Session 11

Promises promised to return to establish His eternal kingdom.

MARK 13:24-37

MEMORY VERSE: MARK 13:33

READ Mark 13:1-37, First Thoughts (p . 114), and Understand the Context (pp . 114–115) . Highlight the expectations that Jesus identified for His disciples regarding the near future and His return .

STUDY Mark 13:24-37, using Explore the Text on pages 115–119 . List the details that Jesus provided about the end times . Review Joel 2:10 and 7:13-14 for insight . Use a dictionary for further understanding of “watch ”. Be aware that there are varying opinions regarding among Bible scholars, but all agree that Jesus will return .

PLAN the group time using ideas under Lead Group Bible Study (pp . 120–121) . Tailor the plans for your group using More Ideas (p . 122) . Consider creative ways to use the Suggested Music Idea (p . 122) that are appropriate for your group . Consult QuickSource for additional questions that you can use in leading the discussion and an Object Lesson idea for this week’s study .

GROW from expert insights on weekly studies through the Ministry Grid (MinistryGrid c. om/Web/ ExploretheBible) .

GATHER the following items: Personal Study Guides; Chart paper and markers . Prepare to display: PACK ITEM 2 (Outline of Mark) . Make copies of: PACK ITEM 9 (Handout: Gentiles Featured in Mark); and PACK ITEM 12 (Handout: The “” in Mark) . For More Ideas (p . 122): Collect information about Douglas MacArthur; and Several Bible concordances or dictionaries for the group to share .

Date of My Bible Study:______113 © 2019 LifeWay FIRST THOUGHTS KEY DOCTRINE “When will you be back?” Think about the importance of that question. We Last Things usually ask it when a loved one is headed on a trip or are nearing the end of an According to His promise, Jesus extended visit. Being asked the question may make us cringe in some cases, Christ will return personally but we should take it as a compliment: they want to see us and spend time and visibly in to the earth; with us! Our anticipated return makes the days of separation more tolerable. the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in (In PSG, p. 100) When was the last time you asked a love one when they righteousness (1 Thess. 4:14-18). would be back for a visit? How does their promised return impact you?

UNDERSTAND THE CONTEXT BIBLE SKILL

Take seriously all biblical MARK 13:1-37 commands for Christian living. Mark’s emphasizes Jesus’ deeds. Only two times did Mark provide an extensive block of the Lord’s teaching around a single theme. Identify the commands Jesus Chapter 4 records Jesus’ of the kingdom. Chapter 13 records Jesus gave to His disciples in Mark predictions of things to come. Bible students have given this chapter (and 13:32-34. Express them as its parallels in Matt. 24–25 and ) several titles. Some have called complete imperative sentences. it “the eschatological discourse” because He deals with the end of the age. (Example: “Always be on Some call it “the prophetic discourse” because He prophesies the future. the watch for Jesus’ return,” Some call it “the ” because Jesus sat on the , 13:33.) Develop a “path of looking across the valley toward the temple courts, where He provided His obedience” for each imperative, disciples with this private instruction. listing reasons Jesus gave Bible students have recognized that in this teaching, Jesus had two these commands. Also list the different situations in mind. First, He was answering the disciples’ question damage that might be caused about when the temple would be destroyed and whether there would be by ignoring them and benefits signs preceding this event (Mark 13:4). This happened in AD 70 when the generated by obeying them. Romans invaded and burned the city and the temple. Second, however, Jesus provided information about His and the end times: “What is the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (Matt. 24:3). There is general agreement about some parts of the discourse as to whether Jesus was speaking about the near event (the destruction of Jerusalem) or the remote event (His second coming). Yet there are parts of Jesus’ teaching in which it’s not entirely clear whether the near event or the remote event or both are in view. This week’s lesson focuses on the last verses of the chapter, which certainly focus our attention on Jesus’ teaching about His second coming. We may outline chapter 13 as follows: • Destruction of the temple predicted (13:1-4). Jesus prophesied the fall of the temple in AD 70.

