1 00:00:00,400 --> 00:00:03,180 Speaker 1: I have told you these things, that in me you 2 00:00:03,220 --> 00:00:07,680 Speaker 1: may have peace, in the world you have trouble. But 3 00:00:07,740 --> 00:00:16,169 Speaker 1: cheer up, I have overcome the world. John 16.33 Heavenly Father, 4 00:00:16,350 --> 00:00:21,530 Speaker 1: we come before you with grateful hearts, thanking you for 5 00:00:21,570 --> 00:00:26,110 Speaker 1: the assurance found in your word. You remind us that 6 00:00:26,250 --> 00:00:29,580 Speaker 1: although we will face trials and sorrows in this world, 7 00:00:30,680 --> 00:00:35,159 Speaker 1: We can take heart because He has overcome the world. 8 00:00:36,520 --> 00:00:40,190 Speaker 1: Thank you, Jesus, for your victory and the peace that 9 00:00:40,250 --> 00:00:46,670 Speaker 1: comes from knowing you. The world can be harsh and overwhelming, 10 00:00:48,200 --> 00:00:52,979 Speaker 1: but we are comforted by your strength and presence. Help 11 00:00:53,060 --> 00:00:57,680 Speaker 1: us remember that in you we find our refuge and strength. 12 00:00:58,760 --> 00:01:04,979 Speaker 1: and ever-present help in trouble. Change our hearts, Lord, to 13 00:01:05,020 --> 00:01:09,920 Speaker 1: trust more fully in your promises. Fill us with your 14 00:01:09,959 --> 00:01:16,250 Speaker 1: peace that surpasses all understanding, and grant us the courage 15 00:01:16,670 --> 00:01:21,870 Speaker 1: to face each day with faith, knowing that you have 16 00:01:21,970 --> 00:01:29,280 Speaker 1: already won the ultimate victory. Empower us, to be vessels 17 00:01:29,600 --> 00:01:35,280 Speaker 1: of your peace and love in our daily lives. And 18 00:01:35,360 --> 00:01:40,440 Speaker 1: may we reflect your strength and hope to those around us, 19 00:01:41,600 --> 00:01:47,300 Speaker 1: bringing glory to your name. And it's in Jesus' mighty 20 00:01:47,340 --> 00:01:48,480 Speaker 1: name that we pray. 21 00:01:50,640 --> 00:01:50,920 Speaker 2: Amen. 22 00:01:52,520 --> 00:01:56,170 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to 23 00:01:56,190 --> 00:02:02,540 Speaker 1: The Jesus Podcast. Stories inspired by the gospel to entertain, enlighten, 24 00:02:03,000 --> 00:02:07,140 Speaker 1: and encourage. Be sure to follow this podcast on whatever 25 00:02:07,200 --> 00:02:13,230 Speaker 1: platform you're listening to. Peter, Andrew, James, and John leaned 26 00:02:13,330 --> 00:02:19,250 Speaker 1: in intently. They hung on every word of Jesus, paying 27 00:02:19,310 --> 00:02:23,310 Speaker 1: no mind to the late hour. If Jesus was willing 28 00:02:23,340 --> 00:02:26,679 Speaker 1: to talk, they were more than willing to listen. 29 00:02:27,240 --> 00:02:30,680 Speaker 3: Then, The sign of the Son of Man will appear 30 00:02:30,720 --> 00:02:34,380 Speaker 3: in heaven. Then all the people of the earth will 31 00:02:34,500 --> 00:02:37,160 Speaker 3: see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of 32 00:02:37,220 --> 00:02:41,799 Speaker 3: heaven with power and great glory. And his angels will 33 00:02:41,820 --> 00:02:45,870 Speaker 3: go before him with the sound of great trumpets. When 34 00:02:45,940 --> 00:02:50,410 Speaker 3: these things begin to take place, stand up and lift 35 00:02:50,450 --> 00:02:54,290 Speaker 3: your heads because your redemption draws near. 36 00:02:55,010 --> 00:03:00,630 Speaker 1: The disciples breathed slowly and heavily. their breath rising high 37 00:03:00,730 --> 00:03:04,310 Speaker 1: into the frigid night skies. They could hardly believe the 38 00:03:04,370 --> 00:03:07,709 Speaker 1: words they heard. They had not been prepared for such 39 00:03:07,750 --> 00:03:10,970 Speaker 1: a vivid answer when they first came to Jesus to 40 00:03:11,050 --> 00:03:15,049 Speaker 1: ask questions about the end times. But what they heard 41 00:03:15,150 --> 00:03:20,400 Speaker 1: now made them see Jesus in a whole new light. 42 00:03:23,720 --> 00:03:27,000 Speaker 4: Are you in pain after walking, running, or even just standing? 43 00:03:27,480 --> 00:03:31,020 Speaker 4: It's not your feet. It's your shoes. This summer, switch 44 00:03:31,060 --> 00:03:35,920 Speaker 4: to G-Defy shoes with patented VersoShock technology, which aligns your body, 45 00:03:36,080 --> 00:03:42,560 Speaker 4: provides superior shock absorption, and trampoline-like energy return. G-Defy offers 46 00:03:42,660 --> 00:03:46,940 Speaker 4: soles and styles for any activity, plus two free orthotics. 