What should we do, knowing that Jesus could come at any time? In this week’s episode, J. Mark Horst teaches from Mark 13:28-37, where Jesus focuses on the conditions at the climax of human history. Jesus urgently reminds His hearers to be alert and commands us to be observant, vigilant, and busy so that we are not caught by surprise. Join us to learn what Jesus desires from us in this time.
The Bible is truly an incredible book. One reason I am convinced the Bible is true is that it has predicted the future. Remember all the Old Testament prophecies that came true exactly as predicted in Jesus? We also have future prophecies; some have happened, and we’re still waiting for the rest.
We don’t doubt the ones that haven’t been fulfilled; we trust. Since the others have happened just as written, it is only a matter of time before these things come to pass. Do we just sit around while we are waiting? What are we supposed to be doing?
At the end of Mark 13, Jesus’ teachings are very clear. We admit we don’t understand every verse and its fulfillment, but in this lesson all of us can understand Jesus’ command to “watch and pray.” And that is the title of today’s lesson. Let’s go now with J Mark to finish our study in Mark 13.
In our previous study, “The Coming of the Son of Man,” Jesus provided clear indicators of the coming judgment and the end of the age.
In our text this time, Mark 13:28-37, Jesus seems to zero in on conditions at the climax of human history. His reminder to His hearers to be alert to the times they were living in is not a casual suggestion. His words are urgent and are just as important to us today as they were when He uttered them. We are nearly 2,000 years closer to the end of the age.
I believe the primary purpose of Jesus’ words in our text was to show us how to prepare so that these events do not catch us by surprise. So, I’ve titled this message “Watch and Pray.” Let’s turn now to the text, Mark 13:28-37.
28 “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.
29 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that it is near—at the doors!
30 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.
31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
32 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
33 Take heed, watch, and pray; for you do not know when the time is.
34 It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch.
35 Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning—
36 lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping.
37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!”
In this text, Jesus gives several necessary COMMANDS. Obeying these commands will help us to remain vigilant as we await the return of Christ.
The First COMMAND is,
Be Observant
In this text, Jesus uses several words to call attention to the seriousness of our task as we await the Lord’s coming. He says, “take heed, behold,” and “watch.” In the opening verse, He says, “Learn a parable of the fig tree…” In other words, take a careful look! Just a glance isn’t enough; you’ll miss important details.
Why did Jesus refer to the fig tree? Some see it as a physical tree. Others see it as a reference to Israel as a nation. Many Scriptures compare the nation of Israel to a vine or fig tree. Just a few: Jeremiah 24, Hosea 9:10, and Joel 1:7. Some Bible teachers believe the “fig tree” [figuratively] budded in May 1948, when Israel once again became an established nation. Maybe that’s a valid conclusion, but it’s not readily apparent in this text.
Regardless, when the fig tree begins to push out blossoms and leaves, you know summer is near. Likewise, Jesus said, when you see these events coming to pass, you should know that the coming of the Son of Man is very near. Even young children can follow Jesus’ reasoning.
“Just like the fig tree blooming signals the nearness of summer, when the events I’ve told you about are happening (present tense), then you know the kingdom of God is very near. And you need to take appropriate action.” In the earlier verses, in Jesus’ specific predictions about the destruction of Jerusalem, He gave them warnings particular to that time. Similarly, He warns us about the Day of Judgment that’s coming and how we should prepare ourselves for it.
Oh, but people scoff. “There have been wars and rumors of wars ever since Cain killed Abel. There have been earthquakes, famine, and disease for as long as the world has existed. How can you say these things point to the coming of Christ?” I didn’t say it; Jesus did! If you don’t accept what He said, that’s between you and Him; although I would add that it will be detrimental to your future. Your rejection of truth doesn’t change the truth!
Others may say, “Well, we only think there are more of these calamities because we have much better communication than previous generations.” I don’t debate the last part of that statement. But I also know that our day was/is not unseen by Jesus. He sees all time as NOW!
Then Jesus makes a statement that scholars have wrestled with for a long time. “Assuredly I say to you, this generation shall (absolutely) not pass away until all that is predicted is fulfilled.”
Jesus couldn’t have been referring to those in the audience because they are all dead. Some say this chapter speaks only of the destruction of Jerusalem, but Jesus clearly predicted things here that didn’t happen then. So, what did He mean? Notice that right after Jesus makes this statement, He follows it up with verse 33. “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.” What Jesus said will come to pass!
