Watch and Wait
“Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to be fulfilled?” Mark 13:4 · Berean Standard Bible
They asked Him two things: 'When will this happen? And what will be the sign that it's all about to take place?'
They assumed the temple's destruction would mean the end of the world. Jesus' answer will be more complex — and more hopeful — than they expected.
The four disciples ask Jesus about the future.
These are the questions on everyone's mind when the world feels uncertain: When? and How will we know? Jesus doesn't dodge them.
The disciples ask two questions: the timing ('when') and the sign ('what sign') of the temple's destruction, which Jesus will address throughout the discourse.
The disciples likely assumed the temple's destruction would coincide with the end of the age and the Messiah's final triumph — an assumption Jesus will carefully nuance.
The four disciples pose their questions to Jesus.
The disciples' questions launch the Olivet Discourse, and Jesus will address both near-future events (temple destruction) and eschatological realities (the Son of Man's return).
2“Do you see all these great buildings?” Jesus replied. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”
3While Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Him privately,
4“Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to be fulfilled?”
5Jesus began by telling them, “See to it that no one deceives you.
6Many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am He,’ and will deceive many.
Read all of Mark 13 — Jesus sits on the Mount of Olives and describes the end of the age. His final command is simple and relentless: stay alert.
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