Mark 13. The disciples can tell that there is a big storm brewing on the horizon. As it often does here in Florida – the sky has grown dark, the wind shifts and grows cold and brisk, and then the lightening begins to pop along the leading edge of a very dark shelf cloud. It’s time to tie up the boat and take shelter before the skies open and the deluge begins. The disciples can tell that something big is about to happen and it feels very ominous. They sit down with Jesus among the olive trees on the hillside looking out at the temple and they ask him, “When will these things be and what will be the sign?” (13:3-4).

Jesus responds to their questions with futuristic, apocalyptic imagery that gives glimpses of what will come to pass. He also gives them instructions about how to respond to all these scary events. What does the text say?

What chaos and events will come to pass?
False leaders will lead people astray in Jesus’ name.
There will be wars and rumors of wars, nations will rise against each other.
There will be earthquakes and famines.
Followers of Jesus will be beaten, imprisoned, put on trial, and required to take a stand before local authorities.
Families will experience violence.
People will hate you because of your affiliation with Jesus.
The holy spaces of the temple will be desecrated.
False prophets will perform signs and wonders and lead people astray.

The timeline on these events is a bit hazy. Some things have come to pass already, including the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. Some things seem to be happening throughout the centuries, like wars and famines and earthquakes. Other things have not yet happened. Jesus even pointed out that we are not to know the timing of all events, saying no one knows the timing, not even the angels in heaven. You do not know when the time will come (13:32-33).

How are followers of Jesus to respond to these things?
These instructions were for the disciples, and they are also for us in this time:
Do not be alarmed (13:7)
Be on your guard (13:9)
Bear witness of Jesus to those who question and/or imprison you (13:9).
Proclaim the gospel to all nations (13:10).
Do not be anxious about what you will say but say what is given to you in that hour, for it is not you speaking but the Holy Spirit (13:11).
Be on guard (13:23).
Be on guard, stay alert/awake (13:33).
Stay alert/awake (13:37).

The hope amid these hardships is that Jesus has promised to return for his people! We are called to live for him today, to be alert to all that is going on around us, and to live in hopeful anticipation of the day Christ returns in glory.