Birth Pains

1 As he was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” 2 “Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” 3 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?” 5 Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 6 Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many. 7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 8 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. 9 “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. 10 And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. 11 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. 12 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 13 All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Introduction

Two weeks ago, we began our study of this particular chapter in Mark’s Gospel - a very tricky chapter to navigate, and one with no small number of differing interpretations as to the meaning of Jesus’ words to His disciples.

The discussion between Christ and His disciples is triggered as one of His followers marvels at the great temple structure, the massive stones that were used in the construction of the temple, and the great buildings that were found in the Temple court area. Certainly, they were a magnificent sight to behold.

But as the disciple makes this observation to Jesus, His response is not at all what the disciple expected. That response is found in verse 2:

Mark 13:2 NASB95

2 And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left upon another which will not be torn down.”

Essentially, Christ was proclaiming that this great Temple that was being held in such high regard was going to be destroyed. Utterly destroyed.

The disciples are obviously somewhat taken aback at Jesus’ words, and as four of them are alone with Him (Peter and James and John and Andrew, they pose the question to Jesus:

Mark 13:4 NASB95

4 “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are going to be fulfilled?”

And it’s this pronouncement by Jesus that leads to this extended discourse, which is known as the Olivet Discourse, since it takes place on the Mount of Olives.

And it’s this pronouncement by Jesus, and the question that the disciples then pose to Jesus, that leads to this extended discourse, which is known as the Olivet Discourse, since it takes place on the Mount of Olives.

This morning we are considering together the first series of words that Christ presents to His disciples following their questions.

Recall that their questions were:

But what remains of great importance is that we keep our focus on the way in which Christ seeks to direct the attention of His disciples.

When will these things happen, and

Before we can delve into the warnings that Christ gives, I want to emphasize the thrust or focus of Christ’s teaching. This is essential!

What will be the sign of when they will be fulfilled.

As we come to our passage this morning however, we need to recognise that Jesus doesn’t immediately answer the questions.

He doesn’t delve into and outline a detailed program of God’s plans for the future of the world, complete with dates and times.

He doesn’t even delve into detailed and very clear signs, certainly not in these verses that we consider this morning.

As we come to this text then, the most we must consider the great instruction that Christ does give His disciples at this point. Because the instruction that He gives to His disciples, is an instruction that stands true for us today, just as much as it did for them in that day.

The emphasis that Christ lays throughout this passage is on the fact that the disciples are to keep watch. They are to exercise discernment.

In fact, the first word that Christ uses as He instructs His disciples, after they have asked Him to explain to them when these things will take place, and what the signs will be, is the Greek word “Βλέπετε” (Blepete) meaning “Be Discerning...”

NIV = Watch Out...

ESV = See that...

NKJV = Take heed...

Essentially, this is a call for the disciples to live with vigilance. They are called to live with eyes wide open. They are to have a mind that is attentive to the fact that all manner of unrest and chaos, and other devastating effects and consequences of sin are going to play out in the world around them, and they are to live watchful and careful lives.

One commentator aptly writes: “Blepete is never a call for self-protection (as in Watch out!); nor is it a call to recognize signs or to figure out a timetable. It is not the means of sign-seeking; it is the alternative to it ...It is a call to discern which challenges and opportunities will arise in a life of faithful discipleship. It is Jesus’ way of saying, “Go into the future with your eyes wide open!” [Geddert, T. J. (2001). Mark (p. 306). Scottdale, PA: Herald Press.]

Geddert, T. J. (2001). Mark (p. 306). Scottdale, PA: Herald Press.

Believers Church Bible Commentary: Mark Discerning the Times 13:5–23

Jesus calls for careful discernment, for eyes that see past the surface details to the true significance. Deceivers will come; do not be deceived. History will bring disasters; do not be fooled into thinking the End has come. Persecution will come; do not overlook opportunities for witness; and so on. This imperative meaning Be discerning! occurs four times in Jesus’ discourse:

• Be discerning when deceivers come (13:5; NRSV: Beware!).

