1 00:00:00,380 --> 00:00:03,160 Speaker 1: I have told you these things, that in me you 2 00:00:03,200 --> 00:00:07,670 Speaker 1: may have peace, in the world you have trouble. But 3 00:00:07,710 --> 00:00:16,150 Speaker 1: cheer up, I have overcome the world. John 16.33 Heavenly Father, 4 00:00:16,329 --> 00:00:21,510 Speaker 1: we come before you with grateful hearts, thanking you for 5 00:00:21,530 --> 00:00:26,099 Speaker 1: the assurance found in your word. You remind us that 6 00:00:26,239 --> 00:00:29,560 Speaker 1: although we will face trials and sorrows in this world, 7 00:00:30,660 --> 00:00:35,150 Speaker 1: we can take heart because He has overcome the world. 8 00:00:36,490 --> 00:00:40,150 Speaker 1: Thank you, Jesus, for your victory and the peace that 9 00:00:40,229 --> 00:00:46,630 Speaker 1: comes from knowing you. The world can be harsh and overwhelming, 10 00:00:48,180 --> 00:00:52,960 Speaker 1: but we are comforted by your strength and presence. Help 11 00:00:53,020 --> 00:00:57,240 Speaker 1: us remember that in you we find our refuge and 12 00:00:57,300 --> 00:01:04,170 Speaker 1: strength and ever-present help in trouble. Change our hearts, Lord, 13 00:01:04,850 --> 00:01:09,709 Speaker 1: to trust more fully in your promises. Fill us with 14 00:01:09,750 --> 00:01:15,650 Speaker 1: your peace that surpasses all understanding. And grant us the 15 00:01:15,770 --> 00:01:21,640 Speaker 1: courage to face each day with faith, knowing that you 16 00:01:21,720 --> 00:01:28,580 Speaker 1: have already won the ultimate victory. Empower us to be 17 00:01:28,700 --> 00:01:32,940 Speaker 1: vessels of your peace and love in our daily lives. 18 00:01:35,180 --> 00:01:39,860 Speaker 1: And may we reflect your strength and hope to those 19 00:01:39,910 --> 00:01:46,809 Speaker 1: around us, bringing glory to your name. And it's in Jesus' 20 00:01:46,930 --> 00:01:48,470 Speaker 1: mighty name that we pray. 21 00:01:50,610 --> 00:01:50,910 Speaker 2: Amen. 22 00:01:52,490 --> 00:01:56,150 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to 23 00:01:56,170 --> 00:02:02,530 Speaker 1: The Jesus Podcast. Stories inspired by the gospel to entertain, enlighten, 24 00:02:02,980 --> 00:02:07,130 Speaker 1: and encourage. Be sure to follow this podcast on whatever 25 00:02:07,190 --> 00:02:13,209 Speaker 1: platform you're listening to. Peter, Andrew, James, and John leaned 26 00:02:13,310 --> 00:02:19,230 Speaker 1: in intently. They hung on every word of Jesus, paying 27 00:02:19,270 --> 00:02:23,270 Speaker 1: no mind to the late hour. If Jesus was willing 28 00:02:23,310 --> 00:02:26,630 Speaker 1: to talk, they were more than willing to listen. 29 00:02:27,220 --> 00:02:30,639 Speaker 3: Then The sign of the Son of Man will appear 30 00:02:30,700 --> 00:02:34,359 Speaker 3: in heaven. Then all the people of the earth will 31 00:02:34,460 --> 00:02:37,140 Speaker 3: see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of 32 00:02:37,200 --> 00:02:41,760 Speaker 3: heaven with power and great glory. And his angels will 33 00:02:41,810 --> 00:02:45,850 Speaker 3: go before him with the sound of great trumpets. When 34 00:02:45,930 --> 00:02:50,370 Speaker 3: these things begin to take place, stand up and lift 35 00:02:50,430 --> 00:02:54,269 Speaker 3: your heads because your redemption draws near. 36 00:02:54,970 --> 00:03:00,590 Speaker 1: The disciples breathed slowly and heavily. their breath rising high 37 00:03:00,690 --> 00:03:04,290 Speaker 1: into the frigid night skies. They could hardly believe the 38 00:03:04,340 --> 00:03:07,680 Speaker 1: words they heard. They had not been prepared for such 39 00:03:07,720 --> 00:03:10,960 Speaker 1: a vivid answer when they first came to Jesus to 40 00:03:11,020 --> 00:03:15,040 Speaker 1: ask questions about the end times. But what they heard 41 00:03:15,139 --> 00:03:19,110 Speaker 1: now made them see Jesus in a. 42 00:03:19,190 --> 00:03:20,390 Speaker 2: Whole new light. 