Mark 13:28-31- Understanding the Times

Today, we’re diving into Mark 13:28-31, where Jesus teaches us to understand the times we live in and respond with faith. Through the parable of the fig tree, He urges us to recognize the signs of His coming judgment, not to predict the day, but to live prepared, sanctified, and comforted by His unchanging Word. Despite the chaos around us, we can rest in the assurance that Christ’s promises will be fulfilled in His perfect time. Join me as we explore how to live faithfully in a world under judgment, trusting in the enduring truth of God’s Word. Let’s dig in and look to Jesus, our true hope!

Transcript

95 - Mark 13:28-31- Understanding the Times

Intro

• If you have your Bibles please turn with me to Mark 13 and find verse 28.
  • In our text today Jesus begins to close out this teaching moment that He has been sharing with four of His closest apostles.
  • This teaching moment began back at the beginning of this chapter and has centered around the question asked back in verse 3.
    • In response to Jesus telling them that the Temple would be destroyed, they asked…
    • “...when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?”
    • They knew that the Temple being destroyed resprested the judgment of God so Jesus working off of this knowledge begins to share with them about the coming judgment.  
  • He tells them about the things that will come to pass prior to the destruction of the Temple…
    • However, He also makes it clear that this event will foreshadow a great judgment that is still to come.  
    • So even though we see a partial fulfillment of this chapter, in 70 AD, we can also be sure that what occurred is meant to be a warning and a shadow of what is to come.
  • I remind us of this again today because we have a tendency to view these passages as something that is distant from us…
    • Meaning that we look at this passage not with the mindset of…
      • “What does God require of me?”
    • But rather with the mindset of…
      • “How does that fit in my understanding of the last days?”
• When we view this scripture in this way, we strip the Word of its intended purpose…
  • I remind you…
    • Jesus did not speak these words to these apostles so that we could map out the last days.
      • Jesus spoke these words so that His people would be prepared…
      • So that His church would be sanctified and comforted in the face of trials…
      • And so that God the Father would be Glorified. 
  • This purpose has not changed for us today, even though we are nearly 2000 years removed from when Christ first spoke these words.
• As we step into our verses today we should desire that God would first be glorified and then we would be prepared, sanctified, and comforted by our time in the Word today.
  • Our time will be spent with the primary purpose of seeing the importance of understanding the time in which we live and responding accordingly.  
• With that let us read our text and open in prayer.

Mark 13:28-31

• Much like other parts of this chapter we find in our verses today very different views regarding one particular section.
  • Really it can be narrowed down to one specific word and what that word means.
    • That word that presents some difficulty is the word “generation”.
  • This will be where we start today as I will share with you the different views that arise from verse 30.
• Then we will move to the more straightforward and practical responses found in what Christ has told us.
  • So let us begin with a look at the…

