Watch!

Pete Kersker - Jul 18, 2025

We've been taking some time to learn from Jesus' parables, which are stories with a secret meaning. Jesus revealed this hidden meaning to his disciples (students) and the wrote it down for the benefit of others. These parables (stories) and their meanings were passed down from generation to generation so we can learn from them today.

As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!" "Do you see all these great buildings?" replied Jesus. "Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down." As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately, "Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?" Jesus said to them: "Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and will deceive many. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains" (Mark 13:1-8 NIV).

Jesus taught using parables (stories) to fulfill prophecies about the Messiah (Christ) (Matthew 13:13; Luke 8:10), but he taught the same things clearly in other places as well. This week, for example, we have been learning that Jesus will return to judge us all for our words and actions. We need to be ready, faithful, and doing the work Jesus has given us to do when he returns. Jesus taught these things to his disciples (students) before he went to his death.

"You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. "Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved" (Mark 13:9-13 NIV)

Jesus warned his disciples (students) that they would be captured, put on trial, persecuted, and even put to death for believing that Jesus it the Christ (Messiah), anointed by God to save all people. Jesus warned them not to be deceived by other people who would claim to be the Messiah. He even told them about the "abomination that causes desolation" that would result in the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D. (Mark 13:14-24)

"But in those days, following that distress, 'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.' At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens" (Mark 13:24-27 NIV).

The Temple has been destroyed, but Jesus has not returned yet. We know this because Jesus will not come humbly as a baby in a manger this time. Jesus will come "in the clouds with great power and glory." Everyone will know when Jesus returns.

"Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away" (Mark 13:28-31 NIV).

Until he returns, we can learn from Jesus. His words were heard, remembered, and written down for our sake. People guarded, preserved, and shared Jesus' words with anyone who would listen. Jesus' words have been analyzed, scrutinized, taught, and applied by billions of people over the past two millennia. Jesus words are offered to still teach us all today. It is to our benefit to learn from Jesus so we are ready for him when he returns.

"But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. "Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back--whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!'" (Mark 13:32-37 NIV).

Do you watch for Jesus to return?
Do you learn from Jesus until he returns?