Known and Unknown
Mark 13:28-37
Last week, Jesus foretold the fall of the biggest idol standing in Jerusalem, the Temple. He spoke of it being torn down, not one stone would remain on top of each other. And today the Western Wall, also called the Wailing Wall, still stands; this was a support wall for the Temple Mount. Indeed, every stone the constructed the Temple was torn down above.
He then stated about what Rome would do and how the survivors would flee, and this was the start of Tribulation. Indeed, Flavious Josephus records the ugly and terrible things that both Jews and Christians had to endure.
He stated that after this time of Tribulation, He would return.
The natural questions that occur is this: if Jesus is foretelling the destruction of the Temple, does He give a time frame? Indeed, he does.
When it comes to His return, does He give us a time frame? No, He doesn’t!
Mark 13:28–37 (NLT): 28 “Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. 29 In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that his return is very near, right at the door. 30 I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene before all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.
32 “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. 33 And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!
34 “The coming of the Son of Man can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. When he left home, he gave each of his slaves instructions about the work they were to do, and he told the gatekeeper to watch for his return. 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!”
- The time frame of the beginning of the end of the Temple (Mark 13:28-31)
- The fig tree will start getting their leaves (Springtime)
- It will be “at your door” Titus would surround the Temple in 70 AD.
- “This generation” will see it.
- When is Jesus coming back? Only the Father knows. However, He does give a command. (Mark 13:32-37)
- Jesus is going away so He is leaving His servants in charge.
- Those servants are assigned a task.
- So, get to work. I won’t return when you expect me to. Don’t get lazy!