Last session, we looked at chapter 13:1-27 and the beginning of the Olivet Discourse, Jesus’ final prophecy before the cross. It was late on Wednesday of Passion Week and Jesus left the Temple for the last time. When the disciples marveled at how awesome the temple was, Jesus stunned them: “Not one stone here will be left on another” (Mark 13:2). This prophecy came true in A.D. 70 when the Romans destroyed the Temple. Later, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Him privately, “When will these things happen, and what will be the sign?” Jesus’ answered them by teaching them about the fall of Jerusalem and His ultimate return. He shared that between His 1st and 2nd coming, time on earth will be filled with wars, death, and danger. He prepares them by telling them what is going to happen in the immediate future and right before His 2nd coming…proving His Divine nature by predicting the future events. The purpose of this discourse is not date-setting but Kingdom discipleship: a call for believers to remain watchful, discerning, and faithful until Christ comes again.

This session, we look at Jesus sharing some instructions, an important warning, and a couple of illustrations to help the disciples understand and apply what He has been teaching them about His return and their mindset about the future. “Prophecy is in every book in the Bible.” Dwight Pentecost It’s in there to change our mindset and our life!