• Be discerning in times of persecution (v. 9; NRSV: Beware!).

• Be discerning about all these things I have just said (v. 23; NRSV: Be alert!).

• Be discerning of the meaning of the following parable and of the opportune moment (the kairos) to follow through on its meaning (v. 33; NRSV: Beware!).

Blepete is never a call for self-protection (as in Watch out!); nor is it a call to recognize signs or to figure out a timetable. It is not the means of sign-seeking; it is the alternative to it (cf. 8:14–21, where discernment is also the alternative to sign-seeking). It is a call to discern which challenges and opportunities will arise in a life of faithful discipleship. It is Jesus’ way of saying, “Go into the future with your eyes wide open!”

This then is the focus with which we should consider the verses.

1. The Five Arenas of Discernment

With that in mind, let us begin by considering these events that would be evident in the days to come, as Jesus presents them to His disciples. We will consider them together under 5 distinct headings (types of events).

1. False Prophets / Deceivers (v.5-6)

In the first place, Jesus tells the disciples that they need to be discerning concerning false prophets, those who will come to deceive. In verse 5-6 we read:

Mark 13:5–6 NIV84

5 Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 6 Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many.

This is a striking statement.

Notice the double “Many” in those words of Christ.

Not only will their be many deceivers, but there will be many who will be deceived.

1.1. The Deceivers will be many

Firstly, we must consider the warning that there would be many deceivers.

We live in a day and age of tolerance. We need to tolerate each others views; we should not “judge”.

On university campuses, young people are unable to work in absolutes. Everything is a matter opinion. Truth is relative. Example - gender identification; if I say I’m 7 years old; if I say I’m a chinese woman; etc.

Many deceivers will go out into the world!

Christ issues a stern warning to His disciples - note that - to his disciples!!

Jesus is warning them and cautioning them, even those who walked with Him every day, and witnessed His miracles.

They heard the words that He taught, and they recognised His authority.

And yet He warns them that they are not to be deceived. They are to be cautious and discerning.

The concern is that false teachers (and false Messiah’s) would come and would lead people astray. They would lead people away from God. They would lead people away from the true Messiah, Jesus Christ.

And just as Christ had warned, these false teachers arose.

through various teachings that are not in accordance with the word of God.

We see this taking place in the very early church, as recorded in the book of Acts, as well as in the works of Josephus.

In Acts for example, we read...

Acts 5:36 NASB95

“For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined up with him. But he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing.

Josephus, F., & Whiston, W. (1987). The works of Josephus: complete and unabridged (p. 614). Peabody: Hendrickson.

Josephus outlines various false teachers that led many astray. For example, he speaks of those false teachers who came with wicked intentions. He writes of them that they “deceived and deluded the people under pretense of divine inspiration, but were for procuring innovations and changes of the government.” Josephus, F., & Whiston, W. (1987). The works of Josephus: complete and unabridged (p. 614). Peabody: Hendrickson.

They were agitators, and had many who followed them. But their end, sadly, was death. The governor of the time (Felix) saw what they were doing as a revolt, and had a great number of them destroyed.

The Works of Josephus: New Updated Edition Chapter 13: Nero Adds Four Cities to Agrippa’s Kingdom; but the Other Parts of Judea Were under Felix. The Disturbances Which Were Raised by the Sicarii, the Magicians, and an Egyptian False Prophet. The Jews and Syrians Have a Contest at Caes

4. (258) There was also another body of wicked men gotten together, not so impure in their actions, but more wicked in their intentions, who laid waste the happy state of the city no less than did these murderers. (259) These were such men as deceived and deluded the people under pretense of divine inspiration, but were for procuring innovations and changes of the government, and these prevailed with the multitude to act like madmen, and went before them into the wilderness, as pretending that God would there show them the signals of liberty; (260) but Felix thought this procedure was to be the beginning of a revolt; so he sent some horsemen and footmen, both armed, who destroyed a great number of them.

