April 24 - How Will We Know?

April 24 - How Will We Know? - Mark 13:1-37

One of the disciples asked Jesus about the temple. Herod's temple was completed in 64 AD (only to be destroyed 6 years later) and was considered an architectural wonder of the ancient world. It was built with large polished, white stones with gold decorations. In 70 AD, Titus ordered that the temple area be burned and every building be demolished to the ground in Jerusalem.

Four disciples: Andrew, Peter, James and John gathered around Jesus to ask deeper questions about his predictions. Zechariah 14 was the last of the Old Testament prophecy regarding the coming of the Messiah. The destruction of the temple would obviously lead to the coming of the Messiah - ushering in His Kingdom. They wanted to know what they needed to watch for.

Jesus began by answering Peter's second question, "What do we need to watch for." The first thing was false messiahs. Then, he warned them to not misinterpret contemporary events as the end of the world. Why? They needed to remain on task. Just as we do. Mark 13:10 says "The gospel must first be preached to all nations." Spending too much time worrying about the end of the world, wastes time that could be spent introducing people to Jesus.

In Mark 13:14, Jesus continues to answer Peter's question. Signs include the abomination that causes desolation, which is from Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11. The interpretations that surround this are widely varied. With the identification of this sign, believers are to flee to the mountains immediately. They can't wait. Those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God was creating the world. Destruction of the heavens will occur and you will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds, bringing angels to gather everyone from earth.

Peter's first question regarding when this would occur was answered in Mark 13:32-37. No one knows, not even the angels, not even Jesus. Be on guard. Be prepared. Keep watch.