114 Explore the Bible | Leader Guide © 2019 LifeWay • Signs of the end of the age (13:5-8). Jesus gave examples of events that will characterize the times leading up to the end of the age, “but the BIBLICAL end is not yet” because “these are the beginning of birth pains” (13:7,8). ILLUSTRATOR • Persecutions predicted (13:9-13). The severe sufferings Jesus prophesied For additional context, read for His followers seem to have both a “near event” and “remote “Watchful Endurance,” an event” in view. archived Biblical Illustrator • The (13:14-23). Jesus connected Daniel’s of article provided on the CD-ROM “the of desolation” (Dan. 9:27) to a future event. This in the Spring 2019 Explore the horrible thing had an initial fulfillment between the testaments, when Bible: Leader Pack. the temple was desecrated by the Syrians in 167 BC, and another fulfillment when the Romans burned the temple in AD 70. There may well be another fulfillment in the context of Jesus’ return. • The coming of the Son of Man (13:24–27). Jesus prophesied His return as a time when His power and glory will be revealed and He will gather His people to Himself. • The of the fig tree (13:28-31). The leafing of a fig tree is a sign of summer; so also Jesus spoke of His return. • No one knows the day or hour (13:32-37). Jesus challenged His disciples to stay on the alert for the fulfillment of His words. As you study this passage, focus on Jesus’ promise to return, knowing that He will keep that word. Further, ask Him to give you a fresh sense of the urgency of living each day as if it is the day of His coming.

EXPLORE THE TEXT

SEEN! (MARK 13:24-27)

VERSES 24-25 Jesus’ intention in this section of His discourse was to give hope to His VERSES 24-25 people, even though they experienced distress and pain. Many of the phrases He used have roots in the Old Testament, and Jesus’ first hearers 24 “But in those days, would certainly have recognized the connections. In those days was used after that tribulation: in several places in the Old Testament as a way to refer to the end times (Joel 3:1; Zech. 8:23). The sun will be After that tribulation points to Jesus’ prediction of a time of great darkened, and the trouble in connection with the “abomination of desolation” (Mark 13:14,19). moon will not shed its Likely, Jesus had in mind a dual fulfillment. The first disciples (and first light; 25 the stars will readers of Mark) surely thought that the horrors connected with the fall of Jerusalem meant the end of the world, but we now know that’s not true. Thus, be falling from the sky, there is also a reference to the tribulation that will precede Christ’s coming. and the powers in the The reference to the darkening ofthe sun and the moon is not a direct heavens will be shaken. quotation of Scripture but points to passages such as 13:10; Ezekiel 32:7-8; and Joel 2:10,31; 3:15. In particular, Joel 2:31 connects these signs in the heavens with the arrival of the Day of the Lord.

Session 11 : Promises 115 © 2019 LifeWay The reference to thestars … falling and the heavenly powers … shaken has an Old Testament antecedent: “All the stars in the sky will dissolve. The sky will roll up like a scroll, and its stars will all wither as leaves wither on the vine” (Isa. 34:4). The same end-time language is found in Revelation 6:13-14: “The stars of heaven fell to the earth … the sky was split apart like a scroll being rolled up.” Bible students have debated how to understand these statements. Obviously stars as we know them cannot fall to the earth, but meteors look like falling stars. The idea of heavenly powers being shaken suggests, at the least, that the entire universe will be adversely affected by the arrival of the Day of the Lord. These events in the heavens announce the arrival of ’s righteous judgment.

