Introduction: I was completing another reading through the Gospel of Mark this morning. I came to the passage in Mark 13 where Jesus is answering questions about eschatology/end times matters. For the sake of transparency, I am not terribly interested in eschatology. It is a subject about which many people have much zeal but less knowledge. So I try to temper engaging with the rants and ravings about end times talk. But it is a subject addressed in Scripture and we are to grapple with it, but hopefully we can do so with cool heads and kind spirits. What I focus on below is not concerned so much with the when as with the theme of endurance. I hope you’ll follow along.
Text: And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.
“But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. (Mk 13:3-13, ESV)
Context, Context, Context: Again, this was part of a conversation Jesus was having with Peter, James, and John when they asked Jesus about matters related to the end times.
Teaching: It is important to take note of several things. First, Jesus tells them to be discerning, to not be led astray, because there will be many impostors. Second, the many wars and rumors of wars are part of the plan. Third, there will be many disasters, like earthquakes, famines, and national upheavals. Fourth, Christians will be persecuted. Fifth, the gospel will be proclaimed to all nations. Sixth, there will be a great falling away and division over Christ. Lastly, there is the true sign of salvation–the endurance and perseverance of believers.
Encouragement: Again, I think kindness is called for here. We can disagree about how it all plays out, but we should have the humility to say no more than what the text actually says. Regardless of how many times I read the Bible, what I see again and again is this: believers will endure. Believers persevere. Believers don’t fall away. Many go out from us because they were not of us, John wrote. But those who are true believers endure. That’s the great comfort.
