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The Coming of the Son of Man...
Posted : 26 Feb, 2011 08:54 PM
Sunday School Lesson, Sunday, February 27,2011
Coming of the Son of Man
Bible Background � MARK 13
Printed Text � MARK 13:14-27 | Devotional Reading � ISAIAH 2:5-12
Aim for Change: KNOW what Jesus said about end times; HOPE for the future; and DETERMINE to be ready when Jesus returns.
In Focus
Jesus, the true and living God, is coming back again, and He and His church will reign forever and ever in His kingdom.
Keep in Mind
"And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory" (Mark 13:26).
Focal Verses
KJVMark 13:14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:
15 And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house:
16 And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.
17 But woe to them that are with child, and to those who are nursing in those days!
18 And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.
19 For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.
20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, which he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.
21 And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:
22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.
23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.
24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,
25 And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.
26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
27 And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.
The People, Places, and Times
Daniel the Prophet. Daniel was the fourth of the "major prophets." His name means "judgment of God." Not much is known or recorded about his early life. He was from a noble family as he was carried into captivity by the Babylonian king who sought servants from families of nobility. He and other teenaged boys like him, who were articulate, smart, handsome, and quick to learn, were taken captive to work in the Babylonian royal courts. The boys were taught the Babylonian language and culture, but Daniel refused to defile himself and abstained from eating the king's royal foods.
Daniel is known for interpreting King Nebuchadnezzar's dreams, being promoted over the province of Babylon, being thrown into the lion's den, being rescued by God, and foretelling the end times in the Old Testament.
Background
While the disciples wanted Jesus to direct His attention to the great stones of a magnificent building, Jesus' mind was fastened on something else. He told them that not one stone from that building would stand on the day of desolation. It was not Jesus' desire for them to be ignorant of things to come, so He patiently answered their questions. They asked everything except the actual date of occurrence of the things to come. Jesus did not discourage them because He wanted them to be confident and prepared. Most who hear of the end times are afraid and full of dread.
To prepare the disciples, Jesus taught them that they should pay attention. He warned that people would come to deceive them and would succeed at deceiving many. He told them that they should not be afraid when they hear of wars or rumors of wars.
He foretold of earthquakes, famines, and other troubles and reported that these were the beginning of great sorrow. He spoke of family members being turned against each other. He taught that the disciples would be hated, dragged to courts, humiliated, and persecuted, but that they would fulfill the promise of proclaiming the Gospel everywhere.
At-A-Glance
1.Signs of the Times (Mark 13:14-23)
2.Time of the Son (vv. 24-27)
In Depth
1. Signs of the Times (Mark 13:14-23)
The "abomination of desolation" that Daniel predicted was the Roman armies descending against Judea and besieging Jerusalem. The army stood where it "did not belong" in and around the holy city. Jesus offered instructions on what to do on that day. He instructed the people to flee from Judea and not to waste time trying to gather belongings. He asked that pity be felt for mothers of young children or pregnant women, as they would not be able to move as fast as others and the former might contemplate leaving their children behind. The conditions would be inconvenient and uncomfortable enough that He urged them to pray that the desolation would not come in winter, with no time to grab shoes or coat, or with the potential of facing strong winds or blinding snow. He warned that no affliction has been as the desolation will be.
At such a time as Jesus warned about, why would false prophets arise? People will be so desperate for relief that they will be easily led away by the performance of miracles. Not only will they have to save their lives, but also their souls.
2. Time of the Son (vv. 24-27)
These verses emphasize Christ's second return and His judging of the world. After the Tribulation that He foretold, He prepared His disciples to expect His return. He told them that when neither the sun, moon, nor stars refuse to give light�when the earth will be covered in darkness�out of the clouds will come Jesus with great power and glory. And, His angels will go forth to gather His elected people (His church) unto Himself.
Search the Scriptures
1.What warnings did Jesus give about the Tribulation (Mark 13:14-18)?
2.What other affliction can be compared to that of the desolation (v. 19)?
3.Why will false prophets arise (v. 22)?
4.How will Jesus return (v. 26)?
5.What will His angels do (v. 27)?
1.Why would the Tribulation be harder for mothers of young children and pregnant women?