VERSE 26 VERSE 26 When our Lord returns, they will see Him, meaning all persons and not just a few. Revelation 1:7 similarly connects His return with the clouds and with 26 Then they will see the all persons seeing Him. This promise aboutthe Son of Man coming cannot Son of Man coming in refer to anything that happened in AD 70; it clearly is awaiting fulfillment. This is the first of two times in Mark’s Gospel in which the title Son clouds with great power of Man is directly connected to the prophecy of Daniel 7:13. (See also and glory. :62.) The contrast between Jesus’ first coming—in humility and service—and His second coming—with great power and glory—could not be more striking. The One who suffered the cross will return wearing a crown. Further, it should be recalled that glory in Scripture is considered one of God’s attributes (Ex. 16:7,10; 24:15-16). Note too that God’s glory was sometimes demonstrated in a cloud. For Jesus to refer to His return in such exalted language further indicates that He is God.

VERSE 27 VERSE 27 In Daniel 7, the glorious coming of the Son of Man is sandwiched between an account of a myriad of heavenly beings attending to God at the time 27 He will send out the of judgment and an account of the Son of Man being worshiped in an and gather his everlasting kingdom. In the present discourse, Jesus skipped these matters (which may be assumed) and went on to an issue of more pressing concern elect from the four for His followers: What will happen to them after their experiences of great winds, from the ends distress? The answer: Jesuswill send out the angels and gather those who of the earth to the ends belong to Him, no matter how far they have been scattered. This idea has Old Testament roots as well, in which God promised to regather the dispersed of heaven. Israelites (Deut. 30:3-4; Ps. 147:2; Isa. 43:6). Just as the Israelites were referred to in the Old Testament as God’s chosen people, so Jesus called His followers the elect (or “chosen”). Notice that the term “elect” gives no indication of the basis upon which God chose them. The reference tothe four winds implies a previous worldwide scattering. (See Zech. 2:6.) The implication, however, is that not only will Christ’s people who are alive be gathered to Him, but also those who have gone on before into the heavens. All His people—dead or alive at His coming—will share in the King’s triumph. This would certainly have comforted Mark’s first readers, who may already have been scattered by persecution and who may have known some Christian .

116 Explore the Bible | Leader Guide © 2019 LifeWay (In PSG, p. 103) How do these verses help a person understand the power of Jesus? How should His eventual return affect the way people live each day right now?

BE ASSURED! (MARK 13:28-31)

VERSES 28-30 As Jesus neared the end of His discourse, He used a variety of comments— VERSE 28-30 parables and exhortations—to urge His hearers to remember three truths: (1) the fact of His return is certain; (2) the time of His return is uncertain; 28 “Learn this lesson (3) His followers must therefore stay ready. from the fig tree: As Jesus began with a brief parable or illustration of the truth that His second coming is just as certain as the coming of summer after spring. soon as its branch Jesus reminded His disciples about what everyone knew about the fig becomes tender and tree, a common fruit-bearing tree in that part of the world. Most trees sprouts leaves, you in Palestine were evergreen, but fig trees lose their leaves every winter. know that summer is Everyone knew that when a fig tree leafs out,summer is near. 29 Jesus then drew the analogy, yet Bible students admit that it is not near. In the same immediately clear what He meant by these things in verse 29. He could way, when you see these have been referring to the sufferings that were associated with the fall of things happening, Jerusalem in AD 70 (13:5-23). Yet He also could have been referring to the events—such as great tribulation—that will immediately precede the recognize that he is return of Christ and the end of the age. In either case, the event is certain. near — at the door. The phrasehe [Jesus] is near can be equally translated “it [the event] is 30 “Truly I tell you, this near.” Again, the main point our Lord was making is that—whether near generation will certainly events or remote events—certain prophesied occurrences are etched in stone. They are absolutely certain, as certain as the coming of summer after not pass away until all a fig tree has shown its leaves. these things take place. Jesus’ teaching in verse 30 has puzzled many Bible students. The most obvious meaning of this generation is to refer to the generation that was living at Jesus’ first coming. Indeed, many of those persons did live to see the events of AD 70 some forty years later. Yet that generation did not live to see the second coming, so some have reinterpreted generation to mean “people,” referring to the Jewish people, meaning that the Jewish race will survive. However, that is an unnatural meaning for the word genea in the original language. (See ;12,38; 9:19 for other uses of this term in the Gospel.) Still others have thought that Jesus meant that the generation alive during the final great tribulation will live to see His return. In other words, the end-time events, once they start unfolding, will occur relatively quickly. And yet others think that this generation means something like “the Christian era.” In any case, Jesus was emphasizing the certain fulfillment of what He prophesied. Note that He prefaced this saying with the solemn truly I tell you and ended with the promise that all these things [will] take place.

