Be Ready (Mark 13)

Mark 13 is not an easy passage. Christians have studied this passage (and the parallels in the other Gospels) for years trying to figure out the roadmap that they give for our planet's future. When will Jesus come back? What era of history are we living in? What are God's future plans for ethnic Israel? These are all questions that some claim this chapter reveals.

I must not be as smart as some people who read this chapter because I can't make sense of it all. When I read this chapter, I actually have more questions than answers. But I think that is okay. I don't think the point of this chapter is to give us a year by year, day by day, minute by minute breakdown of the future. I think the goal of this chapter is simply to tell us to be ready. No matter the timing, we are to be prepared.

This whole chapter flows out of the disciples' admiration for the buildings in the Temple district. The Temple was the pride of Israel. Even though it was built by a semi-apostate king, the Temple gave Israel dignity. It gave hope that one day God would rescue her from her enemies and make all of Israel as beautiful. To the disciples, the Temple and its precincts were permanent structures that would declare God and Israel's glory forever.

Jesus tells the disciples not to be so impressed. He says that the Temple is only temporary. He says that the day is coming when all will be torn down. He tells the disciples of terrible persecution. But He also says that in time God will come and rescue His people. Knowing that God is going to come to judge, His disciples are to be ready. The important thing is not to figure out the cosmic timetable. The important thing is to be prepared.

I like how Jesus defines preparation here. In verse 34, He uses a parable. He says when the master of the house goes away, each servant is given an assigned task. How do the servants wait and get ready? They simply do the task the master has given. How do we get ready for the return of Jesus? We do the tasks God has given us. We use our spiritual gifts. We show love, mercy, and compassion. We tell others the good news about Jesus. In faithfulness, there is preparation.

I need to remember that I am going to see Jesus face to face someday. And in that knowledge, I need to keep being faithful so that I might be unashamed at His appearing.