I.   Context (including vv. 1-23)

1. 1. Part of what is often called the “Olivet Discourse”; (all of Mark 13; cf. Matthew 24); Mark 13 bridges Jesus’ public ministry (ch. 1-12) and the Passion narrative (ch. 14-16)
   2. Longest uninterrupted speech by Jesus recorded in Mark
   3. Beginning foretells the destruction of the Temple; which happened in AD 70
   4. Warnings of wars, natural disasters, etc is intentionally nebulous; every generation experiences these; v. 8 beginning of birth pains- perhaps marks the beginning of a long period of tribulation
   5. Point is not to predict the end time but to know those things are a reality and to know that God is still sovereign
   6. Jesus is warning his disciples they will see hardships and encouraging them to stay faithful

II.   The Glorious Event (v. 24ff)

1. 1. Apocalyptic language: descriptive imagery to emphasize the glory and significance of Christ’s return
      1. Many OT allusions: Joel 2:10, 3:15; Isaiah 13:10, 34:4; Daniel 7:13ff
      2. In Jewish apocalyptic writing, the cosmos falling apart indicated God’s intervening in history
   2. The return of Christ cannot be missed- a grand and cosmic event
   3. Purpose of his coming: v. 27-to gather the elect from all the ends of the earth- indication “the elect” goes beyond ethnic Israel to all who identify with ‘the Son of Man’- shows the gospel has spread throughout the world
   4. Vv. 30-31- ‘these things’ refer back to the destruction of Jerusalem in v. 2 (also vv. 4 & 23)

III.   When? (v. 32ff)

1. 1. We don’t know; nor is it our goal to try to figure it out—emphasized 3 times: vv. 32, 33, & 35
   2. Parable of the doorkeeper
      1. Master leaves, servants don’t know when he’ll return
      2. Point: be ready at any moment
   3. We are ready for Christ’s return by being faithful

IV.   Application

1. 1. Persecution and hardships can and will come; this should not cause us to lose hope but rather redirect the focus of our hope
   2. There are false teachers in the world; be careful; learn the Scriptures yourself
   3. Be careful about always looking for the easy way out
   4. V. 37: “Stay awake!” Be prepared yourself for Christ’s return