43 00:03:23,710 --> 00:03:26,990 Speaker 4: Are you in pain after walking, running, or even just standing? 44 00:03:27,470 --> 00:03:31,000 Speaker 4: It's not your feet. It's your shoes. This summer, switch 45 00:03:31,040 --> 00:03:35,900 Speaker 4: to G-Defy shoes with patented VersoShock technology, which aligns your body, 46 00:03:36,060 --> 00:03:42,520 Speaker 4: provides superior shock absorption, and trampoline-like energy return. G-Defy offers 47 00:03:42,620 --> 00:03:46,930 Speaker 4: soles and styles for any activity, plus two free orthotics. 48 00:03:47,530 --> 00:03:50,410 Speaker 4: Whether you're an athlete, a busy parent, or always on 49 00:03:50,430 --> 00:03:54,630 Speaker 4: the go, G-Defy shoes deliver the comfort and versatility your 50 00:03:54,670 --> 00:03:59,180 Speaker 4: feet crave. Say goodbye to discomfort, and hello to Unparalleled 51 00:03:59,240 --> 00:04:04,630 Speaker 4: support this summer. Enjoy a special summer offer. Visit GDefy.com 52 00:04:04,970 --> 00:04:07,810 Speaker 4: and get $ 20 off your order of $ 100 or more 53 00:04:08,230 --> 00:04:12,930 Speaker 4: with code PRAY. Experience the miracle of ultimate comfort with 54 00:04:12,990 --> 00:04:19,960 Speaker 4: GDefy shoes. Visit G-D-E-F-Y.com today. 55 00:04:23,040 --> 00:04:26,180 Speaker 5: Many may reel about the future, but those who hope 56 00:04:26,240 --> 00:04:28,430 Speaker 5: in Christ... will never be afraid of. 57 00:04:28,430 --> 00:04:28,990 Speaker 2: What's to come. 58 00:04:29,630 --> 00:04:33,790 Speaker 5: This is the Jesus Podcast. I'm Ethan with Pray.com. Today, 59 00:04:34,150 --> 00:04:37,740 Speaker 5: we conclude our mini-series on Jesus disrupting the status quo 60 00:04:38,040 --> 00:04:40,900 Speaker 5: and showing us a new way to live. This series 61 00:04:41,180 --> 00:04:45,099 Speaker 5: showcases Jesus' teachings and passion, and we'll learn about God's 62 00:04:45,140 --> 00:04:48,500 Speaker 5: heart for people and His kingdom. We're diving into a 63 00:04:48,740 --> 00:04:53,720 Speaker 5: fascinating and sometimes challenging story, the Olivet Discourse, found in 64 00:04:53,760 --> 00:04:57,710 Speaker 5: Mark chapter 13. It's a conversation Jesus had with his 65 00:04:57,770 --> 00:05:01,710 Speaker 5: disciples about the future, a conversation that balances the wisdom 66 00:05:01,830 --> 00:05:04,640 Speaker 5: needed for today with the hope we have for tomorrow. 67 00:05:07,820 --> 00:05:10,860 Speaker 3: I have another lesson for you to learn. Look down there. 68 00:05:11,600 --> 00:05:14,360 Speaker 3: Do you see that fig tree? As soon as its 69 00:05:14,420 --> 00:05:17,990 Speaker 3: twigs get tender and leaves come out, you know that 70 00:05:18,110 --> 00:05:21,830 Speaker 3: summer is near. In the same way, when you see 71 00:05:22,130 --> 00:05:26,760 Speaker 3: all that I have foretold unfold, You know that the 72 00:05:26,980 --> 00:05:32,050 Speaker 3: end is near, right at the door. Truly, I tell you, 73 00:05:32,730 --> 00:05:36,690 Speaker 3: this generation will certainly not pass away until all these 74 00:05:36,750 --> 00:05:38,110 Speaker 3: things have come to pass. 75 00:05:38,770 --> 00:05:42,380 Speaker 1: He gestured to the skies above and the ground below. 76 00:05:42,890 --> 00:05:46,300 Speaker 3: Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will 77 00:05:46,360 --> 00:05:47,200 Speaker 3: never pass away. 78 00:05:47,680 --> 00:05:50,920 Speaker 2: So when exactly will all this happen? 