47 00:03:47,540 --> 00:03:50,440 Speaker 4: Whether you're an athlete, a busy parent, or always on 48 00:03:50,470 --> 00:03:54,650 Speaker 4: the go, G-Defy shoes deliver the comfort and versatility your 49 00:03:54,690 --> 00:03:59,220 Speaker 4: feet crave. Say goodbye to discomfort, and hello to Unparalleled 50 00:03:59,260 --> 00:04:04,660 Speaker 4: support this summer. Enjoy a special summer offer. Visit GDefy.com 51 00:04:05,000 --> 00:04:07,840 Speaker 4: and get $ 20 off your order of $ 100 or more 52 00:04:08,240 --> 00:04:12,940 Speaker 4: with code PRAY. Experience the miracle of ultimate comfort with 53 00:04:13,000 --> 00:04:19,960 Speaker 4: GDefy shoes. Visit G-D-E-F-Y.com today. 54 00:04:23,040 --> 00:04:26,200 Speaker 5: Many may reel about the future, but those who hope 55 00:04:26,250 --> 00:04:29,029 Speaker 5: in Christ will never be afraid of what's to come. 56 00:04:29,670 --> 00:04:33,830 Speaker 5: This is the Jesus Podcast. I'm Ethan with Pray.com. Today, 57 00:04:34,170 --> 00:04:37,770 Speaker 5: we conclude our mini-series on Jesus disrupting the status quo 58 00:04:38,050 --> 00:04:40,930 Speaker 5: and showing us a new way to live. This series 59 00:04:41,210 --> 00:04:45,130 Speaker 5: showcases Jesus' teachings and passion, and we'll learn about God's 60 00:04:45,150 --> 00:04:48,540 Speaker 5: heart for people and His kingdom. We're diving into a 61 00:04:48,750 --> 00:04:53,760 Speaker 5: fascinating and sometimes challenging story, the Olivet Discourse, found in 62 00:04:53,800 --> 00:04:57,740 Speaker 5: Mark chapter 13. It's a conversation Jesus had with his 63 00:04:57,800 --> 00:05:01,750 Speaker 5: disciples about the future, a conversation that balances the wisdom 64 00:05:01,850 --> 00:05:04,670 Speaker 5: needed for today with the hope we have for tomorrow. 65 00:05:07,830 --> 00:05:10,870 Speaker 3: I have another lesson for you to learn. Look down there. 66 00:05:11,610 --> 00:05:14,390 Speaker 3: Do you see that fig tree? As soon as its 67 00:05:14,450 --> 00:05:18,010 Speaker 3: twigs get tender and leaves come out, you know that 68 00:05:18,130 --> 00:05:21,849 Speaker 3: summer is near. In the same way, when you see 69 00:05:22,130 --> 00:05:26,780 Speaker 3: all that I have foretold unfold, You know that the 70 00:05:27,020 --> 00:05:32,080 Speaker 3: end is near, right at the door. Truly, I tell you, 71 00:05:32,740 --> 00:05:36,640 Speaker 3: this generation will certainly not pass away until all. 72 00:05:36,550 --> 00:05:38,130 Speaker 6: These things have come to pass. 73 00:05:38,810 --> 00:05:42,409 Speaker 1: He gestured to the skies above and the ground below. 74 00:05:42,930 --> 00:05:46,330 Speaker 3: Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will 75 00:05:46,370 --> 00:05:47,229 Speaker 3: never pass away. 76 00:05:47,710 --> 00:05:50,930 Speaker 6: So when exactly will all this happen? 77 00:05:51,360 --> 00:05:54,060 Speaker 3: That's not for you to know. It's not even for 78 00:05:54,120 --> 00:05:57,580 Speaker 3: me to know. Only my father has the answer to 79 00:05:57,620 --> 00:05:58,380 Speaker 3: that question. 80 00:05:58,860 --> 00:06:03,120 Speaker 7: So nobody will know? And we're just supposed to wait indefinitely? 81 00:06:03,540 --> 00:06:06,300 Speaker 7: When God told Noah to build the ark, life went 82 00:06:06,460 --> 00:06:09,300 Speaker 7: on as normal. You can imagine that required a lot 83 00:06:09,339 --> 00:06:13,469 Speaker 7: of faith on Noah's behalf. But eventually, the floods came, 84 00:06:13,990 --> 00:06:17,590 Speaker 7: and Noah and his family were saved. That is how 85 00:06:17,650 --> 00:06:19,750 Speaker 7: it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 86 00:06:20,670 --> 00:06:23,490 Speaker 7: Life will go on as usual until the day of 87 00:06:23,550 --> 00:06:27,080 Speaker 7: the Lord has come. But you must diligently keep watch. 88 00:06:27,760 --> 00:06:29,660 Speaker 3: If the owner of a house knew the thief was 89 00:06:29,720 --> 00:06:33,000 Speaker 3: coming in the night, he would keep watch and protect 90 00:06:33,050 --> 00:06:36,070 Speaker 3: his house from being broken into. In the same way, 91 00:06:36,730 --> 00:06:39,570 Speaker 3: you must be ready, because the Son of Man will 92 00:06:39,610 --> 00:06:42,510 Speaker 3: come at an hour when you do not expect him. 93 00:06:43,089 --> 00:06:45,530 Speaker 6: What should we do while we wait for the day? 94 00:06:46,350 --> 00:06:47,669 Speaker 6: Ask yourself this. 95 00:06:48,710 --> 00:06:52,350 Speaker 3: Who is the faithful and wise servant... when the master 96 00:06:52,410 --> 00:06:55,150 Speaker 3: is put in charge of caring for all other servants 97 00:06:55,210 --> 00:06:57,660 Speaker 3: in the house. Would it not be good for that 98 00:06:57,760 --> 00:07:00,560 Speaker 3: servant if his master finds him doing just that when 99 00:07:00,580 --> 00:07:05,240 Speaker 3: he returns? Truly, I tell you, the master will honor 100 00:07:05,300 --> 00:07:09,370 Speaker 3: his faithfulness and put him in charge of all his possessions. 