2.Why do you think the sun, moon, and stars will not give off light?
Lesson in Our Society
Many of us have heard about Christ's return since we were knee-high. When we first heard of His second coming, we expected it. At the slightest noise, we looked up at the sky expecting that the clouds would part. But since much time has passed and Christ has not yet returned, many of us live as though He may never return. Do you still hold that same reverential fear that Christ will return any day? Or are you so afraid that you try not to think about it?
Make It Happen
To renew your expectation of Christ's return, compare the list of signs in Mark 13 with present-day occurrences. Is it safe to say that they are one and the same? Will you heed the instructions given in the lesson text so that you will be ready when Christ returns? What steps will you take?
Follow the Spirit
What God wants me to do:
More Light on the Text
Mark 13:14-27
14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:
This and the following verses are a continuation of Christ's discourse with the disciples on the Mount of Olives near the temple (v. 3). Probably still focusing on the temple, Jesus speaks about the events that will be fulfilled in the future. Jesus cautions and instructs the disciples on what to do as the events of the time unfold. That period will be signaled by "the abomination of desolation... standing where it ought not." A closely similar phrase is also found in the book of Daniel (9:27; 11:31; 12:11). This prophecy refers to the destruction and desecration of the temple. In Greek the word "abomination" is bdelugma (BDEL-oog-mah), meaning "a horrid, foul thing."
Historically, it is believed that Daniel's prophecy was partially fulfilled in about 168 B.C. when Antiochus IV Epiphanes banned Jewish religious practices and desecrated the temple by erecting an altar to his god, Zeus, where the altar to Jehovah was, offering burnt offerings and swine on it. It is believed that these actions led to the Maccabean revolt (1 Maccabees 1:45-59; 6:7). Here Jesus indicates that further fulfillment of this prophecy would be realized. History confirms it and it is attested by the Jewish historian, Josephus, that this prophecy took place when some Jewish Zealots desecrated the temple followed by the temple's total destruction by the Romans under General Titus in A.D. 70. This was accompanied by the total destruction of Jerusalem.
Jesus warns that when this sign appears (the temple's desecration and destruction), "let him that readeth understand"�that is, those who read Daniel's prophecy should pay attention or decipher the words. The faithful people residing in Judea should flee to the mountains. It has been told that some Christians, who lived in Jerusalem during the burning of the temple and destruction of the city in A.D. 70, fled to nearby mountainous areas.
15 And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house: 16 And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.
Jesus also cautions that when these things will occur, those "on the housetop" should not attempt to go into their houses to retrieve their belongings. Those who are working outside the home should not return for their garments. Here Jesus describes the horrible nature of the event and the intensity of the abomination; it will be so sudden that there will not be enough time for material things. It also teaches that the focus should be on survival rather than on one's possessions; life is more valuable and more important than worldly goods.
17 But woe to them that are with child, and to those who are nursing in those days! 18 And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.
Describing further the horrific nature of the signs of the end times and how difficult it will be, Jesus calls to mind the condition of the most vulnerable in the society: pregnant women and nursing mothers�the weakest of all people in times of emergency. The word "woe" (Gk. ouai, oo-AH-ee) is an "exclamation of grief." Here Jesus expresses sadness and concern for this group of people because of the degree of difficulty they would experience. It is a heart-wrenching sight to see people�especially pregnant and nursing mothers�running for their dear lives during wars or other types of disasters. This writer had a personal experience and witnessed the awfulness of military conflict and the plight of the most vulnerable during the Nigerian-Biafran War of 1967-1970. Although Jesus mentioned pregnant women and nursing mothers, they represent anyone, including the weak, the aged, and the feeble that are forced to flee for their very lives under very difficult circumstances.
Since the exact time of these events is unknown (v. 32), Jesus urges the faithful to intercede with prayer that "your flight be not in the winter"�a season when the weather is most hostile. For those in cold regions, "winter" represents the time when the weather is frigid and blizzards can occur. It makes any journey very difficult and uncomfortable.
