By Robert Olsen, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
Returning
Mark 13:24–37
Be Ready! (24–27)
Many people focus on the end times, wondering when Jesus will return and even trying to predict it. This is not the point of this passage.
In the Gospels, Jesus talks about the sign of the times, but His point is not for us to wonder when He will return. The point is to be prepared for it.
Knowing Christ can return at any moment means we can’t relax and sit back. We need to live in a way that honors God, loving our neighbors and loving God.
We also need to warn others of the coming judgment so they too can accept the gospel and be prepared.
This day will be a wonderful day of celebration for those who believe, but for those who do not, it will be a time of wrath.
Be Aware (28–31)
Jesus points out that it should not be difficult to recognize the end times. Bad things will happen. There will be wars and rumors of wars (v. 7). This, of course, matches current events. It also matches events throughout history. This is why people become set on determining dates for when Christ will return, and they lose focus of the fact that being ready is what is important.
There have been many episodes in history when people claim to know when Christ will return, and every time they have been wrong. People have sold their goods and waited for Christ’s return only to be left dejected.
It also gives Christianity a bad name because of people acting so foolishly. We should live every day as if Christ could return at any moment, not just try to get ready when we think He will return some time in the future.
Note that when Jesus says “this generation” will not pass away, the word used for “generation” also means “race.” This means Jesus is speaking of the human race, not just His hearers in the first century.
Be Alert (32–37)
In the last section, Jesus warns His readers to be alert for His return.
Since no one knows when the return will be, there is no use wasting time trying to figure it out.
Even Jesus Himself does not know the hour; only God the Father does. (This does not diminish Christ’s divinity. The incarnation involves Christ limiting Himself, as seen in Phil. 2:5–11.)
It is wise of God not to reveal to us the time of Christ’s return because if we knew for sure, many would use this as an excuse to be lazy and not be occupied with honoring God in their lives and ministries.
The fact that we do not know when Christ will return should
spur us on to live godly lives, honoring God and telling others about Christ so they can also be a Christ-follower. Many people fool themselves into thinking they can get right with God later in life.
This has two glaring problems. First, we do not know when we will die. Second, we do not know when Christ will return.
God has given us tasks to do to serve and glorify Him, and we need to be faithful to fulfill the task He has given us, not being lazy because we can trust in our salvation but serving Him with gladness.
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