101 00:07:09,970 --> 00:07:15,270 Speaker 1: The disciples nodded along, understanding Jesus' charge to be faithful 102 00:07:15,770 --> 00:07:18,430 Speaker 1: and doing all that Jesus had instructed them to do. 103 00:07:18,870 --> 00:07:22,130 Speaker 3: But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, 104 00:07:22,850 --> 00:07:26,610 Speaker 3: my master is staying away a long time. And then 105 00:07:26,630 --> 00:07:29,860 Speaker 3: he begins to beat his fellow servants and eat and 106 00:07:29,940 --> 00:07:34,300 Speaker 3: drink with the drunkards. Well, the master of that servant 107 00:07:34,340 --> 00:07:36,320 Speaker 3: will come on a day when he does not expect 108 00:07:36,380 --> 00:07:41,260 Speaker 3: him and when he's least aware. Surely the master will 109 00:07:41,350 --> 00:07:43,930 Speaker 3: cut him down to pieces and put him in his 110 00:07:44,030 --> 00:07:47,450 Speaker 3: rightful place with the hypocrites, where he will weep in 111 00:07:47,510 --> 00:07:48,610 Speaker 3: his own agony. 112 00:07:49,060 --> 00:07:53,910 Speaker 1: Jesus was striking fear and awe into the four men 113 00:07:54,210 --> 00:07:55,570 Speaker 1: all at the same time. 114 00:07:56,030 --> 00:07:59,710 Speaker 3: I cannot express to you the importance of being prepared. 115 00:08:00,630 --> 00:08:04,390 Speaker 3: Allow me to give you another illustration. At the time 116 00:08:04,430 --> 00:08:07,280 Speaker 3: when all of this is to take place, the kingdom 117 00:08:07,320 --> 00:08:10,100 Speaker 3: of heaven would be like ten virgins who took their 118 00:08:10,120 --> 00:08:13,660 Speaker 3: lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Of the ten, 119 00:08:14,340 --> 00:08:17,880 Speaker 3: five of them were foolish and five were wise. For 120 00:08:17,920 --> 00:08:20,660 Speaker 3: the foolish ones took their lamps into the night, but 121 00:08:20,700 --> 00:08:24,290 Speaker 3: did not take any extra oil with them. The wise ones, however, 122 00:08:24,820 --> 00:08:28,030 Speaker 3: took their lamps as well as jars of oil with them. 123 00:08:28,610 --> 00:08:33,730 Speaker 1: Jesus leaned over to John and whispered, I wish we'd 124 00:08:33,770 --> 00:08:34,930 Speaker 1: brought some lamps with us. 125 00:08:35,730 --> 00:08:37,350 Speaker 6: I hate walking in the dark. 126 00:08:37,970 --> 00:08:41,330 Speaker 1: John promptly pressed his finger to his lips and shushed 127 00:08:41,350 --> 00:08:46,490 Speaker 1: his brother. He pointed back to Jesus. Once again, John 128 00:08:46,730 --> 00:08:48,670 Speaker 1: didn't seem in the mood for jokes. 129 00:08:49,250 --> 00:08:52,689 Speaker 3: It's all right, John. I know I'm sharing some heavy things. 130 00:08:53,470 --> 00:08:56,010 Speaker 3: I can't blame James for trying to lighten the mood. 131 00:08:56,750 --> 00:08:59,670 Speaker 3: But as I was saying, just like in this parable, 132 00:08:59,730 --> 00:09:04,209 Speaker 3: the bridegroom was a long time coming. So all of 133 00:09:04,290 --> 00:09:08,929 Speaker 3: these virgins became drowsy and fell asleep waiting. But at midnight, 134 00:09:09,650 --> 00:09:12,000 Speaker 3: one of the servants cried out that the bridegroom had 135 00:09:12,040 --> 00:09:15,740 Speaker 3: arrived and beckoned the virgins to come meet him. So 136 00:09:15,820 --> 00:09:19,460 Speaker 3: all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The 137 00:09:19,480 --> 00:09:22,080 Speaker 3: foolish ones realized they were running out of oil and 138 00:09:22,140 --> 00:09:24,560 Speaker 3: asked the wise ones to give them some more. But 139 00:09:24,620 --> 00:09:28,969 Speaker 3: in their sensibility, the wise ones said no, knowing there 140 00:09:29,000 --> 00:09:31,390 Speaker 3: may not be enough oil for all of them. Would 141 00:09:31,429 --> 00:09:34,569 Speaker 3: it not have been right for them to share? Aren't 142 00:09:34,610 --> 00:09:37,210 Speaker 3: you always telling us to give to those in need? 143 00:09:37,570 --> 00:09:40,510 Speaker 3: Your heart is kind as always, Andrew, but you must 144 00:09:40,570 --> 00:09:44,020 Speaker 3: understand the significance of the bridegroom's return. The time of 145 00:09:44,100 --> 00:09:47,780 Speaker 3: preparation was while they were waiting. But once he arrives, 146 00:09:48,470 --> 00:09:51,349 Speaker 3: it is time to enter into the wedding banquet before 147 00:09:51,390 --> 00:09:54,890 Speaker 3: the door is shut. And sure enough, the foolish virgins 148 00:09:54,950 --> 00:09:58,090 Speaker 3: went out to buy oil and found themselves locked out 149 00:09:58,130 --> 00:09:58,890 Speaker 3: when they returned. 