New Testament: Mark 13.24–27

To read the Bible in a year, read Mark 13.14–37 on March 11, In the year of our Lord Christ 2023

By Don Ruhl 

Mark 13.5–23 reveals what Jesus said of the coming destruction of Jerusalem, fulfilled in the year 70, which would be accompanied by signs, but he wanted us to know this about his return: 

“But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven.”

– Mark 13.24–27 

Strong deceptions would come before Jerusalem’s destruction (Mark 13.21–23). Do not believe them, Jesus said to the apostles, when people claim that the Christ is present. 

Do not believe them, because he will not have to be pointed out, as would have to be done with false Christs and false prophets, whose deception will be so strong that, if possible, they will deceive even the elect. 

Look at verse 23; these things should not have surprised the apostles, because Jesus announced before that time, that such deceptions would come; and these things should not be a surprise to us. 

When the Son of Man does arrive, he will come in the clouds (Mark 13.24–27). There will be no need to point him out to others, signs will not precede his arrival, and he will not come to do signs. 

Therefore, verses 24–27 are about the Second Coming of Christ, which is yet future. 

He brings this up to show why they, or we, should not believe someone who says Christ is over there or over here, because when he returns, that will not be necessary. 

Questions: 

• Have you been led astray before to believe that Jesus had returned? 
• Why has the Lord not revealed the exact time when he shall return? 

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Don preaches with the Savage Street Church of Christ in Grants Pass, Oregon. 

Listen to his sermons here: GrantsPassChurchOfChrist.com