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Mark | 1 -7 | 8-12 | 13:1-13 | 13:14-27 | 13:28-37 | 14:1-9 | 14:10-21 | 14:22-31 | 14:32-52 | 14:53-72 | 15:1-20 | 15:21-41 | 15:42-47 | 16 | PDF |

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Mark 13:28-37 Bible Study – Stay Awake for Jesus’ Return

Outline

I. Recognize the signs that the end is near (28-32)
II. Be on the alert (33-37)

I. Recognize the signs that the end is near (28-32)

Discussion Questions

• What did Jesus mean, “From the fig tree learn its lesson?”
• What signs are there on a fig tree that summer is near?
• How does this parable relate to Jesus’ coming again?
• What are the signs that Jesus’ coming is near?
• What does “this generation” refer to in verse 30?
• Are heaven and earth really going to pass away? What other Scriptures refer to this? Then what?
• How about Jesus’ words? Why is this important?
• How can we apply the truth that Jesus’ words will not pass away?

Cross-References

2 Peter 3:3-15 – In these verses, Peter describes the Lord’s patience in waiting, the destruction of the elements by fire, and how we should act knowing this is going to happen.

Revelation 21:1 – Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.

Isaiah 65:17 – For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth,
and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.

Isaiah 40:8 – The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.

John 1:1 – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 Timothy 3:2 – For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy.

Verse by Verse Commentary

1. The lesson of the fig tree –

Mark 13:28-29 – From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates.

This is a simple illustration. A fig tree gives forth some signs that summer is coming, notably the branch becomes tender and leaves sprout. When a person sees a fig tree like that, they know that summer is near.

In a similar way, the person who sees the signs Jesus has mentioned in this chapter will know that His return is near.

Reflect – What were the signs in the first part of this chapter that point to Jesus’ return?

Some take the lesson of the fig tree and try to go even deeper, claiming that it refers to the nation of Israel. Based on the context in this passage, there is no reason to assign deeper meaning to this fig tree or assume that it is the nation of Israel. Jesus’ illustration is best understood simply as, “When the signs happen, my return will be near.”

2. This generation will not pass away until all these things take place –

Interpretive Challenge

Mark 13:30 – Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.

Many liberal theologians, atheists, and skeptics look at this verse and use it to say that Jesus was fallible and therefore not divine. They say that “this generation” did pass away and these things hadn’t taken place yet, so Jesus made a mistake.

It is interesting to note that the same people who tell us that Jesus’ prophecy here did not happen are the ones who tell us the Bible has been changed and is therefore not reliable. But in this case, they would say it does reliably represent what Jesus said because they think it makes Jesus look bad.

However, we do believe in the inspiration and the infallibility of the Bible and therefore we must solve this presumed problem, which revolves around the question, “What does ‘this generation’ refer to?”

Possible Solutions

Many possible interpretations have been proposed for what this verse means. I will list the most common ones here.

A. This generation refers to the generation that was alive when Jesus was talking.

“These things” refer to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. Some would say that it was at this time that Jesus returned spiritually. The problem is that some events in this chapter clearly did not happen in AD 70, most notably the cosmic signs and Jesus’ coming in the clouds with great glory (Mark 13:24-26). By trying to solve the generation problem in this way, they create an even more difficult dilemma.

B. The words for generation (genea) and race (genos) are very similar.

Jesus is saying that the Jewish race will not pass away until He has returned. This would seem to make some sense since the Jewish race has been in danger throughout history and faced many persecutions. Yet the two words are different and there is no compelling reason to think that the meaning suddenly changes here in this verse, but not in other places where it is referred to (Matthew 1:17; 11:16; 12:39, 41, 42, 45; 16:4; 17:17; 23:36; 24:34; Mark 8:12, 38; 9:19; 13:30; Luke 1:48, 50; 7:31; 9:41; 11:29, 30, 31, 32, 50, 51;18:8; 17:25; 21:32).

C. The fig tree is a symbol for the nation of Israel.

Those who hold to this theory would say that “this generation” refers to the generation alive at the time when the Jewish nation was formed again (1948). This view was especially popular twenty years ago, as many predicted that Christ would return soon before that generation passed away. It is still technically possible. The problem with this theory is that this passage does not mention the re-founding of the nation of Israel and makes no actual connection to the generation alive at that time and this generation mentioned here.

