Sermon Notes - Watching, Waiting and Working

Watching, Waiting and Working, Mark 13:1-37
J. Josh Smith, MacArthur Boulevard Baptist Church, attended January 31, 2010

“To accept everything is an exercise, to understand everything a strain. The poet only desires exaltation and expansion, a world to stretch himself in. The poet only asks to get his head into the heavens. It is the logician who seeks to get the heavens into his head. And it is his head that splits.” G.K. Chesterton

This is the Olivet discourse. It is hard to understand. We must remember that Jesus didn’t preach this to confuse us or the disciples. He gave this to prepare them, and us. It gives us enough but not too much. If He wanted us to know the details He would have given them to us. The message: Jesus is coming. Be prepared.

Mark 13:1 – Jesus has spent the last two days at the temple. They looked back at the temple. Perhaps the disciples were trying to lighten the mood here after some tense moments in the temple?

Mark 13:2 – Jesus knew Titus was coming in A.D. 70.

Mark 13:3 – They walk up to the Mount of Olives. They can still see the temple.

Mark 13:4 – The disciples ask another question based on His previous answer. He answers them with 33 verses of prophecy.

Prophecy includes a reference to two futures: a “near” future, happening soon, and a “distant” future, happening further away. Jesus switches between the “near” – “these things”, and the “distant” – “those days”.

The “near” future – Mark 13:5-13

1. Watch out for deception – Mark 13:5

“Watch out” doesn’t just mean “see” the car, but “get out of the way!” of the car.

All kinds of people will say things in My name. When this happens keep watching and listening to Me.

2. Watch out for desertion – Mark 13:9-13

Don’t abandon the faith. You will be persecuted. Those who persevere to the end will be saved. They rebuked and flogged me and they will do it to you. Don’t think your life will be different. It will be difficult. In the midst of this persecution, focus on the Gospel (Mark 13:10). Just keep being careful (Mark 13:13).

It is good news that Jesus knows what is coming. If you don’t make it to the end – you didn’t trust Him in the first place.

The “distant” future – Mark 13:14-27

Jesus is switching from “near” to “distant” as He talks of “enduring to the end” and uses a reference to “those days”.

There is the strange wording of “abomination” (to God) of “desolation” (utter destruction). (See 2 Thessalonians 2 for further reference)

Mark 13:21-22 – His warning is exactly the same for both “near” and “distant”.

Mark 13:23 – He uses the same words used in Mark 13:5 and Mark 13:9. Don’t worry, I’ve told you everything you need to know.

Mark 13:24-25 – Things are getting worse. Mark 13:20 tells us that we would all be destroyed if God didn’t keep us alive.

Mark 13:26 – Jesus comes to the rescue. It is like being bullied by the entire class, the worst moment of your life, and your big brother comes to the rescue (Hebrews 2).

The “immediate” - Mark 13:28-37

This brings us to the real focus. He wants them to know about the immediate future – right now. Not “near” or “distant”.

Mark 13:28-30 – Learn from the fig tree. “These things” is their time. Immediate.

Mark 13:31-37 – Know that My Word is certain. When God speaks it happens. He gives them things they need to know and do.

1. Watch faithfully – Mark 13:33

We are more sometimes more tempted to leave the faith as time goes on.

2. Wait confidently – Mark 13:33-37

“Keep on the alert”, waiting actively, not just watching passively. A state of spiritual slumber where you are not thinking of things of the Lord is useless for the kingdom.

3. Work vigilantly – Mark 13:34, 35, 37

He is not using the same “alert” word of Mark 13:33. Awake and working, they go together. There is no glory from the master in just being awake.

He doesn’t want to come back finding us busy doing “church” things but, rather, doing the “right” things. What is our task as slaves? Take the Gospel to the ends of the earth – the Great Commission. We have been left here to lead people to Jesus Christ. He wants to see us passionately sharing His good news. He is passionate for lost people and so should we be. How are you doing with the primary task you have been left to do? How is your heart for lost people?

The more you start sharing the Gospel, the more you will suffer and the more you will long for Jesus to come back. The return of Jesus is certain. Embrace the suffering and humility of Christ now so that you will be taken with Him when He returns.

NOTE: These are my notes, taken as I listened to the sermon live. Any errors, misunderstandings or misinterpretations are my responsibility entirely and not the fault of the preacher.