19 For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.
The certainty of the event is made apparent by the phrase "For in those days" (v. 19). The tone here sounds like the voice of one who is certain and confident of what he is saying. And, of course, He is! Although Jesus was living in human form during His earthly life, His divine attributes, such as His omniscience (all-knowing ability), were never withdrawn, though they were only on display at certain times. He describes that period as a time of great "affliction"�distress to the point that has never been experienced since the beginning of creation�a time never to be equaled. The word translated "affliction" is the Greek thlipsis (THLIP-sis), which means "anguish, burden, persecution, tribulation, trouble." Many scholars, because of the intensity of the suffering, generally refer to it as "the Great Tribulation" (Daniel 12:1; Revelation 6-18).
20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.
There are a variety of interpretations to the statement in verse 20, "And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved." Some hold the view that the statement means that the affliction and suffering will be so severe that, if allowed to continue, there will be no survivors�everyone will be destroyed. Some others hold the view that it means that the previously determined time will be cut short, such as the seven days (Daniel 9:27) or the 42 months (Revelation 11:2; 13). But for the elect's sake, the chosen ones, Jesus affirms, the Lord has shortened the day. Here is a demonstration of God's mercy! For the sake of His chosen ones and on the basis of His love and compassion, Jesus says that the period of the Tribulation has been shortened. Had it not been shortened, no soul would be able to survive.
21 And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:
Jesus says that the second coming of the Messiah will be marked by certain occurrences. He maintains that the period of "the Great Tribulation," or affliction, and indeed the Second Coming will be marked by religious counterfeits. Jesus warns about the confusion that will be created by false rumors about the appearance of Christ. People will spread rumors that they have seen the Lord or that He has appeared in certain places, but He cautions the elect not to believe them.
22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. 23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things
Furthermore, Jesus cautions that different people will spring up claiming to be the Christ, and many false prophets will also rise and will perform signs and different miraculous things. These miraculous feats will look so authentic that "even the elect," might be carried away and would be deceived if it were not for God preparing them (see Matthew 24:24; 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12; Revelation 13; 16:13-16; 19:20). The only reason God's elect will escape the deception is that Christ has forewarned them. Four times in this chapter (Mark 13:5, 9, 23, 33), Jesus warns His disciples to be careful�"take heed" and be watchful.
24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, 25 And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.
Having answered the immediate question about the destruction of the temple and the Great Tribulation, Jesus now turns to the signs that will usher in His coming again. The phrase "in those days" refers to the period immediately following the Tribulation. The affliction and tribulation just described will be followed by events that are expressed as cosmic alterations. Here Jesus is quoting from the prophecy of Isaiah 13:10 and 34:4, where the prophet describes the suspension of cosmic entities which he associates with the coming Day of the Lord (see also Joel 2:10; 3:15).
The language here is also a subject of debate. Whether these phrases refer to actual alterations in the universe or to events so disorienting and cataclysmic that only strong metaphors suffice, the central point is that Christ's return will clearly change the course of history forever. These cosmic changes will include the suspension of light from the sun and the moon; the displacement of the stars from their normal positions; and the shaking of atmospheric powers. The phrase "the powers that are in heaven" (Mark 13:25) tends to refer to satanic hosts or forces that now rule the atmosphere (Ephesians 2:1-3; 6:12). As recorded in Revelation (12:7-12), these forces will be cast down to earth for three and one-half years beforehand. Isaiah predicts that they shall be defeated at the end of this age (24:21-22; 34:4).
26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. 27 And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.
After these signs and occurrences, then comes "the Son of man" in the clouds with great power and glory. His coming will not be in secret; there will be no confusion, doubt or denial about His appearance. Everyone will see Him! The phrase "Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory" means that Jesus will return as the eternal Ruler of His kingdom; He will have dominion over His creation; all inhabitants of the earth will worship Him as King (Daniel 7:13-14). As His disciples gathered at the Mount of Olives and watch Him ascend into heaven, two angels in white garments will say to them, "Men of Galilee,...why do you stand looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way as you have seen watched him go into heaven" (Acts 1:11, NIV; see also Mark 8:38; Daniel 7:13; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).
The coming of the Son of man will be a tremendous event for all believers; it will result in the great gathering of the faithful�the chosen ones from all corners of the world�"from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven" (Mark 13:27, NLT). As revealed in Revelation 5:9 and 7:9, this will be a multitude from every ethnic group, language, and nation. What a consolation!
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