Session 11 : Promises 117 © 2019 LifeWay VERSE 31 VERSE 31 Heaven and earth refers to the entire universe, everything that God created. Jesus was making two points. First, the physical universe as we 31 Heaven and earth will know it will eventually be destroyed. In Revelation 21:1, John foresaw a pass away, but my words new heaven and earth. Second, Jesus’ words are more enduring than the universe. They will never disappear. We as followers of Jesus may believe will never pass away. with confidence that everything He said—indeed everything in the Scriptures—is the Word of God revealed to us. Jesus’ words are more enduring than the universe.

(In PSG, p. 105) How does Jesus’ assertion that His words will never pass away affect your understanding of the certainty of His return? How does it affect your confidence that all of Scripture is His Word?

STAY READY! (MARK 13:32-37)

VERSES 32-33 VERSES 32-33 Humans are curious about what the future holds and when certain things will happen. Jesus taught that He will return but refused to provide an exact 32 “Now concerning timeline. That would not be a help but a hindrance to our walk with Christ. that day or hour no Sadly, some Bible students have resorted to date-setting regarding the end times. We may be confident, Jesus taught, thatconcerning that day or hour one knows — neither no one knows. He gave signs concerning His return, but not for creating the angels in heaven a chronological sequence. The disciples would have recognized Jesus’ nor the Son— but only reference to that day as taken from the Old Testament prophets’ reference for the appearing of the Lord in judgment (Amos 8:3,9,13; Mic. 5:10). the Father. 33 “Watch! Many Christians have been puzzled by Jesus’ admission that He— Be alert! For you don’t the Son of God—did not know the time of His return. We are meant know when the time to recognize this as an example of His full humanity. He laid aside the is coming. exercise of His knowledge of all things because of His taking on human flesh. He submitted to the Father in this regard, just as He submitted to the Father regarding who would sit at His right and left hand (:40). Later, at the time He ascended to heaven, Jesus repeated that it was not His followers’ business to know the times and dates that the Father has set (Acts 1:7). The verb translatedwatch is the same verb form used in 13:5: “Watch out that no one deceives you.” The verb renderedbe alert implies “stay awake” or “keep prepared.” Paul used a form of this verb in Ephesians 6:18: “Stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.” Being on guard and staying awake are almost military in their insistence. Soldiers who fall asleep when they are on duty are derelict. So are followers of Jesus who fail to be alert for His return. If Jesus was content not to know exactly when He will return, then those who follow Him should not worry or speculate about it.

