The signs of the end: sermon

A sermon on Isaiah 56:1-8 and Mark 13:1-37.

We are looking at the happy hunting ground that is apocalyptic. No one doubts that Mark 13 has a background in the apocalyptic literature, but it is not identical in form to OT apocalyptic. Why is it so interesting? What was Jesus teaching the 4 disciples? What was it saying to the original readers of Mark? What are we to learn?

There are some oft-repeated phrases or words

a)       These things (v4,v23,29-30

b)      Take heed (5,9,23, 33)

c)       Watch (34,35, 36)

Jesus’ response to the disciples’ question is in a different form to OT apocalyptic because it is not centrally concerned with “what’s going to happen?” but with how we should live now.

Mark 13:1-4 Great temple to be destroyed

The disciples wonder at the magnificence of the Jerusalem temple. Jesus says it will be destroyed.

This is Jesus’ rejection of the temple and the religious authorities. When he rode into Jerusalem he was acknowledged as king but he was rejected by the religious leaders. This leads to his death. The parable of the tenants and Jesus’ quote from (Psalm 118:22-23 in Mark 12:10) all indicate that he will be vindicated. The destruction of the temple is about the vindication of Jesus because Israel has rejected him (the Messiah)

The temple was destroyed in AD 70 and its spoils financed the building of the Colosseum in Rome.

The disciples ask 2 questions in verse 4

1.       4 “Tell us, when will this be,

2.       and what will be the sign when these things are all to be accomplished?

Jesus answers the second question first “What will be the sign?”

i.e. How can we be forewarned

(5-8) “Take heed that no one leads you astray

       False messiahs

       Wars famine earthquakes – always present

                     It’s just the start

Following the false signs would lead to Jerusalem’s destruction.

(9-13)  “But take heed to yourselves; for they will deliver you up to councils

The sufferings of the disciples associated with their ministry before the fall of Jerusalem

      Hated for Jesus’ name’s sake

      All that happened in the early church – still happens.

In spite of the persecution, the disciples are to continue to proclaim Christ.

The gospel must be preached to all nations (v10). World mission must take place first (v10) i.e. before the fall of Jerusalem

o   NOT a dating event- i.e. preach everywhere & Christ will come.

o   BUT an encouragement to get on with the job and preach

§  From the New Testaments point of view the gospel had been preached to all nations. It had been in 1st century (Rom 10:18;Col 1:6 cf Acts 2 esp 5-11; Romans 15:19)

When the disciples stood before governors etc

o   They were to speak words revealed to them by the Holy Spirit.

o   The words they spoke were to be a witness NOT to obtain their release.

(14-23)  But take heed; I have told you all things beforehand.

The disciples are told that when they see the desolating sacrilege they are to flee Jerusalem and not stay to defend – the doctrine of the inviolable temple was not to be believed.

This is God’s judgement. The Romans may be the visible enemy, but the destruction is an act of God.

              The religious leaders had

·       a misguided attachment to the temple

·       they abused their role as shepherds and being a light to the world

·       esp. they rejected the Messiah

Jesus wanted his followers to be absent when judgement fell.

They were to stand and proclaim as long as possible (9-13) and then flee.

The desolating sacrilege. A reference to Daniel 9:26-27. The desolating sacrilege may have been the placing of Roman standards in the temple to be worshipped AD 70.

(24-27) And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory

OT Imagery about the destruction of Babylon associated with the appearance of God in Judgement is applied to the judgement of Jerusalem (24-27)

Cf Isaiah 13:10 compare Mark 13:24. Isaiah 34:4; Ezekiel 32:7 compare Mark 13:25

·       The coming of the Son of Man is not a physical coming to earth BUT the coming of Jesus to the divine throne Daniel 7:13 as indicated by the destruction of Jerusalem (see his trial Mark 14:58-63)

Jesus would be vindicated.

His enemies (Jerusalem) would be destroyed.

·       Sending forth the angels (messengers)may be about looking after God’s people in the destruction OR

It may be about the church’s mission (cf Matt 11:10; Mark 1:2; Luke 7:24; 9:52)

(28-30) this generation will not pass away before all these things take place.

All these things will happen within this generation.

When

“But of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father”

The point is not when the kingdom will be consummated. Jesus’ point is to be always ready

·       Jesus return is always near so we should expect it and live in expectation

·       Jesus’ return is going to be a surprise.