150 00:09:59,390 --> 00:10:00,680 Speaker 6: Couldn't they just knock? 151 00:10:01,160 --> 00:10:04,520 Speaker 3: A good guess again. But remember, they had known the 152 00:10:04,559 --> 00:10:07,340 Speaker 3: bridegroom was coming, and yet they did not do as 153 00:10:07,380 --> 00:10:10,320 Speaker 3: they should have. So when they cried out, Lord, Lord, 154 00:10:10,440 --> 00:10:13,800 Speaker 3: open the door for us, the bridegroom responded, Truly, I 155 00:10:14,440 --> 00:10:18,790 Speaker 3: tell you, I don't know you. So, You all must 156 00:10:18,850 --> 00:10:21,989 Speaker 3: be like the wise ones, keeping watch for the son 157 00:10:22,030 --> 00:10:25,030 Speaker 3: of man's return, because you do not know the day 158 00:10:25,410 --> 00:10:26,090 Speaker 3: or the hour. 159 00:10:26,720 --> 00:10:30,720 Speaker 1: John sat up straight. He stroked his beard as though 160 00:10:30,780 --> 00:10:33,340 Speaker 1: the motion would help him think more clearly. 161 00:10:34,000 --> 00:10:38,660 Speaker 2: So, the point is not to fall into sin while 162 00:10:38,700 --> 00:10:39,760 Speaker 2: we wait for your return? 163 00:10:40,160 --> 00:10:44,309 Speaker 3: In part, yes, James. But that is not all. There 164 00:10:44,350 --> 00:10:47,170 Speaker 3: is always work to be done in my absence. It 165 00:10:47,220 --> 00:10:49,640 Speaker 3: reminds me of a man going on a journey, who 166 00:10:49,740 --> 00:10:53,400 Speaker 3: called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. Each 167 00:10:53,500 --> 00:10:56,160 Speaker 3: man was given what the master knew they had the 168 00:10:56,220 --> 00:11:00,100 Speaker 3: ability to steward. To one, he gave five bags of gold. 169 00:11:00,660 --> 00:11:05,500 Speaker 3: To another, two bags. And to another, one bag. Then 170 00:11:05,830 --> 00:11:08,390 Speaker 3: he went on his journey. So the man who had 171 00:11:08,429 --> 00:11:11,510 Speaker 3: received five bags of gold went right away and put 172 00:11:11,670 --> 00:11:12,650 Speaker 3: his money to work. 173 00:11:13,250 --> 00:11:14,440 Speaker 6: And it worked. 174 00:11:14,760 --> 00:11:18,839 Speaker 3: The investment gained five more bags. The one with two 175 00:11:18,880 --> 00:11:21,740 Speaker 3: bags did the same, and he gained two more bags 176 00:11:21,800 --> 00:11:24,960 Speaker 3: of gold. And yet the man who had received one 177 00:11:25,020 --> 00:11:28,359 Speaker 3: bag went off in fear and dug a hole in 178 00:11:28,400 --> 00:11:30,890 Speaker 3: the ground where he hid the master's money. 179 00:11:30,910 --> 00:11:34,190 Speaker 2: That doesn't seem so bad. None of them lost the 180 00:11:34,230 --> 00:11:36,210 Speaker 2: master's money, right? Yes, indeed. 181 00:11:36,750 --> 00:11:39,630 Speaker 3: But remembered the charge they had been given and how 182 00:11:39,690 --> 00:11:43,439 Speaker 3: the master would respond once he returned. Surely he would 183 00:11:43,480 --> 00:11:46,440 Speaker 3: go to settle their accounts, so it would happen that 184 00:11:46,460 --> 00:11:49,300 Speaker 3: the man who received five bags of gold would bring 185 00:11:49,340 --> 00:11:52,600 Speaker 3: the other five he had earned. In seeing that the 186 00:11:52,640 --> 00:11:56,270 Speaker 3: servant was trustworthy, the master would commend him and give 187 00:11:56,309 --> 00:12:00,170 Speaker 3: him charge over even more things, thus sharing in his 188 00:12:00,250 --> 00:12:03,030 Speaker 3: master's happiness. And so it would be with the one 189 00:12:03,070 --> 00:12:05,670 Speaker 3: who had been given two bags of gold and brought 190 00:12:05,740 --> 00:12:09,020 Speaker 3: back two more. But then, the man who had received 191 00:12:09,179 --> 00:12:11,720 Speaker 3: one bag would come back to the master and have 192 00:12:11,760 --> 00:12:15,140 Speaker 3: to admit he did nothing with the master's money, even 193 00:12:15,160 --> 00:12:17,719 Speaker 3: though he knew his master was a hard man, a 194 00:12:17,760 --> 00:12:20,760 Speaker 3: man who harvested where he did not sow and gathered 195 00:12:20,780 --> 00:12:22,110 Speaker 3: where he had not sown seed. 196 00:12:22,610 --> 00:12:23,830 Speaker 6: What happened to the last servant? 