) – Josephus records the history of Roman general Titus and his siege
      2. Apocalyptic/figurative language (13:24-27) – keep it in the historical context of “those days”

        a. “The powers…will be shaken” (13:24-25) – the religious power in Judaism, authorities represented by sun, moon, stars
        b. Not the Second Coming, but the coming of Jesus in judgment against Jerusalem (13:26-27)

      3. The parable of the fig tree (13:28-31)

    C. “The end of the age” (13:32-37)

      1. “That day and hour no one knows” (13:32-33)
      2. “Watch!” (13:34-37)
Daily Devotional

Read the New Testament in a year, one chapter a day, five days a week

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Day 81/260: Read Mark 13

We often hear folks say something about the signs of the end of time. Whenever tragedy strikes, there’s another sign. Natural disasters, diseases, wars…to many, these are signs that the return of the Lord is imminent.

What do the Scriptures say, though? These things have occurred rather frequently throughout history. Why do so many think the current distresses of the day are more of a sign that previous calamities?

Jesus warned His followers against deception. Most of this chapter deals with the destruction of Jerusalem, not the end of the world. In fact, when the discussions shifts to the end of the world, Jesus plainly says, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

The things that are happening all around are not signs of the Lord’s return. He will give no sign! “Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.” We must always be ready for Jesus to come back.

Friends, don’t listen to the shysters who are just after your money; they know nothing more than you know about the end of the world.
Listen to Jesus: “And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!”

Memory (Read aloud 5-10 times)

Mark 16:16. “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”

Pray

Pray for the tragedies of this life, and for the hastening of the Lord’s return.