The Olivet Discourse (chapter 13 of Mark’s gospel) is sandwiched between Jesus’ controversies with the religious authorities in chapters 11-12 and the events surrounding his trial, crucifixion, death and resurrection in chapters 14-16. Chapter 13 focuses us on the end of redemptive history—it is all eschatological.
In fact, Jesus, tells us about a future time that he says is the worst time the world will ever know. It’s a time that will involve horrible evil, suffering, persecution, death, and judgement.
God’s purpose for the rebuilding of the temple was far greater than what the Jews could see. Their discouragement outweighed their hope in what good their labor could bring. God reminds His people to be strong and rest in His faithfulness and perfect plan that His people so desperately need.
We all need help along the way as we seek to follow Christ. Praise God that He has richly supplied all that we need for life and godliness. He has given us the Spirit of God to be our Helper, the Word of God to be our all-sufficient Authority, and the People of God to be our Faithful Friends in the journey together. There are many of God’s people that have gone before us, who now serve as faithful witnesses, cheering us on from ages past. We would be wise to learn from them, so we too might make patient progress in the faith … just as John Bunyan did before us.
Light burst through the darkness when Jesus was born! He came not merely as a good teacher or do-good-er. He came as a Savior to bring new life to dead men. He came to set captives free from sin. He came to bring a power to change and a love that transforms far greater than anything the world had ever known. He came to bring life that is truly life. There is no fullness of life without the miraculous birth, sacrificial death, and overcoming resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is what the apostle Paul prayed would permeate every fiber of every Christian’s thinking, asking, and living.
This morning we’re reflecting on Mary’s prayer in Luke 1, a beautiful example of whole-self praise in response to God’s undeserved blessings. Her words invite us to marvel at God’s mercy, to remember His faithfulness to us, and to see how He lifts up the overlooked. As we sit with her prayer, may it lead us into deeper gratitude, wonder, and worship.
As the grand story of Scripture unfolds, that scarlet thread of redemption makes its way from the promises of the prophets to the miraculous births of two children. In Luke 1 we get to witness the heartfelt devotion of two parents rejoicing as the story is now passed to them. Like the rising of the sun, the tender mercies of God’s love are breaking through … and nothing will ever be the same!
The story of Christmas starts long before that manger night with Joseph and Mary. Shadows, promises and pictures liter the road from Genesis to Matthew, giving hope and creating anticipation. Many missed the signs, but those devoted to Yahweh embraced them. God sent prophets who served as modern-day preachers and hope-givers of what was to come. Their words brought joy and delight to those devoted to journeying with the Lord, both then and now. Come find that joy!
In this sermon on Mark 13:1–13, we explore Jesus’ teaching about the end, challenging listeners to move from curiosity about timelines to faithful living marked by vigilance, endurance, and gospel-centered purpose. Rather than fearing wars, disasters, or uncertainty, believers are called to trust God’s control, remain steadfast under persecution, and prioritize proclaiming Christ while being led daily by the Holy Spirit.
Coming now to the end of Jesus’ public teaching ministry we have one of the most radical contrasts in Scripture. On one side – the self-promoting, manipulating, immoral scribes … and on the other side – one poor widow. This widow’s gift is one of the most powerful teaching moments in the Gospels. Jesus calls His disciples to come watch what a life fully surrendered to God looks like. She is living the kind of “deny-yourself discipleship” and “servant-of-all sacrifice” that all who follow Jesus are to live!
Jesus had been barraged by the questions of the Jewish leaders as they aimed to trap Him in order to destroy Him. Now it’s His turn for a question. And what a strange question Jesus poses here in our passage. As strange as it may be, Jesus accomplishes His ultimate aim in communicating who He is and why He came. Jesus clearly knows the mission His Father had for Him … do you?
The Bible tells us what a gift our children are to us, and yet every parent and teacher also knows what a challenge it is to raise children. In our day, philosophies of child-rearing range far and wide; from authoritarian homes to permissive homes, and often the church is no different than the world. So, what are we to do in obedience to the command to “bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4)? We must be families, and a family of families as the church, that treasure our kids as we teach them what to treasure.
After Jesus is questioned by the Sadducees, a Pharisaic scribe approaches Jesus with an important and much-debated question: “Which commandment is the most important of all?” In His divine wisdom, Jesus reveals the heart of God’s law — that love for God and love for neighbor are the greatest commandments — and in doing so, exposes the make-up of a heart transformed by genuine faith.
The next up to attempt a trap for Jesus would be the Sadducees. Their topic? The foolish and illogical notion of life beyond the grave. Yet again, Jesus confounds the “wisdom of the wise” and delights in the glorious promise of joy forevermore that exceeds anything our current earthly existence has to offer. Do you long for that glory with a passion greater than for the things of this world?
Still intent on undermining the authority of Jesus and the sway He has over the crowd; an unusual team appears eager to catch Him in a trap. This time the subject is submission to the government – Should we come under the Roman tax, or stand opposed to the ungodly ruler over us? Jesus, the master-teacher, amazes them with His answer and lays down a principle for Christ-followers of every age to follow.
I just don’t see enough servants in our world, or in the Church today. I see more disciples committed to learning and growing, but fewer servants committed to going and dying, to a life of sacrifice and selflessness - day in and day out. We are all called to be servants, and some are set apart within the church for the office of deacon and deaconess. They are an irreplaceable gift to the church alongside elders within a covenant community of members!
After the religious leaders interrogate Jesus about the source of his authority to do what he does, he stumps them with a question of his own about authority. Having silenced his critics, he goes on to answer his own question by use of a parable. Through the parable we learn that the very nature of God is the reason that he has all authority and is worthy of our complete submission.
It’s now Tuesday and the Jewish leaders have had the evening to process Jesus’ actions in the Temple courts. They aren’t happy. They like to be in control. At the first opportunity, they challenge Jesus’ authority in an effort to maintain their own. Jesus masterfully unmasks their hypocrisy and self-seeking leadership over the people. They are the fig trees with the beautiful leaves and no fruit.
On the Monday of Passion Week, Jesus makes His way into Jerusalem, and we observe two encounters that expose the righteous anger of the King. The humble entrance into the city the day before must not be mistaken for passivity. Driven by the mission of the Father, we are given a rare glimpse into the emotions of our Savior, and what compels Him to action.
The mission of Jesus now enters its final phase. The reason for which He came, and has declared now multiple times, will soon be upon Him – To suffer and die. A king put to death? Most certainly. But this is no ordinary king, no mere human royalty. As Jesus enters Jerusalem, it becomes quickly apparent that we are watching something utterly unique leading to that which will change the world forever.
It doesn’t have to be wicked, sinful things that take you out. It may be good things gone wrong, or necessary things elevated to the first place in your heart, that keep you from spiritual maturity. A spiritual inventory is often needed to audit our heart priorities. Are yours in the proper place and perspective?