118 Explore the Bible | Leader Guide © 2019 LifeWay VERSES 34-37 In those days, well-to-do homes had servants to keep everything in the VERSES 34-37 household running smoothly. Jesus spoke about such a household in which the master decided to go on a journey. If he left home and had no idea how 34 “It is like a man on long he would be away, then he would be expected to give authority to a journey, who left his his servants (literally, “slaves”) to keep up their appointed tasks. Each one was to keep busy, for the other members of the household—perhaps a wife house, gave authority and children—needed to be cared for. Thedoorkeeper was responsible for to his servants, gave admitting guests or family members who might arrive. The master asked each one his work, the doorkeeper to be alert , especially for the master’s return. and commanded Jesus then interpreted the illustration for His hearers. The original disciples (and the first readers of the Gospel, and all later readers including the doorkeeper to ourselves) are to be alert (“be on the lookout”) for the return of the Master. be alert. 35 Therefore Themaster of the house—Jesus—is coming back. be alert, since you Jesus used the standard Roman way of organizing the nighttime into four roughly equal times or “watches”: evening (after sundown); midnight; don’t know when the the crowing of the rooster (well before daybreak, as anyone who has lived master of the house on a farm knows); and early in the morning (at first light). See :48 is coming — whether for another use of this fourfold division. Luke 12:38 provides an example in the evening or at of the Jewish way of organizing the night into three “watches.” There is an implication that the master might come home (1) after a longer-than- midnight or at the expected trip and (2) at an unexpected hour. crowing of the rooster Jesus said that His return will occur suddenly. Notice, too, that the or early in the morning. servants were expected to look for the master himself, not to try and figure 36 out signs that the master might be on the way back. It would be a matter Otherwise, when of great shame to the master’s servants if they failed to be on the alert and he comes suddenly he were sleeping when he returned. might find you sleeping. Jesus had begun this discourse with a warning for His followers to 37 And what I say to watch out lest they be led astray by deceivers (Mark 13:5). He concluded the discourse with a warning, using the same verb form, for His followers you, I say to everyone: to watch out for His coming. Note that He spoke to you (the apostles who Be alert! ” first heard this teaching) as well asto everyone. Pressure and trouble may come to Jesus’ servants. We may be tempted to lose sight of His promised return. But by staying alert (and doing what He has asked us to do) we will be ready when He comes. Yes, Jesus personally promised to return to establish His eternal kingdom. He will keep that promise, even though the time is uncertain. Therefore, we must be on guard, stay awake, and keep alert, because He may return today.

What is your reaction to the following statement: “All believers, including myself, must live as if today is the day of Jesus’ second coming”? In what way can you remain alert for His coming?

Session 11 : Promises 119 © 2019 LifeWay LEAD GROUP BIBLE STUDY

FOCUS ATTENTION (FIRST THOUGHTS) INTRODUCE: As the session begins, guide the group to picture a small child being left with a babysitter and the child tearfully asking the mother: “When will you be back?”

STATE: In our own lives we might think about parting with family members or friends who live a distance away and wonder when we’ll see them again in the future.

ASK: When was the last time you asked a love one when they would be back for a visit? How does their promised return impact you? (PSG, p. 100)

TRANSITION: In today’s study, we’ll see Jesus continuing to teach His disciples about what they could expect in the days to come. He promised them that even though difficulties were ahead, He would return.

EXPLORE THE TEXT MINI-LECTURE: Establish the context using Understand the Context. Remind the group using Pack Item 2 (Outline of Mark) that this session is part of point V on the outline, Judgment Pronounced. Share that these are Jesus’ last extensive teaching words to His disciples recorded by Mark. Relate that the verses in today’s study refer in part to what the disciples could expect after Jesus left them and information related to His future return. Remind the group that there are differing ideas in the way Christians deal with end times, but on one thing all agree, and that is Jesus will return. Jesus wanted His disciples to understand the end of His earthly life wasn’t really the end at all.

READ: Invite a volunteer to read Mark 13:24-25, as the group listens for the description of how creation will respond to the end times.

DISCUSS: Divide into two teams, directing each team to reread the verses and list actions described in the verses. Direct the teams to examine Joel 2:10 and compare the verse to the things they have listed.

ASK: How do these verses help a person understand the power of Jesus? (PSG, p. 103)

READ: Call on a volunteer to read Mark 13:26-27, while the group visualizes the return of the Son of Man and what will ensue upon His return.

REVIEW: Remind the group that the name “Son of Man” was one Jesus’ favorite ways to identify Himself in Mark’s Gospel. Reference Pack Item 12 (Handout: The “Son of Man” in Mark), leading the group to consider how each verse’s reference to Jesus emphasizes His humanity and His deity.