D. “This generation” refers not to the generation alive during Jesus’ day, but to the generation who sees “these things” happening (verse 29). This interpretation not only makes logical sense, but it also makes sense within the context. Considering the lesson of the fig tree, Jesus’ point is that when all of these signs are seen, He is coming very soon, just like the summer is near when the fig tree sprouts its leaves.

To paraphrase, “The generation that sees these signs I have mentioned will not die until I return.”

That makes perfect sense.

What are the various signs in this chapter? False prophets, false christs, wars, earthquakes, famines, heavy persecution, betrayals by family members, the abomination of desolation, false christs performing signs and wonders, cosmic signs such as the sun being darkened and the moon not giving its light, and stars falling from the heavens. These are all of the signs mentioned in this chapter leading up to the event of Jesus’ actual return.

Have you seen them all? No! We have seen some of them (the beginnings of the birth pangs), but we have not seen all of them. Jesus is saying that the generation that sees all of these signs should know that the end is very near and He is right at the door. Although there will be heavy persecution and the death rate will be astronomical, some who live at that time will not die, but will live to see Jesus’ actual return (see also 13:13).

Looking at the context, it is important to remember that Jesus’ main point is not about the timing of these events. It is about the certainty of these events and the need to be ready. These words are not only a reminder for that end-time generation to be alert, but it will also be an encouragement to them that the Lord will return soon and they won’t have to wait much longer. Thus, this passage will be a comfort to believers who will be persecuted during the Great Tribulation.

We can make no conclusion about the timing of Jesus’ return based on these signs since we have not seen them all. If we did see all of these things take place, then we could conclude that the generation alive at that time will not pass away until Jesus returns.

Application – When you face a passage that is difficult to understand, don’t give up. Neither is it necessary to side with skeptics. Study diligently to accurately divide the Word of truth. Know that God’s Word always proves right in the end.

3. Heaven and earth will pass away –

Mark 13:31 – Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Jesus mentions this to remind us of the fact that His words are reliable and we can trust them.

While it is not His main focus to tell us that heaven and earth will pass away, it is nonetheless true.

Revelation 21:1 – Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.

2 Peter 3:12 – Because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!

The earth is corrupted by sin and far from the original paradise that God created. Heaven here likely refers to the second heaven (meaning outer space) rather than the third heaven (meaning the place where God resides).

The key point for us to remember is that everything is going to change. This world and everything you see will one day be destroyed. It will not be a random act of nature, as many scientists believe, but instead it will be a determined act of God.

Application – Look around. The only thing you see that will not fade away is the people around you. Their souls will live on.

The application is simple. Do not love the world or the things in the world (1 John 2:15-17). Many people spend their entire lives pursuing worldly things like money, career, materials, a bigger house, or a nicer car. All of it will fade. It is not going to last. So don’t make these things the focal point of your life. Set your mind on heaven and not on the earth.

We don’t want to reach the end of our lives and have regrets because we wasted our lives. If you don’t want to waste your life, don’t waste today. Every day do intentional actions which have an eternal impact.

Reflect – What can you do with eternal impact today?

3. But My words will not pass away –

This is the thrust of what Jesus was saying. Every detail of this prophecy would come to pass just like He predicted. His words are reliable and trustworthy. So far, it is true. Jesus’ words have endured for almost 2000 years. How many other people who lived that long ago can we say that about?

The population of the world in the 1st century AD was likely 200 to 300 million. Only a very small percentage of the elite had their words written down and only a small number of those records survive. We likely have written quotes from fewer than 0.0001% of people living at the time of Christ. But we still have the Words of this carpenter’s son from the backward Roman province of Judea.

So many billions have died and left no trace or legacy.

Most of us who live now will be forgotten in a hundred years, much less 2000. It is safe to say that for most of us, our words will pass away. But Jesus’ didn’t. Isn’t that amazing?

Isaiah 40:8 – The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.

Even when this earth has faded away, Jesus’ words will still endure. Their truth does not change from generation to generation. You cannot take your car, house, or bank account with you into the new heaven and earth, but you can treasure His Words and obey them, knowing that this ensures He will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Reflect – What should you do knowing that Jesus’ words endure forever while the material things around you do not?

4. Of that day or hour no one knows –

Mark 13:32 – But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son.

