Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

Overview of Mark 13–16

The Olivet discourse of Mark 13 took place on Tuesday – two days before the Passover (Mark 14:1) in Jerusalem after Jesus taught in the temple. Jesus repeatedly warned His people of persecution, tribulation and the danger of religious deception as signs of the end times. During dinner at Bethany, Mary did a 'beautiful thing for Jesus' but Judas proceeded with the betrayal of Jesus.

On Thursday (Mark 14:12), Jesus directed His disciples to prepare the Passover. He also foretold Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial during dinner. Jesus instituted the 'Lord’s Supper' with bread and wine representing His soon to be sacrificed body and soon to be shed blood. Then they went to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed in agony while His disciples slept.

During the early hours of Friday, Jesus was arrested and tried illegally by the religious authorities. Peter, in spite of all his declarations of loyalty, denied Jesus three times. Jesus was then brought before the Roman authorities who found Him innocent. However, Pilate had Jesus scourged to pacify the people. He suffered other punishments and mocking at the hands of both the temple guards and the Roman soldiers. Through it all, Jesus remained calm and composed. When the crowd insisted on crucifying Jesus, Pilate gave in. Jesus had to carry the cross to Golgotha where He was crucified at about 9 am. Darkness came over the earth at noon (Amos 8:9) and Jesus died at 3pm. He was buried before dark on Friday.

Jesus resurrected on Sunday and appeared to His followers, He gave them the Great Commission with the promise of signs to accredit the Gospel (Mark 16). The eternal purpose of God was accomplished by the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ our Lord (Ephesians 3:11).



Be Not Deceived
Read Mark 13:1-23

Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you." Mark 13:5

The FBI, it is said, trains its agents to recognize counterfeit money by repeatedly examining the genuine dollar notes closely. It is not the failure to discern the fake but the inability to recognise the genuine that stumbles us.

Jesus gives us warnings of what will happen in the end times. If we do not have a personal relationship with Jesus, we will not be able to recognize Him and His voice (John 10:14, 4) and we will become discouraged. Watch out! We will be persecuted. We need to stand firm, keep our faith and boldly share the Gospel and our testimony. Do not be fearful or anxious for God will never let us down; He will never let us be pushed beyond our limits (1 Corinthians 10:13). The Spirit of wisdom and truth will always be there to help us.

If we are not careful and watchful, we will be misled. In Asia, these days, we have all sorts of internationally acclaimed preachers holding seminars and conferences for those who are eager to go deeper or catch the fire of God. Signs and wonders are often present in these meetings. Our spiritual antennae need to be properly tuned because Jesus repeatedly warned against false prophets and false teachers. These are meant to deceive, even the elect of God.

The elect of God are those who have repented and accepted Christ as Lord. They imitate Christ, endure suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit and model faith and righteousness. They believe the message, obey God’s Word and live it out in their lives. They make every effort to grow in faith, goodness, knowledge, perseverance, godliness, self-control, brotherly kindness and love (2 Peter 1:10, 5-7).

What steps can we take to avoid being deceived by false teachers? Pray for church leaders to be vigilant, that they may guard their flocks from false teaching.