197 00:12:24,280 --> 00:12:27,720 Speaker 3: Well, in his anger, the master would tell the man, 198 00:12:27,780 --> 00:12:32,920 Speaker 3: you wicked, lazy servant. So you knew that I harvest 199 00:12:32,940 --> 00:12:35,360 Speaker 3: where I have not sown and gather where I have 200 00:12:35,400 --> 00:12:38,100 Speaker 3: not scattered. And you should have put my money on 201 00:12:38,140 --> 00:12:41,010 Speaker 3: deposit with the bankers. So when I returned, I would 202 00:12:41,030 --> 00:12:43,010 Speaker 3: have received it back with interest. 203 00:12:43,530 --> 00:12:47,460 Speaker 6: So the servant lost everything. Yes, but not only that. 204 00:12:48,059 --> 00:12:50,640 Speaker 3: The master took the one bag of gold from him 205 00:12:51,040 --> 00:12:53,480 Speaker 3: and gave it to the one who had ten bags. 206 00:12:54,080 --> 00:12:56,380 Speaker 3: Why would he do that? Well, the one with ten 207 00:12:56,420 --> 00:13:00,010 Speaker 3: bags had proven himself that he was faithful. For whoever 208 00:13:00,090 --> 00:13:03,350 Speaker 3: has will be given more, and they will have abundance. 209 00:13:04,070 --> 00:13:07,910 Speaker 3: Whoever does not have, even what they do have, will 210 00:13:07,929 --> 00:13:11,050 Speaker 3: be taken from them. And the worthless servant will be 211 00:13:11,120 --> 00:13:15,120 Speaker 3: sent outside into the darkness, where there will be weeping 212 00:13:15,140 --> 00:13:16,840 Speaker 3: and and gnashing of teeth. 213 00:13:17,440 --> 00:13:21,680 Speaker 1: Crickets chirped in the darkness. A gentle wind rustled the 214 00:13:21,800 --> 00:13:25,199 Speaker 1: olive tree's pointed leaves like the fanning of a stack 215 00:13:25,240 --> 00:13:28,620 Speaker 1: of parchment. The backdrop of the soothing sounds of the 216 00:13:28,679 --> 00:13:34,300 Speaker 1: night were a stark contrast to Jesus' parables. The stars 217 00:13:34,420 --> 00:13:38,360 Speaker 1: spread across the expanse of the sky as the moon 218 00:13:38,700 --> 00:13:43,780 Speaker 1: illuminated the huddled men. Its silvery light rippled along the 219 00:13:43,820 --> 00:13:47,920 Speaker 1: brook that trickled not far from the mountain's base. Peter 220 00:13:48,000 --> 00:13:52,179 Speaker 1: wrestled with the tension Jesus created between those who would 221 00:13:52,220 --> 00:13:54,960 Speaker 1: be recognized for their faith by the Son of Man 222 00:13:55,040 --> 00:13:59,050 Speaker 1: upon his return and those who would be punished for 223 00:13:59,070 --> 00:14:03,910 Speaker 1: their failure. He knew he struggled with doubt. He thought 224 00:14:03,950 --> 00:14:06,110 Speaker 1: back to the day when Jesus had given him his 225 00:14:06,170 --> 00:14:10,430 Speaker 1: new name. The memory played in his mind. In an instant, 226 00:14:11,309 --> 00:14:15,640 Speaker 1: Jesus had gone from calling him the rock to rebuking 227 00:14:15,679 --> 00:14:20,080 Speaker 1: him as Satan. Jesus looked intently at the troubled disciples. 228 00:14:20,880 --> 00:14:23,440 Speaker 1: He leaned forward and placed his chin on his hands 229 00:14:24,260 --> 00:14:25,480 Speaker 1: as he continued speaking. 230 00:14:25,760 --> 00:14:28,170 Speaker 3: When the Son of Man comes in his glory and 231 00:14:28,410 --> 00:14:31,410 Speaker 3: all the angels with him, he will sit on his 232 00:14:31,470 --> 00:14:35,330 Speaker 3: glorious throne, and all the nations of the earth will 233 00:14:35,370 --> 00:14:39,010 Speaker 3: be gathered before him. And just as a shepherd separates 234 00:14:39,090 --> 00:14:42,310 Speaker 3: the sheep from the goats... He will separate the people 235 00:14:42,390 --> 00:14:44,860 Speaker 3: from one another. He will then put the sheep on 236 00:14:44,890 --> 00:14:47,400 Speaker 3: his right and the goats on his left. 237 00:14:48,320 --> 00:14:52,940 Speaker 1: Peter looked up from his ponderings. He immediately wondered if 238 00:14:53,100 --> 00:14:57,420 Speaker 1: he would be a sheep or a goat in Jesus' analogy. 239 00:14:58,020 --> 00:15:01,650 Speaker 3: Then the king will say to those on his right, Come, 240 00:15:01,830 --> 00:15:05,650 Speaker 3: you who are blessed by my father, take your inheritance. 