79 00:05:51,320 --> 00:05:54,039 Speaker 3: That's not for you to know. It's not even for 80 00:05:54,100 --> 00:05:57,540 Speaker 3: me to know. Only my father has the answer to 81 00:05:57,600 --> 00:05:58,339 Speaker 3: that question. 82 00:05:58,820 --> 00:06:03,089 Speaker 6: So nobody will know? And we're just supposed to wait indefinitely? 83 00:06:03,510 --> 00:06:06,290 Speaker 6: When God told Noah to build the ark, life went 84 00:06:06,450 --> 00:06:09,290 Speaker 6: on as normal. You can imagine that required a lot 85 00:06:09,310 --> 00:06:13,429 Speaker 6: of faith on Noah's behalf. But eventually, the floods came, 86 00:06:13,950 --> 00:06:17,570 Speaker 6: and Noah and his family were saved. That is how 87 00:06:17,610 --> 00:06:19,729 Speaker 6: it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 88 00:06:20,650 --> 00:06:23,460 Speaker 6: Life will go on as usual until the day of 89 00:06:23,520 --> 00:06:27,070 Speaker 6: the Lord has come. But you must diligently keep watch. 90 00:06:27,730 --> 00:06:29,650 Speaker 3: If the owner of a house knew the thief was 91 00:06:29,690 --> 00:06:32,970 Speaker 3: coming in the night, he would keep watch and protect 92 00:06:33,010 --> 00:06:36,029 Speaker 3: his house from being broken into. In the same way, 93 00:06:36,710 --> 00:06:39,530 Speaker 3: you must be ready, because the Son of Man will 94 00:06:39,570 --> 00:06:42,469 Speaker 3: come at an hour when you do not expect him. 95 00:06:43,050 --> 00:06:45,510 Speaker 2: What should we do while we wait for the day? 96 00:06:46,339 --> 00:06:51,560 Speaker 3: Ask yourself this. Who is the faithful and wise servant... 97 00:06:51,620 --> 00:06:53,960 Speaker 3: when the master is put in charge of caring for 98 00:06:54,200 --> 00:06:56,960 Speaker 3: all other servants in the house. Would it not be 99 00:06:57,080 --> 00:06:59,720 Speaker 3: good for that servant if his master finds him doing 100 00:06:59,839 --> 00:07:03,860 Speaker 3: just that when he returns? Truly, I tell you, the 101 00:07:03,960 --> 00:07:07,790 Speaker 3: master will honor his faithfulness and put him in charge 102 00:07:07,870 --> 00:07:09,349 Speaker 3: of all his possessions. 103 00:07:09,930 --> 00:07:15,250 Speaker 1: The disciples nodded along, understanding Jesus' charge to be faithful 104 00:07:15,730 --> 00:07:18,450 Speaker 1: and doing all that Jesus had instructed them to do. 105 00:07:18,850 --> 00:07:22,100 Speaker 3: But suppose that servant is wicked. and says to himself, 106 00:07:22,840 --> 00:07:26,580 Speaker 3: My master is staying away a long time. And then 107 00:07:26,620 --> 00:07:29,830 Speaker 3: he begins to beat his fellow servants, and eat and 108 00:07:29,910 --> 00:07:34,270 Speaker 3: drink with the drunkards. Well, the master of that servant 109 00:07:34,310 --> 00:07:36,470 Speaker 3: will come on a day when he does not expect him, 110 00:07:36,930 --> 00:07:41,230 Speaker 3: and when he is least aware. Surely the master will 111 00:07:41,310 --> 00:07:43,890 Speaker 3: cut him down to pieces, and put him in his 112 00:07:43,990 --> 00:07:47,440 Speaker 3: rightful place with the hypocrites, where he will weep in 113 00:07:47,480 --> 00:07:48,580 Speaker 3: his own agony. 114 00:07:49,030 --> 00:07:53,890 Speaker 1: Jesus was striking fear and awe into the four men 115 00:07:54,170 --> 00:07:55,550 Speaker 1: all at the same time. 116 00:07:55,990 --> 00:07:59,680 Speaker 3: I cannot express to you the importance of being prepared. 