DIRECT: Guide each team to examine Daniel 7:13-14 to see how Mark drew an example from Daniel to connect Jesus as the . Ask each team to discuss from the PSG (p. 103): How should His eventual return affect the way people live each day right now? Call for a volunteer from each team to share responses with the group.

120 Explore the Bible | Leader Guide © 2019 LifeWay SHARE: Verse 27 indicates that Jesus’ return will mean judgment for unbelievers but a time of restoration for the believer. Note that Jesus’ power extends beyond the earth in that angels obey His directions.

READ: Identify a volunteer to read aloud Mark 13:28-31, as each team listens and considers why Jesus might have used the fig tree as an example. Call for responses.

RELATE: The fig tree served as a reliable indicator of the seasons. Most of the other trees in the area did not lose their leaves in the winter, so the budding of the leaves of a fig tree promised that summer was approaching. Use information under Verses 28-29 on PSG page 104 for clarification.

GUIDE: Lead each team to think of something other than a fig tree that might be used as an example of upcoming or promised change in our world today.

DISCUSS: Guide the group to examine the last two paragraphs on PSG page 104, related to verses 29-30. Ask: How would you describe the dual meaning of these verses?

REREAD: Read aloud Mark 13:31 again, and lead the group to describe how the promise in this verse provides comfort for us today.

READ: Invite someone to read Mark 13:32-37, as the group listens for key words that are repeated in the passage.

ASK: What word or words did you hear repeated in these verses? Why would Jesus repeatedly remind His disciples to be alert?

SUMMARIZE: Direct each team to summarize Mark 13:24-37 in one or two sentences. Allow time for each team to share their summary to reinforce the learning.

TRANSITION: As Jesus shared with His disciples the need to stay alert, so we also must watch out and be alert.

SUMMARIZE AND CHALLENGE (IN MY CONTEXT) LIST: Guide the group to list distractions that could keep a person from remaining alert and watchful. How can a person safeguard himself against these distractions? (PSG, p. 107)

REFLECT: Identify challenges you’re currently facing. How does the promise of Jesus’ return give you hope when you face the identified challenges?

SHARE: Lead the group to turn to a neighbor and share something from today’s study that gives them hope.

ASK: How does this hope provide comfort today? How can you share this hope with others?

PRAY: Thank God for His promised return. Ask Him for strength to remain faithful as we await Jesus’ return.

Session 11 : Promises 121 © 2019 LifeWay PRACTICE • Connect with the group during the week, reminding them to share the hope of Jesus’ return with someone during the week. • Study the attendance patterns of the group and reach out to encourage individuals who seem to be withdrawing from the group. • As the leader, spend time reflecting on how you’re staying focused and alert so that you can live each day as if it’s the day He returns.

MORE IDEAS

FOCUS ATTENTION (FIRST THOUGHTS) As an alternate option to begin the session, ask the group what famous World War II general is known for saying, “I shall return.” Douglas MacArthur said he would return to the Philippines and he did. In today’s study, many years before MacArthur, Jesus shared an important message describing His return and the hope it provides for all believers.

EXPLORE THE TEXT • To enhance the study of Mark 13:24-37, provide several Bible concordances or dictionaries and lead the group to compare Jesus’ initial arrival with His second coming. • As an additional team assignment, provide each team with a Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary or information on the word “watch.” Discuss how the wording in the verse connects soldiers being on guard duty.

SUMMARIZE AND CHALLENGE (IN MY CONTEXT) Read 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18 to provide another picture of Jesus’ return. Ask: What does being alert look like in your life? (PSG, p. 108) Ask each person to reflect on what they are doing to maintain focus and live each day like Jesus is coming back.

SUGGESTED MUSIC IDEA As the group arrives play the hymn “It Is Well with My Soul,” by Horatio G. Spafford, and ask them to identify the song that’s playing. In anticipation of Christ’s return, read the lyrics or lead in singing verse four of the hymn to close the session.

122 Explore the Bible | Leader Guide © 2019 LifeWay