Many have attempted to predict the time of Jesus’ second coming. Let no one deceive you. No one knows the time except God the Father! If anyone, no matter how popular or respected, gives you a date or even a time window when this will happen, they are lying and misleading you.

Jesus said very clearly that no one knows the time. If someone says otherwise, they have shown themselves to be a false teacher and you should not pay attention to anything else they teach.

Reflect – Why did Jesus not know the time if He is divine?

We know that at certain times Jesus has limited Himself from certain divine rights. In Philippians 2, we see that He gave up certain divine rights for a period of time while coming to the earth to become a man. This did not make Him any less divine, but it instead highlighted His submission to the Father and His self-control.

I will give an example, although a bad one. A husband wants to throw a surprise party for his wife’s birthday. She suspects there will be one. She could easily find out the time of the surprise party if she wanted to. But out of respect for her husband, she decides to purposefully remain ignorant about the time. In a similar way, Jesus voluntarily restricted His knowledge of this issue.

Let us keep in mind that He said that while He was on earth. There is no verse that says after Jesus ascended to heaven in glorified form that He still does not know.

II. Be on the alert (33-37)

Discussion Questions

• Why do you think God planned Jesus’ second coming like this so that no one would know the time?
• When do you think that time will be? (Trick question: We can’t know!)
• What does it mean to take heed?
• How can you keep alert?
• What is the point of this parable?
• Who is the man on the journey?
• Who are the slaves?
• What are the slaves to be doing while the master is away?
• What should we be doing while waiting for Jesus’ return?
• What would you say to the various “Christian” groups that do not do anything except wait?
• How can you get ready?

Cross-References

Matthew 25:14-30 – Lengthier version of the same parable in Matthew.

Verse by Verse Commentary

1. Be on guard and keep awake –

Mark 13:33 – Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.

Of the many lessons we can learn in this chapter, this seems to be the one that Jesus wants us to get. God’s whole plan for the second coming is designed to help us stay alert. He doesn’t want His saints to grow complacent. He wants every generation in the church age to be ready and therefore shows some birth pangs in each generation.

Reflect – Are you alert? Are you ready? What does staying awake look like?

In case you aren’t, He gives another parable to remind you just how important it is.

2. Parable of the man on a journey –

The man who went on a journey is Christ. The slaves are believers. Each believer has been given a specific task to do while Jesus is away. The master doesn’t tell His slaves when He will be back. All they know is that He will come back again. It might be in a day or it might be in fifty years.

In Jesus’ case, it could be two thousand or one hundred thousand years. If He wanted them to know, He would have told them.

Reflect – What would most servants do if they knew the master wouldn’t return for six months?

The slaves might party for five and a half months and then spend the last week getting everything into tip-top shape for His return inspection! Jesus does not want us to have “party time.” He wants us to be sober-minded and diligent, to redeem the time because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16).

3. Don’t fall asleep –

Mark 13:36 – Lest he come suddenly and find you asleep.

Reflect – If Jesus comes back today, would you have any regrets? If you know He is coming back in a week, how would you get ready?

A quote attributed to John Wesley when asked what he would do if he knew Jesus was returning that day is, “I would rise at four o’clock, have my Bible study, preach at five, visit the sick, and go on with my work. I would not change a thing, for I would want Him to find me doing what He appointed.”

It is unclear if he wrote this, but nonetheless demonstrates the idea that we should live for the Lord every day.

One of Satan’s great temptations is to tell us, “Yes, serve God. Volunteer for that ministry. Mend things with your family member. Go on that mission trip. Start that Bible study. Do it…. tomorrow.”

Don’t wait to live for God. Don’t put it off.

4. Be on the alert! –

Imagine that right now you hear Jesus’ voice power from heaven saying, “Be on the alert!!” That would be pretty memorable. It may also be pretty terrifying. You surely wouldn’t forget it. And you would probably do it. Well, guess what? That is what this Scripture text is. It is exactly the same as if Jesus said these words audibly from heaven. He even said, “I say to all…” That is the message from Christ to us today. The question is, will you do it?

Application – Do you look forward to Jesus’ return?

As a teen, I remember thinking specifically, “I hope Jesus doesn’t return until after I get married.” I wanted to experience certain things in life first. That was a poor perspective. We should be excited about the idea of Jesus’ return.

2 Timothy 4:8 – Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

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