117 00:08:00,620 --> 00:08:04,380 Speaker 3: Allow me to give you another illustration. At the time 118 00:08:04,420 --> 00:08:07,260 Speaker 3: when all of this is to take place, the kingdom 119 00:08:07,280 --> 00:08:10,060 Speaker 3: of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their 120 00:08:10,100 --> 00:08:13,620 Speaker 3: lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Of the ten, 121 00:08:14,320 --> 00:08:17,870 Speaker 3: five of them were foolish and five were wise. For 122 00:08:17,880 --> 00:08:20,650 Speaker 3: the foolish ones took their lamps into the night, but 123 00:08:20,670 --> 00:08:24,270 Speaker 3: did not take any extra oil with them. The wise ones, however, 124 00:08:24,810 --> 00:08:28,010 Speaker 3: took their lamps as well as jars of oil with them. 125 00:08:28,570 --> 00:08:33,710 Speaker 1: Jesus leaned over to John and whispered, I wish we'd 126 00:08:33,750 --> 00:08:34,910 Speaker 1: brought some lamps with us. 127 00:08:35,720 --> 00:08:37,320 Speaker 2: I hate walking in the dark. 128 00:08:37,960 --> 00:08:41,320 Speaker 1: John promptly pressed his finger to his lips and shushed 129 00:08:41,340 --> 00:08:41,819 Speaker 1: his brother. 130 00:08:42,700 --> 00:08:47,270 Speaker 3: He pointed back to Jesus. Once again, John didn't seem 131 00:08:47,590 --> 00:08:50,960 Speaker 3: in the mood for jokes. It's all right, John. I 132 00:08:51,000 --> 00:08:54,600 Speaker 3: know I'm sharing some heavy things. I can't blame James 133 00:08:54,640 --> 00:08:57,640 Speaker 3: for trying to lighten the mood. But as I was saying, 134 00:08:58,280 --> 00:09:01,679 Speaker 3: just like in this parable, the bridegroom was a long 135 00:09:01,800 --> 00:09:06,300 Speaker 3: time coming. So all of these virgins became drowsy and 136 00:09:06,400 --> 00:09:10,390 Speaker 3: fell asleep waiting. But at midnight, one of the servants 137 00:09:10,490 --> 00:09:13,570 Speaker 3: cried out that the bridegroom had arrived and beckoned the 138 00:09:13,610 --> 00:09:16,760 Speaker 3: virgins to come meet him. So all the virgins woke 139 00:09:16,860 --> 00:09:20,560 Speaker 3: up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones realized they 140 00:09:20,580 --> 00:09:22,929 Speaker 3: were running out of oil and asked the wise ones 141 00:09:22,990 --> 00:09:26,190 Speaker 3: to give them some more. But in their sensibility, the 142 00:09:26,230 --> 00:09:29,710 Speaker 3: wise ones said no, knowing there may not be enough 143 00:09:29,890 --> 00:09:32,109 Speaker 3: oil for all of them. Would it not have been 144 00:09:32,350 --> 00:09:35,510 Speaker 3: right for them to share? Aren't you always telling us 145 00:09:35,570 --> 00:09:38,570 Speaker 3: to give to those in need? Your heart is kind 146 00:09:38,650 --> 00:09:41,849 Speaker 3: as always, Andrew, but you must understand the significance of 147 00:09:41,890 --> 00:09:45,390 Speaker 3: the bridegroom's return. The time of preparation was while they 148 00:09:45,429 --> 00:09:49,040 Speaker 3: were waiting. But once he arrives, it is time to 149 00:09:49,200 --> 00:09:52,199 Speaker 3: enter into the wedding banquet before the door is shut. 150 00:09:52,820 --> 00:09:55,710 Speaker 3: And sure enough, the foolish virgins went out to buy 151 00:09:55,900 --> 00:09:58,870 Speaker 3: oil and found themselves locked out when they returned. 152 00:09:59,380 --> 00:10:00,660 Speaker 2: Couldn't they just knock? 153 00:10:01,120 --> 00:10:04,500 Speaker 3: A good guess again. But remember, they had known the 154 00:10:04,540 --> 00:10:07,320 Speaker 3: bridegroom was coming, and yet they did not do as 155 00:10:07,360 --> 00:10:10,280 Speaker 3: they should have. So when they cried out, Lord, Lord, 156 00:10:10,420 --> 00:10:13,790 Speaker 3: open the door for us, the bridegroom responded, Truly, I 157 00:10:14,400 --> 00:10:18,770 Speaker 3: tell you, I don't know you. So, You all must 158 00:10:18,840 --> 00:10:21,980 Speaker 3: be like the wise ones, keeping watch for the son 159 00:10:22,000 --> 00:10:25,000 Speaker 3: of man's return, because you do not know the day 160 00:10:25,380 --> 00:10:26,080 Speaker 3: or the hour. 161 00:10:26,700 --> 00:10:30,699 Speaker 1: John sat up straight. He stroked his beard as though 162 00:10:30,760 --> 00:10:33,330 Speaker 1: the motion would help him think more clearly. 