Mark 13 - Introduction

The Destruction Of Jerusalem

Mark Thirteen

Through inspiration we have been allowed to walk with Jesus though the Temple area and hear Him as He taught the people. Much of what He said had to do with God's judgment against the Jewish nation because of their unfaithfulness. God had committed to their trust the work of preparation for His coming kingdom. They had failed miserably in this task. As they are leaving the Temple one of his disciples said to Him, "Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!" Jesus told them that it would all be destroyed. Later, in private, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked "Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?" These two questions form the basis for some sobering teaching by Jesus about the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the world.

Mark chapter 13 should be studied along with Matthew 24 and Luke 21. Jesus closed His last public teaching with a lamentation over Jerusalem and with a solemn farewell to the Temple. Mark 13 begins with the words, "And as he went out of the Temple." Jesus' public ministry here comes to an end. He left the Temple never to enter it again. This scripture has been the breeding ground for much false teaching. Let us observe carefully what Jesus taught.