The signs of the end: bible study

A bible study on Isaiah 56:1-8 and Mark 13:1-37

Question 1

As a Christian, how convinced are you that God will wind up this creation and accomplish his purpose in creation? Why?

Question 2

This discussion with the disciples arises out of their observation about the magnificence of the temple – and it was magnificent. Jesus’ reply is blunt. It will be totally destroyed. What is the significance of the destruction of the temple? Refer to

  • Mark 12:1-12 esp. 12:10

  • Mark 11:15-19 (which cites Jeremiah 7:11)

Is Jesus just talking about revenge or is something bigger happening?

Question 3

The four disciples probably thought that the destruction of the temple signalled the consummation of God’s Kingdom. What do they ask? (13:2,3) What do their questions mean?

The difficulty with interpreting Mark 13 is in interpreting whether Jesus is talking about:

  • his return at the end of time.

  • the destruction of Jerusalem (AD 70)

To decide, that there are three issues.

  1. What is the purpose of Jesus’ teaching in this passage?

  2. When do “all these things” v29 happen?

  3. How is Jesus using apocalyptic ideas from the Old Testament?

We will look at them in reverse order.

Question 4

How is Jesus using apocalyptic ideas from the Old Testament?

OT apocalyptic does not continually give encouragement to action as Mark 13 does.

  • “take heed” (5,9,23, 33)

  • “watch” (34,35, 36)

But the background of the passage is apocalyptic.

  1. Read Daniel 7:9-14. Which direction is the one like a son of man going in? (up or down)

  2. Read Daniel 9:25-27, 11:31. Is Jesus using this to refer to the Roman attack on the temple and Jerusalem? (Mark 13:14-23).

  3. Read Zechariah 14:1-7. Is it significant that Jesus and the 4 disciples are on the Mt of Olives?

Question 5

When do “all these things” (v4,v23,29-30) happen?

The verses between 5 and 30 speak about “all these things”. They include:

  • V6) Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ 

  • V7)  And when you hear of wars and rumours of wars

  • V8)  there will be earthquakes in various places, there will be famines;

  • V9)  they will deliver you up to councils; and you will be beaten in synagogues

  • V10) And the gospel must first be preached to all nations

  • V13) and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. 

  • V14)  the desolating sacrilege set up where it ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains

  • V22 False Christs and false prophets will arise and show signs and wonders

  • V24 the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light

  • V26 they will see the Son of man coming in clouds with great power and glory.

a) Which of “these things” had happened before or during the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70?

b) Which of them had not happened by AD 70?

a. Verse 10? See Rom 10:18; Col 1:6 cf Acts 2 esp 5-11; Romans 15:19

b. Verse 24? Read Isaiah 13:10 (about the destruction of Babylon) and compare Mark 13:24.
Read Isaiah 34:4 (about the judgement of the nations); Ezekiel 32:7 and compare Mark 13:25 Also Amos 8:9; Joel 2:10; 3:15

c. Verse 26 Refer to Daniel 7. Is the son of man “coming” to earth or to the divine throne to rule? Is this “seen” in the fact that Jerusalem is judged? (see his trial Mark 14:58-63)

c) When does Jesus say that all these things will take place? (v30)

Question 6

What is the purpose of Jesus’ teaching in this passage?

a) Take note of where this passage is in Mark’s gospel.

a. It is after the conflict with the religious leaders.
Read Mark 12:1-12 esp. 12:10; Mark 11:15-19 [which cites Jeremiah 7:11]. These verses are a comment on the consequences of rejecting Jesus)

b. It is before the passion – Jesus’ death

i. The question is posed and answered by Mark 13: “who is right (the religious leaders or Jesus). Who will they be vindicated and how?” Is the destruction of Jerusalem an indication that Jesus is on the divine throne?

b) There are a lot of instructions exhorting action.

a. “take heed” RSV (5,9,23, 33)

b. “watch” RSV (34,35, 36)

Jesus’ teaching in Mark 13 is not to satisfy curiosity. What is it for?

Does it still apply?

Question 7

If Jesus is teaching about being vindicated as the king who has approached the divine throne and that is shown by the destruction of the temple and all the temples associations, can we learn anything about the “second coming”?

a) If the above is true, where is Jesus now?

b) What is his commitment to his people? Mark 12:24-27)

c) Is Jesus returning after warning signs? (cf Mark 13:32-37, Luke 12:35-40)

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