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Mark - Who is Christ?
A Bible Study Course on the Gospel of Christ according to MARK
PART 7 - Jesus' Olivet Discourse About the Future of Jerusalem and the end of the World (Mark 13:1-37)

8. God Will not Consume Men in Spite of His Judgments (Mark 13:28-30)


MARK 13:28-30
28 “Now from the fig tree, learn this parable. When the branch has now become tender, and puts forth its leaves, you know that the summer is near; 29 even so you also, when you see these things coming to pass, know that it is near, at the doors. 30 Most certainly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things happen.

Do you expect the second coming of Jesus Christ? Then you have drawn your attention away from earthly things towards the Lord, who is Spirit.

Jesus did not give his disciples a schedule of the progression of the last time events, and his advent, but he urged them to spiritual watchfulness. Therefore, let us examine the signs through the developments of history, that we may recognize where we have come to, and how the end is near.

One of the signs of the last days is the fig tree, which is a symbol of those of the old covenant. Jesus spoke of it several times, for his name is Jesus who saves his people from their sins. Yet, they did not allow the Lord to save them as a nation, but they crucified their Savior, though he was the true High Priest. He prayed for them as he was put on the divine altar, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”

The spiritual eye of Jesus looked at evidences, which show the salvation of the hardhearted Jews. We read in the New Testament that after preaching to the world, and the entrance of nations into the kingdom of the power of Christ, the Lord will, once again, give the chance of repentance to the people of the old covenant. Then the dead fig tree, which stands as a ghost in the course of world history, will bring forth the leaves of the life of grace, which indicate promising fruits, and also suggest the forthcoming hot summer. This carries the furnace of the last woes.

Jesus said clearly, “When you see these things happening, you will know the time of my coming is near. Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” This recognition requires us to be willing to know the spiritual developments, and preparedness for the forgiveness of all peoples, that the coming Lord may find us united in love, purity, and truth.

Jesus said, “This generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.” And there are different interpretations of the expression “this generation”.

It may signify that some of those around him would live until the destruction of Jerusalem (in 70 A.D.) Christ said that in 33 A.D.

The expression “this generation” may include all men. We shall be greatly comforted, for humanity will not be able to consume itself, in spite of all the nuclear bombs, world wars, and persecutions of the believers. Some will remain to see the day of the Lord, which is sure to come.

This expression may mean those of the old covenant. Accordingly, the Lord gave grace in the midst of judgment on the disobedient, offering them a place for repentance, and immortality in death.

The three different meanings of this expression, altogether, may indicate the grace of ´the accomplishment of the promises of immortality to the elect, in spite of the consuming judgments. He who takes hold of this grace offered to us thankfully worships his Lord.

PRAYER: We worship you our holy God, for your love appears greater than your wrath, and your grace exceeds your holiness. You come to us sinners and you have patience with us, because of the self-sacrifice of your Son. Give the children of Abraham in the last days the grace of repentance and regeneration, that they may not become proud, relying on deadly weapons, money, and earthly power, but become gentle and lowly in heart, as you are. Change me by your vision. Amen.

QUESTION:

  1. What is the meaning of the statement “This generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place”?

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