Mark 13:1-37

Bringing the sermon home:

Jesus concludes the Tuesday before His death on Friday by teaching atop the Mount of Olives. This is the longest recorded teaching in Mark’s Gospel and has come to be known as “The Olivet Discourse”. It is easily one of the most difficult to interpret passages in the New Testament, leading to numerous competing views. However, I believe the points of application for our lives here in the 21^st century remain the same regardless of which interpretation you find most compelling.

1. Don’t be seduced by false promises. (vv.1-8)
   
   Don’t give in to apocalyptic fervor every time there’s a natural disaster or an outbreak of war or the threat of war. These are all normal parts of life in a broken world and are not to be taken as signs of the start of a new age. As such, don’t look for easy ways out of suffering in this world – there are none. Don’t place your trust in any religious or political deliverer or otherwise be deterred from the mission.
   
   
2. Don’t be surprised by persecution. (vv.9-23)
   
   “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim 3:12). Expect to encounter hate as you proclaim the gospel of love to others, being willing to suffer whatever may come for the sake of seeking the good of those who are stumbling toward destruction.
   
   
3. Don’t be found sleeping: pray and proclaim! (vv.24-37)
   
   To be “found asleep” is to be found living for yourself when Christ returns. To “stay awake” is to instead live your life in the light of God’s purposes and of the spiritual and physical needs of those around you. This involves living a life filled with prayer and proclamation of the gospel.