Josephus goes on to speak of an Egyptian false prophet.

Acts 21:38 NASB95

38 “Then you are not the Egyptian who some time ago stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?”

This Egyptian “got together thirty thousand men that were deluded by him; these he led round about from the wilderness to the mount which was called the Mount of Olives, and was ready to break into Jerusalem by force from that place...” Josephus, F., & Whiston, W. (1987). The works of Josephus: complete and unabridged (p. 614). Peabody: Hendrickson.

Josephus, F., & Whiston, W. (1987). The works of Josephus: complete and unabridged (p. 614). Peabody: Hendrickson.

5. (261) But there was an Egyptian false prophet that did the Jews more mischief than the former; for he was a cheat, and pretended to be a prophet also, and got together thirty thousand men that were deluded by him; (262) these he led round about from the wilderness to the mount which was called the Mount of Olives, and was ready to break into Jerusalem by force from that place; and if he could but once conquer the Roman garrison and the people, he intended to domineer over them by the assistance of those guards of his that were to break into the city with him, (263) but Felix prevented his attempt, and met him with his Roman soldiers, while all the people assisted him in his attack upon them, insomuch that, when it came to a battle, the Egyptian ran away, with a few others, while the greatest part of those that were with him were either destroyed or taken alive; but the rest of the multitude were dispersed every one to their own homes and there concealed themselves.

Their plans were also thwarted by Felix. The Egyptian fled, and his followers all dispersed.

If you go across to the book of Acts, in chapter 21 verse 38, you read that Paul was even suspected of being that same Egyptian false prophet.

But many other deceivers arose.

What we should not lose sight of is the fact that many others have arisen throughout the course of history.

But many other deceivers arose, and have continued to arise even until today.

Deceivers and their ways of deception are repeatedly warned against

Even in our current day, the deceivers are many.

Which leads us to consider the next “Many” that Christ speaks of:

1.2. The Deceived will be many

Not only are those who come to deceive going to be many, but those who will be deceived by them will be many.

Now this is where we need to pay careful attention.

Deception is the hallmark of Satan.

1 John 2:19 NASB95

19 They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us.

As Christ warned, many deceivers did indeed arise in the years that were to come. When you read through the works of Josephus, you find examples of this deception that took place as false teachers arose. I’ll read you just two of the examples from his works which speak of these false teachers:

Within this post-modern society, this society that is more and more pushing liberal agendas, if we are not solidly grounded on the asbolutes and certainties of God’s truth, then we risk drifting away.

In light of the many warnings in Scripture that caution Christians from drifting away, and wandering away from the truth, we must ask ourselves, how seriously are we taking these warnings?

Why is there such a complacency, even within the church today, amongst those who call themselves Christians?

We see this falling away from the church, and within the church. For example...

Being with God’s people is not seen as a priority. Sure, it’s good to be there, as long as there’s nothing better to be doing on the day when they gather.

Personal devotional times - how regularly are these done?

How biblically literate are people?

How biblically literate are people (not from the world, but those in the church!)?

Look at Christ’s warning again: MANY will be deceived!!

The real danger with deception is that the person deceived doesn’t beleive they’re deceived!!

We need to be on our guard!

Why are so many so complacent?

Why are so many in the church, allowing all manner of false doctrine, false experiences etc.?

Satan is the deceiver.

Man’s heart is easily deceived into false doctrine.

We need to be on our guard today!

