Sermon Tone Analysis

Bible Reading

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:

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:

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.

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:

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...

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.