163 00:10:33,970 --> 00:10:38,650 Speaker 2: So, the point is not to fall into sin while 164 00:10:38,690 --> 00:10:39,750 Speaker 2: we wait for your return? 165 00:10:40,130 --> 00:10:44,290 Speaker 3: In part, yes, James. But that is not all. There 166 00:10:44,330 --> 00:10:47,140 Speaker 3: is always work to be done in my absence. It 167 00:10:47,200 --> 00:10:49,620 Speaker 3: reminds me of a man going on a journey, who 168 00:10:49,700 --> 00:10:53,380 Speaker 3: called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. Each 169 00:10:53,480 --> 00:10:56,150 Speaker 3: man was given what the master knew they had the 170 00:10:56,210 --> 00:11:00,069 Speaker 3: ability to steward. To one, he gave five bags of gold. 171 00:11:00,630 --> 00:11:05,470 Speaker 3: To another, two bags. And to another, one bag. Then 172 00:11:05,790 --> 00:11:08,380 Speaker 3: he went on his journey. So the man who had 173 00:11:08,420 --> 00:11:11,500 Speaker 3: received five bags of gold went right away and put 174 00:11:11,640 --> 00:11:16,200 Speaker 3: his money to work. And it worked. The investment gained 175 00:11:16,400 --> 00:11:19,750 Speaker 3: five more bags. The one with two bags did the same, 176 00:11:20,020 --> 00:11:23,470 Speaker 3: and he gained two more bags of gold. And yet 177 00:11:23,590 --> 00:11:26,350 Speaker 3: the man who had received one bag went off in 178 00:11:26,490 --> 00:11:29,610 Speaker 3: fear and dug a hole in the ground where he 179 00:11:29,710 --> 00:11:30,870 Speaker 3: hid the master's money. 180 00:11:30,890 --> 00:11:34,170 Speaker 2: That doesn't seem so bad. None of them lost the 181 00:11:34,190 --> 00:11:35,270 Speaker 2: master's money, right? 182 00:11:35,290 --> 00:11:35,360 Speaker 5: Yes. 183 00:11:35,890 --> 00:11:36,170 Speaker 2: Yes. 184 00:11:36,720 --> 00:11:39,599 Speaker 3: But remember the charge they had been given and how 185 00:11:39,679 --> 00:11:43,400 Speaker 3: the master would respond once he returned. Surely he would 186 00:11:43,440 --> 00:11:46,400 Speaker 3: go to settle their accounts. So it would happen that 187 00:11:46,450 --> 00:11:49,270 Speaker 3: the man who received five bags of gold would bring 188 00:11:49,330 --> 00:11:52,570 Speaker 3: the other five he had earned. In seeing that the 189 00:11:52,630 --> 00:11:56,250 Speaker 3: servant was trustworthy, the master would commend him and give 190 00:11:56,290 --> 00:12:00,150 Speaker 3: him charge over even more things, thus sharing in his 191 00:12:00,240 --> 00:12:03,040 Speaker 3: master's happiness. And so it would be with the one 192 00:12:03,080 --> 00:12:05,660 Speaker 3: who had been given two bags of gold and brought 193 00:12:05,740 --> 00:12:09,000 Speaker 3: back two more. But then, the man who had received 194 00:12:09,140 --> 00:12:11,680 Speaker 3: one bag would come back to the master and have 195 00:12:11,720 --> 00:12:15,100 Speaker 3: to admit he did nothing with the master's money, even 196 00:12:15,140 --> 00:12:17,679 Speaker 3: though he knew his master was a hard man, a 197 00:12:17,720 --> 00:12:20,720 Speaker 3: man who harvested where he did not sow and gathered 198 00:12:20,740 --> 00:12:22,059 Speaker 3: where he had not sown seed. 199 00:12:22,559 --> 00:12:24,020 Speaker 2: What happened to the last servant? 