241 00:15:06,110 --> 00:15:09,730 Speaker 3: The kingdom prepared for you since the dawn of creation. 242 00:15:10,450 --> 00:15:13,410 Speaker 3: For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. 243 00:15:14,210 --> 00:15:17,150 Speaker 3: I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. 244 00:15:18,050 --> 00:15:21,630 Speaker 3: I was a stranger and you invited me in. I 245 00:15:21,670 --> 00:15:25,950 Speaker 3: was naked and you clothed me. I was sick and 246 00:15:25,970 --> 00:15:29,630 Speaker 3: you looked after me. I was in prison and you 247 00:15:29,750 --> 00:15:31,430 Speaker 3: came to visit me. 248 00:15:31,970 --> 00:15:35,770 Speaker 6: They did all that for a king? Surely that can't be. 249 00:15:36,210 --> 00:15:38,270 Speaker 1: Peter was determined to understand. 250 00:15:39,710 --> 00:15:41,410 Speaker 6: He would be the sheep. 251 00:15:42,270 --> 00:15:46,040 Speaker 3: Just like Peter here, the righteous will answer him, Lord, 252 00:15:46,120 --> 00:15:49,300 Speaker 3: when did we see you hungry and feed you, or 253 00:15:49,400 --> 00:15:52,300 Speaker 3: thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we 254 00:15:52,360 --> 00:15:55,000 Speaker 3: see you as a stranger and invite you in, or 255 00:15:55,110 --> 00:15:58,210 Speaker 3: naked and clothe you? When did we see you sick 256 00:15:58,270 --> 00:16:00,870 Speaker 3: or in prison and go to visit you? And the 257 00:16:00,950 --> 00:16:05,790 Speaker 3: king will reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you did 258 00:16:06,270 --> 00:16:09,340 Speaker 3: for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine 259 00:16:10,090 --> 00:16:12,510 Speaker 3: You did for me. 260 00:16:12,950 --> 00:16:15,970 Speaker 6: And what of the goats? Then the king. 261 00:16:15,810 --> 00:16:17,730 Speaker 3: Will turn to the ones on his left and say, 262 00:16:18,430 --> 00:16:22,250 Speaker 3: Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal 263 00:16:22,370 --> 00:16:25,390 Speaker 3: fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I 264 00:16:25,430 --> 00:16:28,830 Speaker 3: was hungry, and you gave me nothing to eat. I 265 00:16:28,870 --> 00:16:32,250 Speaker 3: was thirsty, and you gave me nothing to drink. I 266 00:16:32,270 --> 00:16:34,980 Speaker 3: was a stranger, and you did not invite me in. 267 00:16:35,000 --> 00:16:38,180 Speaker 3: I needed clothes, and you didn't clothe me. 268 00:16:38,760 --> 00:16:39,260 Speaker 6: I was sick. 269 00:16:39,780 --> 00:16:42,920 Speaker 3: I was in prison and you did not look after me. 270 00:16:43,480 --> 00:16:46,740 Speaker 3: Of course, they will also answer in the defense saying, Lord, when? 271 00:16:47,280 --> 00:16:49,500 Speaker 3: When did we see you hungry or thirsty or a 272 00:16:49,620 --> 00:16:53,360 Speaker 3: stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison and 273 00:16:53,440 --> 00:16:54,480 Speaker 3: did not help you? 274 00:16:54,920 --> 00:16:58,660 Speaker 1: Jesus could tell the brothers were growing tired, but restraining 275 00:16:58,760 --> 00:17:01,140 Speaker 1: to give Jesus every ounce of their attention. 276 00:17:01,640 --> 00:17:04,940 Speaker 3: And if you've been following along, you could probably guess 277 00:17:05,000 --> 00:17:09,129 Speaker 3: that the king will say, truly, I tell you, Whatever 278 00:17:09,190 --> 00:17:12,490 Speaker 3: you did not do for the least of these, you 279 00:17:12,590 --> 00:17:16,010 Speaker 3: did not do for me. And once judgment has been given, 280 00:17:16,710 --> 00:17:22,070 Speaker 3: the unrighteous will go away to eternal punishment. But the 281 00:17:22,130 --> 00:17:26,219 Speaker 3: righteous will go to eternal life. 282 00:17:26,800 --> 00:17:27,980 Speaker 6: The air went still. 283 00:17:29,119 --> 00:17:34,840 Speaker 1: The silence felt deafening. Jesus had just unpacked a revelation 284 00:17:34,960 --> 00:17:39,840 Speaker 1: they would not soon forget. Their meager days as wanderers 285 00:17:40,260 --> 00:17:43,980 Speaker 1: seemed trivial in light of it all. The humble rabbi 286 00:17:44,740 --> 00:17:49,700 Speaker 1: that taught them of self-sacrifice and humility would one day 287 00:17:49,800 --> 00:17:54,699 Speaker 1: return on a cloud with fire and a host of angels. 