Mark 13
January Memory Verse: Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. Mark 8:34 (NIV)
Read: Mark 13
Read: Mark 13
Here is what we know from Mark 13:
In the last days, there will be much fighting and deception (v. 5-9, 21-22)
Christians will be persecuted (v. 9-11)
Jesus is coming back (v. 24-27)
Nobody knows when this will be, so be prepared (v. 32-37)
Mark 13 might not be the passage that you would go to for some instant encouragement, but there are some great promises in here. And these promises come from the mouth of Jesus.
The one verse that stuck out to me was verse 13. It says, “And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Jesus tells us that people are going to hate us! It is not because of anything we have done but because of who we follow.
Honestly, we are already seeing this throughout the world. Christians in other countries are being persecuted, and even now, we are starting to see persecution happen in America. But there is hope, because Jesus says there will be a reward for those who endure.
The other encouragement from this passage is that we know Jesus is going to come back one day! He is coming to gather His followers and everyone who has a relationship with Jesus will get to spend eternity with Him. That is why it is important to endure the earthly persecution, because it is no match to the glories of Heaven.
How do you think you would respond to persecution? Would you take time to pray for Christians who are experiencing persecution in their life right now? Also, how does Mark 13 encourage you? I would love to read about it in the comments!
By: Brice Stockton
In the last days, there will be much fighting and deception (v. 5-9, 21-22)
Christians will be persecuted (v. 9-11)
Jesus is coming back (v. 24-27)
Nobody knows when this will be, so be prepared (v. 32-37)
Mark 13 might not be the passage that you would go to for some instant encouragement, but there are some great promises in here. And these promises come from the mouth of Jesus.
The one verse that stuck out to me was verse 13. It says, “And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Jesus tells us that people are going to hate us! It is not because of anything we have done but because of who we follow.
Honestly, we are already seeing this throughout the world. Christians in other countries are being persecuted, and even now, we are starting to see persecution happen in America. But there is hope, because Jesus says there will be a reward for those who endure.
The other encouragement from this passage is that we know Jesus is going to come back one day! He is coming to gather His followers and everyone who has a relationship with Jesus will get to spend eternity with Him. That is why it is important to endure the earthly persecution, because it is no match to the glories of Heaven.
How do you think you would respond to persecution? Would you take time to pray for Christians who are experiencing persecution in their life right now? Also, how does Mark 13 encourage you? I would love to read about it in the comments!
By: Brice Stockton
12 Comments
Should the thought of persecution cause us to fear, and this is natural and expected, we must remember the promise of 1 John 4:18 where the love of Christ can overcome and cast out your fear. I can recall a few moments where strength and comfort were received by changing my focus to Christ. Not easy, but necessary.
David Harsha, a believer of another era, encourages thoughts toward heaven. He said: "In a little while we shall obtain a joyous entrance into the glorious rest above. The storms of life's ocean will soon carry us into the haven of peace, where there is no trouble.
The language of Scripture is, "Get up, go away! For this is not your resting place, because it is defiled, it is ruined beyond all remedy!" Micah 2:10
Your Savior, pilgrim Christian, has prepared for you a nobler rest than this polluted world!"
Great day for Jumpstart, Brice, thank you!
Brice, the app seems to restrict access to comments. You may find few contributions today.
I think persecution could be exactly what the American church needs. I am not sure how well I would respond personally, but I know that in the long run I would be stronger in faith than before because God uses painful trials to build us up.
One thing that encourages me a lot in this passage is linking verses 10 and 30: "And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations..... Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place". Not only are we commanded to go and make disciples in the Great Commission, but here we have a great promise to cling to with it. We see that our efforts for the gospel are part of bringing the end here. In all the times our faithfulness seems fruitless, this is one of many promises we can encourage ourselves with. Maybe that person reaches one of the unreached groups. You never know how much God can use such little from us. Lord, help us to remain faithful and joyful in our pursuit of You.
Amen Jordan! Yes, we need to be pushed.
This passage is so interesting - especially in light of the recent events of the last 9 months or so... The best advice is found in verses 35-37
35 You, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know when the master of the household will return—in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak. 36 Don’t let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. 37 I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!”
What does it mean to "keep watch"? It means to be on alert - to be expecting Jesus return at any moment - to be fully prepared. Good advice for today. I'll keep watch today, thinking about Jesus return.
The deception is certainly here. The popular perspective is to hate Christians and to reveal their faults. We don’t even know persecution here but I believe the challenge is to gird ourselves to defend the faith and to speak truth. Light shines through darkness. We are to be the light. God has given us his Holy Spirit for times like this—that is our hope.
This passage is encouraging because it shows that God already knows what will happen, yet He promises to be with us to guide us through it. Much like we are learning in Ephesians, we can be comforted because God has chosen us before the foundations of the Earth, therefore, He will bring us through because we are His children.
As others have already pointed out in the comments, Christ's return could happen at any moment (aka imminency). The imminency of Christ is, I believe, a core principle to whatever end-times theology a person may hold. Because Christ can return at any moment, we should live as if he's on his way NOW.
Also, I like what you said Brice, "That is why it is important to endure the earthly persecution, because it is no match to the glories of Heaven." Romans 8:18 has been a 'life verse' for me for some time. I was actually just sharing this with the Zoom CG last night (woot woot) that I heard a pastor quote that verse and it stuck to my soul---that whatever suffering we might endure, it's not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us. That's powerful as I consider the suffering of so many around me.
I love the last two words... "Stay Awake"... This is what this passage is all about. Jesus is beckoning us to not be distracted... to focus on the coming kingdom and to stay awake! Encouraging!
Amen Nick!! I also love this and believe it’s of the utmost importance.
This passage reminds me of the hope we have in Christ. So many good points in the comments too. Thanks for this encouragement and reminder today, Brice!
Let us be found ready when he comes back!!