Some have suggested that Jesus meant the human race will continue until everything predicted comes to pass. That’s true, but it’s not how the word “generation” is used. Others suggest it refers to the Jewish people. That seems possible, but again, it’s not the normal use of the word “generation.”
The understanding that makes the most sense to me is that the generation that begins to see the signs mentioned in verses 25 and 26 will be the same generation to see the end of history as we know it. The emphasis is on the certainty of the end, rather than on a specific date. People expected the end of human history; we know that from the disciples’ question at the beginning of this chapter. So Jesus described a particular kind of end and the signs that accompany it.
Jesus urges us to be observant of our times; the other New Testament writers echo that counsel repeatedly. Let’s keep our eyes open because our redemption is drawing near!
The Next COMMAND is,
Be Vigilant
Jesus clearly stated that God the Father alone knows when these final events will unfold. “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Jesus must be speaking of the Second Coming, because he predicted the coming destruction of Jerusalem. Anyone who claims to know the particular time of the Second Coming of Christ is a deceiver.
Here, we have a positive command, among the last words of teaching that Jesus gave before going to the Cross. Because the Day of the Lord will come unexpectedly upon those who dwell on the earth, we must be alert and WATCH! Jesus’ command means to be sleepless, constantly alert. We must keep watching and staying alert. And why must we watch? It is so easy to be overcome by life’s daily obligations and the pursuits of our physical needs. We often focus on our physical needs at the expense of our spiritual ones.
A sentry on his post must be vigilant. If he fails in his duty, he will pay for it with his life, and many others may lose their lives too. If you and I fail to be vigilant, others may suffer from our lack of vigilance. Ezekiel 33:1-11 provides us with a graphic warning about those who, as God’s messengers, fail to watch and warn those under their care.
And then Jesus gives another present imperative: “keep on earnestly praying” so you may be strong enough to prevail and escape all these terrible judgments that are coming. This is prayer like Elijah’s: earnest and fervent. It is effective prayer that makes a difference.
What about us; are we vigilant? Are we watching and praying? The apostle Peter warns, “Be sober; be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever.”
Jesus repeats His command to “watch” so often in these few verses for a reason.
The Final COMMAND is,
Be Busy
Jesus said His return will be “like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch.” This reminds me of the parable of the minas in Luke 19.
“He spoke another parable, because He was near Jerusalem and because they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately. Therefore, He said: “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return. So, he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Do business till I come.’” We should not sit around waiting for these things to happen. We are to work while we wait.
Did you notice that Jesus gave His servants authority and a specific task to perform? One of those responsibilities was to guard the door. Like the parable of the minas, the servants understood that their master would ultimately return. What they didn’t know was when he would come.
Jesus closes this section of teaching with a final admonition to watch. In it, he lists the four 3-hour watches of the night: 6 to 9 pm, 9 pm to midnight, midnight to 3 am, and 3 to 6 am. The application is that we must be ready at all times for His coming!
Are you watching and praying? Our text reveals the importance of obeying these commands. Be observant; pay attention to where we are on God’s clock. Be vigilant; always be on your guard and pray in every life situation. Be busy, doing the work God has called you to do with laser-like focus on His kingdom. If you watch and pray, the Lord’s coming will NOT take you by surprise.
Thanks, J Mark, for sharing these three clear points. Many are not ready and will be surprised when Jesus returns. As followers of Jesus, we must stay focused and always be ready. As we live in ready expectation, our attitude will come out, and we will share the hope of His coming with others. This is a good, practical way to end this chapter about the end of the world: don’t be surprised, but live a life that is always ready.
How do you live a life of expectation? How do you keep yourself from getting distracted? We’d love to hear your thoughts. You can email [email protected]. Or you can contact us via our website. Go to Heraldsofhope.org. There, you will find “Contact Us” under the Partner tab in the top right. Click on that to message us directly.
We spent the last few lessons focusing on Christ’s return, how we anticipate it, and how we look forward to meeting Him soon. Our hope is not stagnant; absolutely not. Being ready for Jesus’ return has a good effect on us. First John 3 says it very well. “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” Let’s watch, pray, and always be ready.