200 00:12:24,250 --> 00:12:27,710 Speaker 3: Well, in his anger, the master would tell the man, 201 00:12:27,770 --> 00:12:32,910 Speaker 3: You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest 202 00:12:32,929 --> 00:12:35,330 Speaker 3: where I have not sown and gather where I have 203 00:12:35,370 --> 00:12:38,059 Speaker 3: not scattered? then you should have put my money on 204 00:12:38,100 --> 00:12:40,970 Speaker 3: deposit with the bankers. So when I returned, I would 205 00:12:41,010 --> 00:12:42,970 Speaker 3: have received it back with interest. 206 00:12:43,490 --> 00:12:45,810 Speaker 2: So this servant lost everything? 207 00:12:46,170 --> 00:12:49,370 Speaker 3: Yes, but not only that. The master took the one 208 00:12:49,450 --> 00:12:51,900 Speaker 3: bag of gold from him and gave it to the 209 00:12:52,080 --> 00:12:53,459 Speaker 3: one who had ten bags. 210 00:12:54,059 --> 00:12:54,900 Speaker 2: Why would he do that? 211 00:12:55,340 --> 00:12:58,000 Speaker 3: Well, the one with ten bags had proven himself that 212 00:12:58,040 --> 00:13:01,300 Speaker 3: he was faithful. For whoever has will be given more, 213 00:13:02,000 --> 00:13:06,020 Speaker 3: and they will have abundance. Whoever does not have... Even 214 00:13:06,100 --> 00:13:09,640 Speaker 3: what they do have will be taken from them, and 215 00:13:09,679 --> 00:13:13,480 Speaker 3: the worthless servant will be sent outside into the darkness 216 00:13:14,020 --> 00:13:16,830 Speaker 3: where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 217 00:13:17,429 --> 00:13:21,670 Speaker 1: Crickets chirped in the darkness. A gentle wind rustled the 218 00:13:21,790 --> 00:13:25,189 Speaker 1: olive tree's pointed leaves like the fanning of a stack 219 00:13:25,230 --> 00:13:28,600 Speaker 1: of parchment. The backdrop of the soothing sounds of the 220 00:13:28,660 --> 00:13:34,280 Speaker 1: night were a stark contrast to Jesus' parables. The stars 221 00:13:34,400 --> 00:13:38,340 Speaker 1: spread across the expanse of the sky as the moon 222 00:13:38,679 --> 00:13:43,740 Speaker 1: illuminated the huddled men. Its silvery light rippled along the 223 00:13:43,780 --> 00:13:47,890 Speaker 1: brook that trickled not far from the mountain's base. Peter 224 00:13:47,990 --> 00:13:52,170 Speaker 1: wrestled with the tension Jesus created between those who would 225 00:13:52,210 --> 00:13:54,950 Speaker 1: be recognized for their faith by the Son of Man 226 00:13:55,030 --> 00:13:59,030 Speaker 1: upon his return and those who would be punished for 227 00:13:59,050 --> 00:14:03,870 Speaker 1: their failure. He knew he struggled with doubt. He thought 228 00:14:03,910 --> 00:14:06,070 Speaker 1: back to the day when Jesus had given him his 229 00:14:06,130 --> 00:14:10,430 Speaker 1: new name. The memory played in his mind. In an instant, 230 00:14:11,270 --> 00:14:15,610 Speaker 1: Jesus had gone from calling him the Rock to rebuking 231 00:14:15,650 --> 00:14:20,060 Speaker 1: him as Satan. Jesus looked intently at the troubled disciples. 232 00:14:20,860 --> 00:14:23,440 Speaker 1: He leaned forward and placed his chin on his hands 233 00:14:24,240 --> 00:14:26,940 Speaker 1: as he continued speaking. When the Son of Man comes 234 00:14:26,980 --> 00:14:30,160 Speaker 1: in his glory and all the angels with him, he 235 00:14:30,200 --> 00:14:34,680 Speaker 1: will sit on his glorious throne. and all the nations 236 00:14:34,720 --> 00:14:37,740 Speaker 1: of the earth will be gathered before him. And just 237 00:14:37,800 --> 00:14:40,940 Speaker 1: as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, he 238 00:14:40,960 --> 00:14:44,100 Speaker 1: will separate the people from one another. He will then 239 00:14:44,160 --> 00:14:46,130 Speaker 1: put the sheep on his right and the. 240 00:14:46,170 --> 00:14:47,370 Speaker 3: Goats on his left. 241 00:14:48,310 --> 00:14:52,930 Speaker 1: Peter looked up from his ponderings. He immediately wondered if 242 00:14:53,070 --> 00:14:57,410 Speaker 1: he would be a sheep or a goat in Jesus' analogy. 