The Works of Josephus: New Updated Edition Chapter 4: How the Samaritans Made a Tumult, and Pilate Destroyed Many of Them; How Pilate Was Accused, and What Things Were Done by Vitellius Relating to the Jews and the Parthians

1. (85) But the nation of the Samaritans did not escape without tumults. The man who excited them to it, was one who thought lying a thing of little consequence, and who contrived everything so, that the multitude might be pleased; so he bade them get together upon Mount Gerizzim, which is by them looked upon as the most holy of all mountains, and assured them that, when they were come thither, he would show them those sacred vessels which were laid under that place, because Moses put them there. (86) So they came thither armed, and thought the discourse of the man probable; and as they abode at a certain village, which was called Tirathaba, they got the rest together to them, and desired to go up the mountain in a great multitude together. (87) But Pilate prevented their going up, by seizing upon the roads with a great band of horsemen and footmen, who fell upon those that were gotten together in the village; and when they came to an action, some of them they slew, and others of them they put to flight, and took a great many alive, the principal of whom, and also the most potent of those that fled away, Pilate ordered to be slain.

2. (88) But when this tumult was appeased, the Samaritan senate sent an embassy to Vitellius, a man that had been consul, and who was now president of Syria, and accused Pilate of the murder of those that were killed; for that they did not go to Tirathaba in order to revolt from the Romans, but to escape the violence of Pilate. (89) So Vitellius sent Marcellus, a friend of his, to take care of the affairs of Judea, and ordered Pilate to go to Rome, to answer before the emperor to the accusation of the Jews. So Pilate, when he had tarried ten years in Judea, made haste to Rome, and this in obedience to the orders of Vitellius, which he durst not contradict; but before he could get to Rome, Tiberius was dead.

The Works of Josephus: New Updated Edition Chapter 5: Concerning Theudas, and the Sons of Judas the Galilean; As Also What Calamity Fell upon the Jews on the Day of the Passover

1. (97) Now it came to pass, while Fadus was procurator of Judea, that a certain magician, whose name was Theudas, persuaded a great part of the people to take their effects with them, and follow him to the river Jordan; for he told them he was a prophet, and that he would, by his own command, divide the river, and afford them an easy passage over it; (98) and many were deluded by his words. However, Fadus did not permit them to make any advantage of his wild attempt, but sent a troop of horsemen out against them; who, falling upon them unexpectedly, slew many of them and took many of them alive. They also took Theudas alive, and cut off his head, and carried it to Jerusalem. (99) This was what befell the Jews in the time of Cuspius Fadus’s government.

2. Wars and Rumors of Wars (v.7-8a)

The next aspect that Jesus speaks of to his disciples are “wars and rumors of wars”. Verse 7-8a...

Mark 13:7–8 NIV84

7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 8 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 13:7-8

Again, this so-called signs of the times is hardly a new eventuality within the history of the world. Even before Jesus came into the world, there were wars taking place. Nations were rising up against each other. The Israelite nation was taken into exile by the Babylonians. There were power struggles between different nations

At the time that Christ was walking on the face of the earth, the Israelites were under the rule of the Roman Empire. Now in one sense, there was unprecedented peace during the Roman rule due to their dominance.

In the years that followed Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, some 30-40 years later, there indeed came great political turmoil as one ruler after another vied for leadership. In one year, Rome would see four different emperors.

Eventually, the fall of Jerusalem / the temple would come, but what is significant to note for our purposes, is that even then, wars did not stop. Rumours of wars continued.

And the point is simply this: that throughout the centuries, this prophecy continued to be fulfilled.

Commentator William Hendricksen writes: “One author counted three hundred wars in Europe during the last three hundred years. And these wars are increasing in intensity. It is perfectly clear that when any particular war is singled out as a help for “date-fixers” another “mistaken sign” has been produced. Hendriksen, W., & Kistemaker, S. J. (1953–2001). Exposition of the Gospel According to Mark (Vol. 10, pp. 516–517). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.

Hendriksen, W., & Kistemaker, S. J. (1953–2001). Exposition of the Gospel According to Mark (Vol. 10, pp. 516–517). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.

3. Natural Disasters (v.8b)

The third aspect that Christ mentions will mark the age to come is that there will be natural disasters. Verse 8b…

“There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines.”

Mark 13:8 NIV84

8 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.

