Jesus is Returning, Stay Awake
Steve McKenzie October 3, 2021

October 3, 2021

INTRODUCTION

  • Mark’s gospel is paced like an action film. Chapters 1-10 span 3.5 year. The action moves in slow motion starting in chapter 11. Chapters 11-16 span 7 days.
  • Sunday – Triumphal Entry
  • Monday – Cleansing of the Temple and Cursing the Fig Tree
  • Tuesday – Questioning Jesus & Jesus’ Teaching, The Great Commandment, Jesus teaching of the Mount of Olives…

JESUS IS RETURNING

  • Mark 13:24-27
  • “In those days, after that tribulation” is speaking to a specific time and tribulation. There will be signs in the heavens, not just on earth like with previous tribulations.
  • “And then…” – Jesus will return
  • “And then…” – Jesus will gather all disciples to himself
  • The main point is not how the world comes to an end but that Jesus is returning to establish his eternal kingdom on earth.

THE RETURN OF JESUS IS CERTAIN

  • Mark 13:28-31
  • The description of the fig tree is like saying with the leaves begin to change colors you know that summer is upon us and winter is a few weeks away.  Signs mark the changing of seasons.
  • A statement of hope – “you know that he is near.” Mark 13:29
  • “This generation will not pass away…”
    • [1] ‘Generation’ describes a group of people with a shared quality (Psalm 14:5, Psalm 24:6)
    • The Generation present in “those day” and “that tribulation” (My personal understanding)
  • Jesus claims his words have the same eternal authority as God (Psalms 119:89, Isaiah 40:8).

THE DAY OF JESUS” RETURN IS UNKNOWN TO ALL BUT GOD

  • Mark 13:32-37
  • Nobody but God knows when Jesus is returning.

QUESTION #1 | How have you fallen asleep spiritually waiting fo Jesus’ return?

QUESTION #2 | What does it look like for you to wake up spiritually?