If someone tells you to stay awake, it’s usually because they’ve noticed you’re either tired or that you’re prone to nodding off at the wrong time. I’ve certainly had my fair share of moments where I dozed off at the wrong time and ended up embarrassing myself! I’ve always appreciated it when someone cared enough to help me stay awake, whether it was on a long drive or during a dry, seemingly never-ending meeting. In Mark 13:24-37, as Jesus continued teaching his disciples about his return, he told them to “Stay awake.” But this wasn’t a call to not fall asleep. It was a warning to be alert and attentive to what they should expect as they would one day await his return. They would need to keep their eyes fixed on Christ if they were to faithfully stay the course, and “Be on guard,” as we saw last week.

This call is relevant for us today. In a world full of worries and distractions that try to pull us away from God, we need the same reminder. Join us this Sunday as we see that we are called by Christ to stay spiritually awake and keep our hope anchored in him as we await and anticipate his soon return.

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Message: When Will These Things Be, Part 2 – Stay awake

Text: Mark 13:24-37

Patrice Charade

Harvest Alliston

January 18, 2026

With Christ, who is my hope, I will….

…rest in his triumph (v. 24-27)

…hold fast to his word (v. 28-31)

…stand ready for him (v. 32-37)

Romans 12:6-8