288 00:17:55,680 --> 00:18:00,110 Speaker 1: Who is Jesus, they thought to themselves. Would they ever 289 00:18:00,270 --> 00:18:06,580 Speaker 1: fully understand? They studied his face. In the moonlight, He 290 00:18:06,619 --> 00:18:11,420 Speaker 1: looked exactly as he always had, a man just like them. 291 00:18:12,300 --> 00:18:16,139 Speaker 1: His hands were stained with dirt and covered with the 292 00:18:16,180 --> 00:18:20,920 Speaker 1: calluses of an honest working man. His robes had patches 293 00:18:21,080 --> 00:18:25,540 Speaker 1: and stitching from years of wear and tear. His sandals 294 00:18:25,580 --> 00:18:29,409 Speaker 1: had worn thin from walking from city to city. Every 295 00:18:29,490 --> 00:18:35,990 Speaker 1: second with Jesus revealed his humanity. But his words tonight... 296 00:18:36,840 --> 00:18:42,830 Speaker 1: revealed he was much more than that. Their imaginations ran 297 00:18:42,930 --> 00:18:47,629 Speaker 1: wild as they pictured the scenes Jesus described of the 298 00:18:47,710 --> 00:18:51,669 Speaker 1: end times. It was almost too hard to take in. 299 00:18:52,750 --> 00:18:56,740 Speaker 1: Jesus rose to his feet with a groan. He smiled 300 00:18:56,780 --> 00:19:00,700 Speaker 1: at the disciples and patted them on their backs. A 301 00:19:00,740 --> 00:19:05,359 Speaker 1: chill bit the air, and the wind rustled the leaves above. 302 00:19:06,570 --> 00:19:09,869 Speaker 1: Something was happening. It is time for us to go pray. 303 00:19:13,590 --> 00:19:16,949 Speaker 5: Imagine being one of the disciples, standing with Jesus as 304 00:19:17,010 --> 00:19:21,129 Speaker 5: he gazes at the magnificent temple in Jerusalem. The temple 305 00:19:21,190 --> 00:19:23,949 Speaker 5: was a marvel of architecture and a symbol of the 306 00:19:23,990 --> 00:19:27,350 Speaker 5: Jewish faith. It was huge, covered in gold and made 307 00:19:27,390 --> 00:19:30,580 Speaker 5: of stones so large that even modern cranes would struggle 308 00:19:30,619 --> 00:19:34,260 Speaker 5: to lift them. The disciples, like tourists in awe of 309 00:19:34,320 --> 00:19:37,399 Speaker 5: a famous landmark, pointed out the grandeur of the temple, 310 00:19:37,830 --> 00:19:42,350 Speaker 5: expecting Jesus to share in their admiration. But Jesus, always 311 00:19:42,430 --> 00:19:45,689 Speaker 5: full of surprises, responded with a prediction that must have 312 00:19:45,750 --> 00:19:48,770 Speaker 5: shocked them. Not one stone will be left upon another 313 00:19:49,090 --> 00:19:49,970 Speaker 5: that shall not be thrown. 314 00:19:50,140 --> 00:19:50,380 Speaker 2: Down. 315 00:19:50,920 --> 00:19:55,159 Speaker 5: Mark 13, verse 2. This was a bold statement. The 316 00:19:55,240 --> 00:19:58,919 Speaker 5: idea that such a solid, magnificent structure could be completely 317 00:19:58,960 --> 00:20:04,350 Speaker 5: destroyed was unthinkable. Yet, Jesus wasn't just giving an architectural critique. 318 00:20:04,650 --> 00:20:07,830 Speaker 5: He was speaking prophetically about the future, and His words 319 00:20:07,890 --> 00:20:11,240 Speaker 5: would be fulfilled within a generation. when the Romans destroyed 320 00:20:11,260 --> 00:20:15,560 Speaker 5: the temple in A.D. 70. Understandably, the disciples had questions. 321 00:20:16,100 --> 00:20:18,260 Speaker 5: As they sat with Jesus on the Mount of Olives, 322 00:20:18,540 --> 00:20:21,560 Speaker 5: overlooking the temple, they asked, When will these things be? 323 00:20:21,880 --> 00:20:23,660 Speaker 5: And what will be the sign when all these things 324 00:20:23,680 --> 00:20:27,610 Speaker 5: will be fulfilled? Mark 13, verse 4. They were curious, 325 00:20:27,890 --> 00:20:31,209 Speaker 5: as we often are, about what the future holds. They 326 00:20:31,250 --> 00:20:35,830 Speaker 5: wanted to know the timeline, the signs, the details. Jesus' 327 00:20:35,869 --> 00:20:39,270 Speaker 5: response is known as the Olivet Discourse. and it's a 328 00:20:39,310 --> 00:20:44,170 Speaker 5: blend of warnings, predictions, and assurances. It's important to remember 329 00:20:44,230 --> 00:20:48,429 Speaker 5: that while Jesus did give His disciples insight into future events, 330 00:20:48,869 --> 00:20:51,710 Speaker 5: His focus was always on how they should live in 331 00:20:51,730 --> 00:20:54,389 Speaker 5: the present. One of the first things Jesus told His 332 00:20:54,430 --> 00:20:59,250 Speaker 5: disciples was, Take heed that no one deceives you. Mark 13, 333 00:20:59,240 --> 00:21:03,780 Speaker 5: verse 5. He warned them about false messiahs, wars, earthquakes, 334 00:21:03,840 --> 00:21:07,699 Speaker 5: and famines, but He also reassured them, saying, Do not 335 00:21:07,720 --> 00:21:10,960 Speaker 5: be troubled. For such things must happen, but the end 336 00:21:11,050 --> 00:21:15,290 Speaker 5: is not yet. Mark chapter 13, verse 7. Jesus was clear. 