As with the previous signs, these would be prevalent not only during the time from Christ to the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, but also in the time following that even to our day.

It is true that during the period a.d. 60–80 famine, pestilence, fire, hurricane, and earthquake ravaged the empire...

But in our own day, probably one of the key signs that marks people trying to tie our current days to the end of the world is through interpreting natural disasters as the certain sign of the end of times.

Consider, for example, this News Headline in the Daily Express in UK: “END OF THE WORLD: KILLER quakes and volcanoes to rip Earth apart in 2018 as rotation slows.” [https://www.express.co.uk/news/science/886336/killer-earthquakes-volcanoes-world-ending, accessed 17/08/2018]

Consider this News Headline in the Daily Express in UK: “END OF THE WORLD: KILLER quakes and volcanoes to rip Earth apart in 2018 as rotation slows.” [https://www.express.co.uk/news/science/886336/killer-earthquakes-volcanoes-world-ending, accessed 17/08/2018]

In another article on the “Breaking Israel News website,” they speak of fears surrounding the Yellowstone Volcano:

“After a rash of earthquakes in April [2016], Rabbi Yitzchak Batzri, a known Kabbalist from Jerusalem, told Breaking Israel News that this was prophesied in Psalms for the end of days.

Who looketh on the earth, and it trembleth; He toucheth the mountains, and they smoke ()

“This describes what will happen in the End of Days before the final redemption,” Rabbi Batzri said. “There will be an earthquake in Israel, but it will be beneficial, opening up the Temple Mount, bringing forth living waters, purifying the city to receive the Messiah.”

When asked about the seismic activity in Yellowstone, the rabbi explained that in the book of Zechariah, it is prophesied that two thirds of the world will be destroyed by fire in the end of days.

And I will bring the third part through the fire and will refine them as silver is refined and will try them as gold is tried; they shall call on My name and I will answer them; I will say: ‘It is My people’ and they shall say: ‘Hashem is my God.’ ()”

[https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/70321/end-days-yellowstone-volcano-prophesied-zechariah/; Accessed 17/08/2018)]

Very clearly, people remain eager to point to every natural “disaster” as proof sufficient that these are indeed the last days. And indeed they could well be termed that - depending on your definition of “last days”.

4. Persecution Through Proclamation (v.9-11)

5. Gospel Proclamation

The Fourth event that Christ warns his disciples of that we should consider is that of persecution in the midst of proclamation, verse 9-11...

Mark 13:9–11 NIV84

9 “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. 10 And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. 11 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.

The word used in verse 9 for “be on your guard” is the same Greek word that we found in verse 5, which means “be discerning”.

There is a call for the disciples to be discerning, and to perceive clearly that there are times coming where they would be severely beaten due to their profession of faith in Jesus Christ.

They would be handed over to the rulers of the synagogue (the Sanhedrin that had just been confronting Jesus himself) and they would have to give an account to them.

There are numerous records of such encounters recorded for us in the Scriptures.

Acts 12:1 NASB95

Now about that time Herod the king laid hands on some who belonged to the church in order to mistreat them.

Acts 12:1–2 NIV84

It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword.

Acts 25:13 NASB95

Now when several days had elapsed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and paid their respects to Festus.

Following that account, he went on to arrest Peter, who was then placed in jail, but was subsequently released by an angel.

In , Paul was brought before King Agrippa...

Acts 25:24 NIV84

Festus said: “King Agrippa, and all who are present with us, you see this man! The whole Jewish community has petitioned me about him in Jerusalem and here in Caesarea, shouting that he ought not to live any longer.

Acts

Paul was severely persecuted much of his life. A number of letters that Paul wrote to churches were written from prison. For example:

Philippians 1:12–13 NIV84

Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.

Acts 25:26 NASB95

“Yet I have nothing definite about him to write to my lord. Therefore I have brought him before you all and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after the investigation has taken place, I may have something to write.

