• New Testament Reading: Mark 13:1-37
• Old Testament Passage: Proverbs 6:9-19
• Points to Ponder:

“Watch!”

It is even clearer in Mark 13 than it was in Matthew 24 that these prophecies are not about the
second coming of Christ at the end of time, but about the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. The
question that initiated Jesus’ teaching came from four of his disciples, who weren’t yet convinced
that he was leaving the first time. So why would they inquire as to his second coming? Plus the
question asked specifically was, “When will these things happen?” What things? The things Jesus
said would happen in v. 2.

Jesus speaks to them confidently that they would experience these things in their lifetimes: wars,
rumors of wars, earthquakes, persecution by the Jews and by their own family members. They would
see “the abomination that causes desolation” and they would need to flee to the mountains. And he
ends by saying “this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.”
The exact day or hour know one knows; so they would need to keep watch.

Later, Paul uses some of the same imagery to talk specifically about the second coming of Christ (see
especially 1 Thessalonians 5:1-13). We, too, have been warned. We, too, must keep watch. Will he
find us awake or asleep when he comes?

• Questions to Consider: Are you ready if Jesus were to come back today? Are you awake or
asleep spiritually? What’s on your “To Do” list today? What will Jesus find you doing when he
returns?