Different Views on Generations

• Read with me once more verse 30 as we discuss first the various views that people hold and how they understand this verse…
  • Vs. 30
• As I have already stated, the word that creates much of the dilemma in properly understanding and interpreting this verse is the word “...generation…”.
  • This word is used 43 times across the New Testament and is always translated as generation.
  • However, this word in the Greek, “YA-NAW”, does not simply mean generation in the way we think about it today.
    • It certainly can mean that, but it is not so narrow in its definition that no other possibilities are listed.
    • For example it can mean generation in the way we often think but it can also mean…
      • “...people of the same kind…”
        • Like “...descendants…” or
      • It can mean a particular “...age…” as in a period of time.
    • This must be considered to a certain degree because of the difficulty of this verse.
  • It is also worth noting that the way this word is used throughout the New Testament does vary in the same way.
    • Although it is always translated as “generation” it does not always mean generation in its traditional sense.  
• So let us consider the different uses and apply those various meanings to this verse to see how different people interpret this verse.
  • Let’s start with the most general understanding of the word generation and the one in which we are most accustomed to.  
    • In the most general sense it is defined as - “the entire body of individuals born and living at about the same time:”
    • We may use this word by saying things like…
      • “My generation always did things this way or that way…”
        • Or we may say…
      • “This new generation certainly does things differently…”
    • When we use that word in that way we are talking about an “entire body of individuals born and living at about the same time.”
  • If that was what Jesus was referring to, then how do we understand this verse?
    • Well actually, there are two primary ways this verse is interpreted with this particular definition.
      • First, some say that the generation that Jesus was speaking about was His current generation.
        • That is to say the generation of the apostles that He was speaking to at this moment.  
          • It is true that many of the apostles did live to see the destruction of the temple and of Jerusalem.
          • They would have witnessed much of what Christ spoke about in the events that led up to 70 AD.  
        • Those who hold this view believe that Jesus was speaking about the temple's destruction primarily at this moment.
      • Second though, others believe Jesus is looking ahead to the generation that will be alive during the start of the last days.
        • They understand this verse to mean that those who are alive at the time of the beginning of God's Judgment will see it concluded as well.
        • This means that the judgment of God will not be spread out over hundreds or thousands of years but it will be a fixed time that one generation will see play out. 
      • So our question is…
    • Did Jesus use this word to describe a group of individuals living at the same time?
      • I do not know, but let’s consider how others view this verse as well.
  • Some understand the word generation to mean a people of the same kind or a people of the same descendants.  
    • We do see at least one place in scripture that for sure uses the word generation in this way.
      • We will not turn there this morning but the reference is Luke 16 verse 8.
      • Jesus uses the word generation in this way as He is speaking a parable.
    • Jesus tells us…
      • Luke 16:8c - “...For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation...”
        • In this sense it is used to describe a people, so if Jesus used this word in this sense Luke 16:8 could be rendered…
      • Luke 16:8b - “...For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own [kind] …”
    • Some have suggested that Mark 13:30 should be understood in this way.
      • If we were to replace the word generation it could be rendered as Jesus saying…
        • Mark 13:30b - “...I say to you, this [people] will not pass away until all these things take place.”
      • Those that hold this view make the case that Jesus was referring to the Jewish people and how they will persist until the end.
      • That even though destruction is coming upon Jerusalem, even though the Jews would be scattered and the Temple destroyed…
        • They will persist until the end.  
    • There are some that understand this verse in this light as they define generation as a group of people.
      • Is that what Jesus was talking about here?
        • Again, I do not know but there is one other way it can be understood…
  • The final possibility is that generation can also be used in this way as age…
    • Used in the same way as we define a period of human history…
      • For example the Middle Ages lasted from the 5th century to the 15th century.
        • Or, maybe an example a little closer to Christianity…
      • The time in which we live you will often hear referred to as The Church Age, it represents the time between the Ascension and the Return of Christ.  
    • Some people think that Jesus used the word generation in this way, in that case our verse can be rendered as Jesus saying…
      • Mark 13:30b - “...I say to you, this [age] will not pass away until all these things take place.”
      • In other words the judgment that is coming upon the world will end the world and this current age as we know it.
        • This does pair nicely with the next verse where Jesus confirms that “Heaven and earth will pass away…”
      • We can ask the same question though…
    • Is this what Jesus was referring to?
      • Again, I do not know…
  • I have my opinion on it but I will withhold sharing that at this time, what we find here though is…
• Much like other passages throughout this chapter, it can certainly be left up to interpretation.
  • However, let us not miss the forest for the trees…
    • Though it is worth discussing and certainly worth us being familiar with the different views…
      • What we must remember when considering this verse is that regardless of how a person understands the word generation…
    • What Jesus is telling us is that it will all come to pass in its proper time…
      • Therefore, we can be assured that the Word of Christ will come to pass and we can have confidence in this.
      • The verses prior to this and the verse immediately following certainly point us toward this confidence.  
  • To that end I remind you…
    • This verse was given for our comfort and assurance that all will unfold as Christ has told us.
  • Christian, take heart that even though we may be living in the midst of chaos and things that are disheartening, Christ will bring about the end in its proper time and way.
• Now let us step into our next point that is much more practical in nature as we see that Jesus tells His apostles and therefore tell us as well that we need to…

