Sermon Discussion Questions
- What comes to your mind when people talk about the end of the world? Read Mark 13:1-27
- (Verses 1-2) As they are walking around one of the most massive and, reputedly, most beautiful buildings in the world, King Herod’s Temple in Jerusalem, one of the disciples makes an innocent remark about the magnificence of the Temple. Jesus responds with a chilling and definite prophecy about its future. What would it have been like for the disciples to hear this statement? What is Jesus saying about the Temple as impressive as it is?
- (Verses 3-4) Jesus has shocked the disciples. In private, they ask Him about what He has said. Notice, they don’t question the truth of what He has said but they do want to know the details. Scanning through the remaining verses in the chapter, how would you divide Jesus’ answer up regarding their two questions: a. when will this happen? b. What will be the sign that it is about to happen? And for our sake, what is the THIS, Jesus is talking about – the end of the world or the end of the temple?
- (Verses 5-13) Look over these verses again, knowing that these were the lived experience of people who followed Jesus and stayed true to the gospel. In verse 13 Jesus says we need patience to hold onto our faith in the midst of difficulties. What specific situation in your life right now do you need patience for? How can you cultivate deeper patience in your life?
- (Verses 14-27) Jesus describes one of the most awful experiences of suffering in history forty years before it happens. (Note: verse 30 “the present generation will live to see it all” NEB.) When they see the “desolating abomination” (a pagan idol set up for worship in the Temple), they are to take this as a sign not to be patient but a sign that they should escape. We may not experience anything close to what they went through in Jerusalem in AD 70, but what circumstances or temptations might cause you to run rather than stay and fight? How has God provided a way of escape for you in those situations? (cf. 1 Cor. 10:13)
- (Verses 28-37) What warnings and admonitions does Jesus issue to His followers? What does He mean “keep awake and watch!”?
- Pray for each other that in each person’s situation that he or she, despite busyness, responsibility, doubts or possessions, will be given faith to look to Christ, keeping watch for Him and praying for His return.
Questions adapted from Wright, N. T.. Mark: 20 Studies for Individuals and Groups (N. T. Wright for Everyone Bible Study Guides) (pp. 80-83). InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition.