Mark 13:28-37 Stay Awake, Faithful To The End

This Sunday, we will conclude Mark 13 by examining verses 28-37. This chapter is a single prophecy from Jesus about Jerusalem’s destruction and His Second Coming. Jesus starts by predicting the city’s destruction, and the disciples ask two questions: When will these things happen, and what will be the sign that they are about to occur? From verses 5-23, Jesus answers the "what sign" question regarding Jerusalem’s destruction. Wars, rumors of wars, natural disasters, and Christian persecution are not signs of the end; they are the beginning of birth pains (verses 5-13). Then Jesus explains the real sign that Jerusalem is about to fall—the abomination of desolation (verses 14-23). Luke clarifies this reference from Daniel for us Gentiles, saying it occurs when Jerusalem is surrounded by armies (Luke 21:20-21). Next, Jesus addresses the second question about His second coming in verses 24-27. The sign will be the shaking of heaven and the lights in the sky going out. On Sunday, in verses 28-37, Jesus answers the first question, "When will this happen?" He first describes the destruction of Jerusalem, stating that "this generation will not pass away until all these things happen" (verses 28-31). Then, He speaks about when the Son of Man will return in verses 32-37, emphasizing that "no one knows, so stay awake!" This outline seems straightforward, but, as you know, there is much debate about this chapter and which events Jesus refers to in each verse. We will also address several difficult questions about this passage: Who is "he" that the ESV says is near in verse 29? What does Jesus mean by saying this generation will not pass away until "ALL THESE THINGS" have happened? How can Jesus be God and not know the time of His return? And what does staying awake really mean? I pray that God gives us clarity and understanding as we study this text. You can prepare by reading it a few times before Sunday. I. Trust Jesus’ Word That Will Never Pass Away (V. 28-31) II. Stay Awake, Faithful To The End (v. 32-37)