337 00:21:15,970 --> 00:21:18,889 Speaker 5: Life in this world would be marked by challenges, but 338 00:21:18,930 --> 00:21:22,379 Speaker 5: these challenges weren't signs that the end was near. They 339 00:21:22,410 --> 00:21:25,300 Speaker 5: were simply part of living in a broken world. The 340 00:21:25,340 --> 00:21:28,580 Speaker 5: message is just as relevant for us today. Don't let 341 00:21:28,680 --> 00:21:32,740 Speaker 5: fear take the wheel. Jesus wanted his disciples and us 342 00:21:33,070 --> 00:21:37,710 Speaker 5: to be wise, discerning, and steadfast. But Jesus didn't just 343 00:21:37,770 --> 00:21:41,570 Speaker 5: talk about the difficulties. He also gave His disciples and 344 00:21:41,730 --> 00:21:45,550 Speaker 5: us reason for hope. He spoke about His return, a 345 00:21:45,609 --> 00:21:47,780 Speaker 5: time when the sun will be darkened and the Son 346 00:21:47,800 --> 00:21:50,540 Speaker 5: of Man will come in the clouds with great power 347 00:21:50,580 --> 00:21:54,639 Speaker 5: and glory. Mark 13, verse 26. This isn't meant to 348 00:21:54,680 --> 00:21:57,440 Speaker 5: be a scene from a disaster movie. It's a promise 349 00:21:57,480 --> 00:22:01,510 Speaker 5: of redemption, of God setting everything right. It's easy to 350 00:22:01,570 --> 00:22:04,670 Speaker 5: look at the world and feel overwhelmed by the darkness. 351 00:22:05,210 --> 00:22:08,970 Speaker 5: But Jesus reminds us that the story doesn't end with darkness. 352 00:22:09,530 --> 00:22:12,890 Speaker 5: The light is coming. The Son of Man will return, 353 00:22:13,210 --> 00:22:15,970 Speaker 5: and His return will be the climax of history, not 354 00:22:16,010 --> 00:22:19,689 Speaker 5: the catastrophe. So, what should we do with this knowledge? 355 00:22:20,600 --> 00:22:23,919 Speaker 5: Jesus gave us the answer in verses 32-37. 356 00:22:24,740 --> 00:22:25,460 Speaker 6: Watch and pray. 357 00:22:26,000 --> 00:22:28,720 Speaker 5: We're called to live in a state of readiness, not 358 00:22:28,760 --> 00:22:32,859 Speaker 5: in a panicked frenzy, but in hopeful anticipation. We're called 359 00:22:32,880 --> 00:22:35,250 Speaker 5: to live in a state of readiness. not in a 360 00:22:35,510 --> 00:22:40,410 Speaker 5: panicked frenzy, but in hopeful anticipation. Jesus used the parable 361 00:22:40,450 --> 00:22:43,169 Speaker 5: of the fig tree to illustrate this. Just as we 362 00:22:43,210 --> 00:22:46,379 Speaker 5: can tell summer is near when the fig tree's leaves appear, 363 00:22:46,940 --> 00:22:50,400 Speaker 5: we should live with the awareness that Jesus' return is near. 364 00:22:51,020 --> 00:22:54,480 Speaker 5: But remember, being watchful doesn't mean we drop everything to 365 00:22:54,580 --> 00:22:58,419 Speaker 5: stare at the sky. It means living faithfully, doing the 366 00:22:58,460 --> 00:23:01,530 Speaker 5: work Jesus has given us to do, and keeping our 367 00:23:01,590 --> 00:23:05,869 Speaker 5: hearts set on His promises. It's about balancing the present 368 00:23:05,930 --> 00:23:09,970 Speaker 5: wisdom of living wisely and responsibly with the future assurance 369 00:23:10,270 --> 00:23:14,369 Speaker 5: that our hope is secure in Christ. Church, the Olivet 370 00:23:14,410 --> 00:23:17,290 Speaker 5: Discourse is a reminder that while we may not know 371 00:23:17,550 --> 00:23:21,290 Speaker 5: every detail of what's to come, we know enough. We 372 00:23:21,350 --> 00:23:24,690 Speaker 5: know that Jesus is coming back. We know that He's 373 00:23:24,750 --> 00:23:27,609 Speaker 5: given us work to do in the meantime. And we 374 00:23:27,650 --> 00:23:30,560 Speaker 5: know that no matter what happens, we don't face the 375 00:23:30,630 --> 00:23:34,560 Speaker 5: future with fear, but with hope. Let's live with that hope. 376 00:23:35,160 --> 00:23:38,920 Speaker 5: Let's live with that hope. Let's be watchful and wise, 377 00:23:39,320 --> 00:23:42,660 Speaker 5: ready to meet our Lord whenever He returns, and eager 378 00:23:42,680 --> 00:23:44,820 Speaker 5: to share the good news of His coming with a 379 00:23:44,859 --> 00:23:48,280 Speaker 5: world that desperately needs to hear it. As we go 380 00:23:48,380 --> 00:23:52,070 Speaker 5: out today, let's carry this balance of present wisdom and 381 00:23:52,160 --> 00:23:55,450 Speaker 5: future assurance, living in the light of His promises.