Mark 13:3-7
3 As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew were questioning Him privately,
4 “Tell us, when will these things come about, and what will be the sign when all these things are going to be fulfilled?”
5 And Jesus began to say to them, “See to it that no one misleads you.
6 Many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He!’ and they will mislead many.
7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; those things must take place; but that is not yet the end.
The Disciples’ Question
Three questions
On the Mount of Olives, Peter, James, John, and Andrew approached Jesus while He was sitting facing the temple. They asked Jesus a question privately. The reason they asked in private was the fear that discussing the temple’s destruction openly could lead to serious consequences with other Jews. To fully understand the disciples’ question, it is necessary to compare Matthew 24:3, Mark 13:3-4, and Luke 21:7. In summary, they asked Jesus three questions: (1) When will the temple be destroyed, and what will be the signs? (2) When will Jesus return, and what will be the signs of His coming? (3) When will the end of the age come, and what will be the signs of the end of age?
Jesus’ answer
(1) Jesus did not answer the questions in the order they were asked. (2) Each Gospel writer recorded only the parts of Jesus’ response that aligned with their specific themes. Therefore, in order to see the whole picture, we need to compare the three Gospels. (3) Before addressing the disciples’ questions directly, Jesus first spoke about the general characteristics of the “Church Age” that would occur after the coming of the Holy Spirit. The following two are its characteristics: (1) First, the appearance of false messiahs. Jesus was the first person in Jewish history to declare himself as the Messiah. Since then, numerous self-proclaimed messiahs have emerged. However, such arrival of false messiahs (Christs) is not a sign of the “end of the age.” (2) Second, wars and rumors of wars. This phrase refers to regional conflicts and small-scale wars. This, too, is not a sign of the “end of the age.” In summary, let’s remember the following points. The rapture and the second coming (on earth) are separate events. The rapture involves the resurrection of those who have died in Christ and those who are alive being caught up together with them. There are no specific signs preceding the rapture. On the other hand, signs are given before the second coming (on earth). We are currently living in an age where the rapture could happen at any time, especially since the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. Blessed are those who are always prepared. How about you?
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, I believe that the day when the Church is caught up to heaven is drawing near. Please help me make preparations in faith and continue to walk with the Lord Jesus today. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.