Understand the Times

• Go back with me to Mark 13 and find verse 28 once more, let's read the first two verses again…
  • Mark 13:28-29
• As we step into these verses let us keep in mind the context for which they are found.
  • Namely the verses that came immediately before, verses 24-27
  • This passage we looked at last week as we were confronted with the reality of the judgment of God that is coming upon the world.
  • We are told that…
    • “...the sun will be darkened…”
    • “...the moon will not give… light…”
    • “...the stars will be falling from heaven…”
  • Jesus will return on the clouds and in reference to His return He is telling us in verses 28 and 29 that we should watch and be ready.
    • That we should pay attention and that we should have a good understanding of the time in which we live.
    • Which is what the Master Teacher is telling us in this single verse parable…
      • He references the fig tree and points out, quite simply, that the tree marks the changes of the season.
  • We can look out and see trees begin to bloom and know that soon it will be summer.
    • In the same way Jesus is telling us that we can look out at our world, observe what is going on, and know that His return is close at hand. 
    • This is not to say that we are to predict His return but rather that we should pay attention to the time in which we live.
    • During the time of King David there existed a group of men from the tribe of Issachar that seemed to be wise in the time in which they lived.
      • 1 Chronicles 12:32 gives reference to this as we are told…
        • 1 Chronicles 12:32 - “Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their command.”
      • We are not given any more than just that verse, but apparently the men of Issachar were able to advise King David in some meaningful way because of their understanding of the world around them.
    • In the same way, Christians, we should be able to look out at the time in which we live and respond accordingly.  
  • This begs the question, what is a proper response to knowing that these things are about to take place?
    • Asking that question brings about all sorts of different responses…
      • Some will look upon the disaster that is to come upon the earth and desire to prepare physically.
        • When they see the uncertain time in which we live…
          • They build storehouses for food, bunkers for safety, maybe they isolate themselves and live completely off the grid.
          • This is one response when we face uncertain times…
        • But we also see others responding differently…
      • We see some people that consider the judgment that is to come, and their response…?
        • They live it up…
          • They live for the here and now, who cares about what tomorrow holds…
            • They consider nothing of the consequences that may come.
          • It is the attitude of, “let us eat and drink for tomorrow we shall die.”
        • In this way they mock the coming judgment.
      • Neither of those responses is what the Lord had in mind in these verses.
    • What we find is that throughout this chapter He continually brings us back to considering eternity…
      • Life beyond this world, and life beyond these mortal bodies.
      • Not considering 5 years or 10 but 10,000 from now. 
  • So when we ask this question let us do so with eternity in view, knowing that judgment is coming and knowing what eternity holds, what is a proper response?
    • To answer that we must also consider the culture and time in which we live.
      • Do we dwell in the midst of a Christian society or do we dwell in the midst of a post-Christian society?
      • Is our culture sensitive toward the Word of God or opposed to the Word of God?
      • Is America, by and large, faithful to Christ or not?
        • How we answer those questions are certain to impact our response to the coming judgment.
  • Using the parable of Christ let us take into account the importance of understanding the times and how different places in history and culture can impact our response.
    • Using the fig tree as a measurement for the summer we could say that our response to prepare for summer would vary depending upon our situation.
    • For example let me list a few different responses depending upon the situation…
      • If you have a family with children at home, summer may represent a time of fun, it may be the time in which you plan a vacation or day trip and spend time with one another outside.
        • Or…
      • If you are a recent graduate and you are planning on attending college, summer represents a time of transition for you where you apply for jobs or look for an internship or prepare for a big move.
        • Or…
      • If you are a homeowner it may mean that it is time to clean off the patio or clean out the gutters.
    • This may seem a bit silly to consider but do not miss the overall point here…
  • Knowing that judgment is coming, what is the proper response for the time in which we live?
    • Again I ask…
    • Are we surrounded by faithful Christians that are simply awaiting the return of our Lord?
      • Is the Gospel widely known and is Jesus held in high regard and honored among our nation?
      • Or…
    • Are we surrounded by the lost, who if Jesus were to split the sky today would stand before Him condemned?
  • Those are very different realities for people, and so it is worth considering the time and place in which we live.
    • Church, if I were asked to describe the time in which we live and the culture in which we are found…
      • I would describe it as a post-Christian culture that is currently setting under the judgment of God as described in Romans 1.
      • Because we as a culture have largely rejected God…
        • He has handed us over into sexual perversions…
        • He has handed us over into dishonorable passions and pursuits…
        • God has handed us over into a debased mind…
    • The response then for living in such a time as this is to proclaim the Gospel.
      • With zeal, without apology, without wavering from the Truth of the God’s Holy Word.  
      • It is the only remedy for the judgment we find falling upon this nation.
  • The reality is we might be right at the edge of the final judgment, for we do not know the day or the hour and so we must live with that in mind. 
• This brings us to our final verse and final point today, as we consider the uncertainty of the world around us and the judgment that is to come we find…

Assurance in His Word

• Look again with me at the final verse of our passage today.
  • Vs. 31
• This final point reminds us of the importance of the Word of God…
  • Jesus tells us that heaven will pass away, that the earth will pass away, but what will endure throughout eternity is the Word of God.
  • That is to say that we can have assurance in what we find written in the Word of God.
    • Oh how wonderful a thing to not have to rest in the doctrine of man that is ever changing, but how wonderful a reality to rest upon the assurance of God’s Word.
    • Whenever we talk about the importance of the Word of God and the preservation of His Word I cannot help but be reminded of 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
    • Paul writes…
      • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
    • Immediately after this verse in 2 Timothy 4:2 he urges the young pastor to…
      • 2 Timothy 4:2a - “preach the word…”
  • It would be a fruitless endeavor to build our lives or our church upon anything but what is found in the Word of God.  
    • We must realize that nothing else will endure…
      • All will pass away but the Word of God will endure forever.
  • Not only will it endure but we must also realize that this means that it will be perfectly upheld.
    • Nothing that Christ spoke about in this chapter, or any chapter for that matter, will be unfulfilled.
    • I said it earlier and I will say it again now…
      • Everything will happen in its proper time and in its predetermined way.
    • To that end, whether the judgment of God will come quickly upon the earth or if our Lord will wait another 2000 years…
      • We can be fine either way, resting assured that it will be perfectly fulfilled as He sees fit.  
  • When it comes to the last days we are often found focusing on that which we do not know…
    • We like to speculate and argue about what is not clear in the scripture.
    • I urge you today to consider what we do know for sure and what He has made clear.
      • Not only about what is to come but what has transpired.
  • From eternity past Jesus has existed yet a little more than 2000 years ago He stepped into His Creation.
    • He put on flesh and came as an infant and He lived upon the earth for some 33 plus years.
    • During that time He lived a perfect life, He was without sin in any form.
      • He had no unclean thought and He had not even the slightest stain of sin found in His life.
        • Though He had done nothing wrong He died upon the Cross.
      • It was after that the plan of the cross became clear, it was not something that He stumbled into but rather we find…
        • That He laid down His life as a perfect sacrifice.
    • He died for the sins of man, on that day He took upon Himself the full wrath of the Father and became a substitute for any that would trust in Him.
      • This is assured because three days later He rose back to life declaring victory over sin, death, and the grave.
      • Before man was without hope, but now hope is offered in the Name of Jesus.
    • Then some 40 days after His resurrection He Ascended back to the Father with the promise that one day He will return.
    • Upon His return He will gather together those who are found in Him from every tribe, nation, language, and tongue…
      • The church that has existed from generation to generation will be gathered with Him as He ushers in the New Creation.
  • It is this day we wait for and look ahead to but it is also this day that we are assured of because He has promised it and His word will not fail.  
  • We have assurance that is found in Him.
• I urge you to place your faith in Him today if you have never done so…

Closing

• As we come to a close today, I have two considerations for us…
  • First, do you know Him, are you found in Him, if not then place your faith in Jesus today.
  • Second, though, to the believer, I remind you…
    • Judgment is coming. 
    • Consider the time in which you live and the culture in which you are a part of and respond accordingly.
      • How are you living in response? 
        • I urge you to live in line with the Word of God as you keep eternity in mind.
  • With that we will close in prayer, the altar will be open for prayer, and I will be down front for any response.
• Let’s pray.