The Good News

Dedicated to the good news of Jesus Christ

Vol. 1 Issue 31

Watch Out!

Jerusalem – Our last report was from the temple area where Jesus was teaching the many people whom have filled the city for Passover. His disciples, many of whom are Galilean fishermen and simple small town tradesmen, have been amazed by the magnificence of Jerusalem and the temple.

As he was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!"

"Do you see all these great buildings?" replied Jesus. "Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down."

As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately, "Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?"

Jesus said to them: "Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and will deceive many. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 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."

"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch."

"Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back-- whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!'" (Mark 13:1-8, 32-37 NIV)

The Teacher’s words have left his disciples even more uncertain about when these events will happen. First he tells them what the signs will be, and then he warns that no one, not even he knows the time, only the Father knows. Does he expect his disciples to always be on guard - always at the ready - always on watch? … Oh! … So that IS what he meant!

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As A Thief In The Night by Bob West, The Milpitas Messenger, February, 1996

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