We need to keep in mind, in our day of relative peace and freedom within the church to worship God and proclaim Christ, that the spread of the Gospel in the early church was done under much persecution and confrontation.

We think today of missionaries going out onto the mission field, and proclaiming the Gospel message to hostile peoples, and sometimes we may think that they are somewhat crazy to be doing that. But we must keep in mind that the church was birthed in such hostile conditions. Those who became Christians were targeted and threatened, and put to death as a result of their beliefs.

And yet, it was in the midst of such suffering and hardship, such severe persecution that there was massive growth as Christ continued to build the church as He promised to do.

In Mark 13:11, Christ said to his disciples that when such persecutions would take place, that they should not fear - God would be with them, and He would sustain them, and He would give them the words to say.

Consider how much anxiety would have welled up in the lives of the disciples if they began to be consumed with worry over what to say before these governors and rulers and kings, as they were brought to trial for their faith.

Jesus tells them that instead of being anxious, they should not worry, because God would show them, tell them what to say.

I must ask at this point: How ready are you for persecution?

Now this is significant for us to consider.

Remember that before Christ departed, He had told His disciples that He needed to go in order that He could send the Holy Spirit. The words that He spoke to them at that time tie directly in with the words that He now speaks to them. ...

John 14:25–27 NIV84

“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Christ’s words are words of encouragement, as He tells His disciples that He will fill them and speak through them. The Holy Spirit would bring to mind all that He had taught them.

That ties in perfectly with Christ’s warning in our passage in Mark, where he tells the disciples not to worry about what to say. Why? Because the Spirit would show them.

This prophecy was most certainly fulfilled in the lives of the disciples. In Acts 4:4-8, we read:

Acts 4:4–8 NASB95

But many of those who had heard the message believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand. On the next day, their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem; and Annas the high priest was there, and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of high-priestly descent. When they had placed them in the center, they began to inquire, “By what power, or in what name, have you done this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people,

Peter, under that filling of the Holy Spirit, went on to powerfully proclaim the Gospel message concerning Christ. The crowds would even recognise that this was an uneducated and untrained man (), and yet spoke so boldly and clearly.

Emphasise...

Having said that, however, what is vital for us to recognise at this point is that this was not a promise from Christ that they would know exactly what to say in order that they would not be condemned to death!!!

Rather, this was a promise that God will fill them and give them the words to speak to bring glory to Him, even in the midst of the trial.

A key example of this is with Steven, who boldly preached the truth before the Sanhedrin.

What do your responses and your

Acts 7:51–60 NASB95

“You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did. “Which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They killed those who had previously announced the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become; you who received the law as ordained by angels, and yet did not keep it.” Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick, and they began gnashing their teeth at him. But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice, and covered their ears and rushed at him with one impulse. When they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him; and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul. They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” Then falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Having said this, he fell asleep.

This prophecy was fulfilled in the lives of the disciples

Acts 4:4–8 NIV84

But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand. The next day the rulers, elders and teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and the other men of the high priest’s family. They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people!

Paul the Apostle would also preach boldly under the power of the Holy Spirit when he was brought to trial in .

The question that I must ask you this morning is this: Where do you stand in the face of such persecution? Are you prepared in your hearts, strengthened in your spirit, knowing that if you are confronted by those who oppose God’s word, you will stand firm, knowing that God’s truth is not negotiable?!

Where do you stand in the face of such persecution?

5. Betrayal (v.12-13)

Finally (and this ties into the previous section) Christ speaks about the betrayal that will be evident. Verses 12-13

Mark 13:12–13 NIV84

12 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 13 All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Again, this was nothing new when Christ spoke the words. Since the beginning of the world, this has been the case. Cain and Abel is a prime example of this in the Old Testament, where there was hatred between brothers as a result of the worship of God.

This was also spoken of through the prophet Micah, in ...

Micah 7:6 NASB95

For son treats father contemptuously, Daughter rises up against her mother, Daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; A man’s enemies are the men of his own household.

In this warning to the disciples then, quite simply, Christ would become a stumbling block.

Christ would become the centre of contention within families.

When people confessed Jesus Christ as Lord, there would be those even from their own family who would turn against them, and hand them over for destruction and judgment.

Such was the persecution that Christ said to His disciples they should be prepared to experience.

But again, that persecution continued into the day in which we find ourselves, and there remains a heavy price for many who would come to Christ.

By way of example consider the story of Gallu Kowasi, which story was posted just this week:

Gallu Kowasi, an Indian Christian, recently was badly beaten by locals while they demanded that he renounce his faith. Afterwards, his house was destroyed. But this was not the end of his ordeal - he was blindfolded, abducted and taken to an unknown place, where he was further beaten and tortured. Thankfully he managed to escape...

Since June of this year [2018] over a dozen houses belonging to Christians have been attacked by local Hindu extremist groups, across five villages within Gadchiroli district in India.

A local source said, “If one person in the family [converts to] Christianity, the rest of the family unites with the village and all of them immediately socially boycott that person.”

[https://www.opendoors.org.za/indian-christian-abducted-tortured-faith/, Accessed 18/08/2018]

Praise God that we are able to freely worship Christ today in our country. And yet many, even those in our own country, who would convert from other religions, will face immense persucution.

There will be a cost involved in following Jesus Christ. The question is, are we prepared to follow Christ irrespective of the cost. He certainly is worth giving up everything for.

In Summary, Christ has warned his disciples very clearly that the days that lie ahead will be marked with suffering and with all manner of ills, both in the natural world, as well as politically and socially.

The point of Christ mentioning these “signs” however, was never to give them a specific sign of the final times, but rather to indicate to them that all these things must occur, and they are merely birth pains.

The “signs” were to point them to and direct them to fix their eyes on Jesus Christ in a hostile world groaning in birth pains, so taht they would be prepared and ready at all times, and at all times live to His glory.

Application

With that in mind, I would like to now come to a time of application, as we consider how these words of Christ, and how they may apply to our own lives today.

From the outset, let me state very clearly that all of the aspects that Christ has warned His disciples of are to be found in the world today. In that sense, there is nothing new under the sun!

With that in mind, as we consider some application, I begin by expressing concern.

With that in mind, I begin my applications with expressing concern.

I must say that I personally am concerned in the general sense, in the church at large, at the apparent lack of concern in so many people who claim to be in Christ today.

I am concerned that so many will call themselves Christians, and even go through some of the motions of being a Christian, such as going to church (although even that is becoming less popular) and yet show very little true conviction of what Christ teaches in these verses by their lack of discernment.

There is a general lack of discernment amongst Christians today. But not only that, there is little sense of urgency or willingness to develop biblical discernment.

Let me ask some pointed questions this morning. And I ask myself these questions as much as I ask you. I have to evaluate my own heart and motivations as much as anyone else here has to evaluate theirs.

Don’t leave this matter and think that others

What do your actions show you concerning your convictions in this regard?

For Example:

Prayer life;

A.2. Be Discerning Concerning Natural Phenomenon and Political Power Struggles Today

Do you recognise Christ’s warnings as you perceive what is going on in the world?

Studying God’s word;

Are these warnings that are evident in the world around us today motivating and driving you to a more certain union with Christ?

Time spent showing mercy; doing acts of service;

It’s easy to say that this concerns us. But the true test of if or how this concerns us is in what actions we take. What we do.

A.3. Be Discerning Concerning False Teachers

What do your actions say about your convictions.

A.4. Be Discerning Concerning Attacks that You may Face

Albert Mohler - the briefing. Cake man under attack from the LGBTQ community.

What do your actions say about your convictions

Quote from Costi Hinn book...

I’ll close by reading just a few verses from , and exhorting us as a community through these words:

1 Peter 4:7–11 NASB95

The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Related Media

Related Sermons