243 00:14:58,010 --> 00:15:01,620 Speaker 3: Then the king will say to those on his right, Come, 244 00:15:01,780 --> 00:15:05,620 Speaker 3: you who are blessed by my Father, take your inheritance. 245 00:15:06,060 --> 00:15:09,740 Speaker 3: The kingdom prepared for you since the dawn of creation. 246 00:15:10,420 --> 00:15:13,380 Speaker 3: For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat. 247 00:15:14,190 --> 00:15:17,130 Speaker 3: I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. 248 00:15:18,030 --> 00:15:20,710 Speaker 3: I was a stranger, and you invited me in. I 249 00:15:21,650 --> 00:15:25,930 Speaker 3: was naked, and you clothed me. I was sick, and 250 00:15:25,950 --> 00:15:30,040 Speaker 3: you looked after me. I was in prison, and you came. 251 00:15:30,640 --> 00:15:31,510 Speaker 3: to visit me. 252 00:15:31,950 --> 00:15:35,510 Speaker 1: They did all that for a king surely that can't 253 00:15:35,570 --> 00:15:41,310 Speaker 1: be Peter was determined to understand he would be the. 254 00:15:41,190 --> 00:15:45,050 Speaker 3: Sheep just like Peter here the righteous will answer him 255 00:15:45,750 --> 00:15:48,650 Speaker 3: Lord when did we see you hungry and feed you 256 00:15:49,200 --> 00:15:52,160 Speaker 3: or thirsty and give you something to drink when did 257 00:15:52,200 --> 00:15:54,280 Speaker 3: we see you as a stranger and invite you in 258 00:15:54,920 --> 00:15:57,820 Speaker 3: or naked and clothe you when did we see you 259 00:15:57,960 --> 00:16:00,720 Speaker 3: sick or in prison and go to visit you And 260 00:16:00,760 --> 00:16:05,460 Speaker 3: the king will reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you 261 00:16:05,520 --> 00:16:09,340 Speaker 3: did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, 262 00:16:10,040 --> 00:16:12,460 Speaker 3: you did for me. 263 00:16:12,940 --> 00:16:13,900 Speaker 2: And what of the goats? 264 00:16:14,560 --> 00:16:16,960 Speaker 3: Then the king will turn to the ones on his 265 00:16:17,000 --> 00:16:20,770 Speaker 3: left and say, Depart from me, you who are cursed, 266 00:16:21,330 --> 00:16:24,550 Speaker 3: into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 267 00:16:25,110 --> 00:16:28,030 Speaker 3: For I was hungry, and you gave me nothing to eat. 268 00:16:28,770 --> 00:16:32,220 Speaker 3: I was thirsty. You gave me nothing to drink. I 269 00:16:32,240 --> 00:16:34,940 Speaker 3: was a stranger and you did not invite me in. 270 00:16:34,960 --> 00:16:39,260 Speaker 3: I needed clothes and you didn't clothe me. I was sick. 271 00:16:39,760 --> 00:16:42,900 Speaker 3: I was in prison and you did not look after me. 272 00:16:43,470 --> 00:16:46,710 Speaker 3: Of course, they will also answer in the defense saying, Lord, when? 273 00:16:47,270 --> 00:16:49,490 Speaker 3: When did we see you hungry or thirsty or a 274 00:16:49,610 --> 00:16:53,350 Speaker 3: stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison and 275 00:16:53,410 --> 00:16:54,470 Speaker 3: did not help you? 276 00:16:54,890 --> 00:16:58,140 Speaker 1: Jesus could tell the brothers were growing tired. but were 277 00:16:58,160 --> 00:17:01,120 Speaker 1: straining to give Jesus every ounce of their attention. 278 00:17:01,610 --> 00:17:04,930 Speaker 3: And if you've been following along, you could probably guess 279 00:17:04,970 --> 00:17:09,109 Speaker 3: that the king will say, Truly, I tell you, whatever 280 00:17:09,150 --> 00:17:12,470 Speaker 3: you did not do for the least of these, you 281 00:17:12,570 --> 00:17:15,990 Speaker 3: did not do for me. And once judgment has been given, 282 00:17:16,700 --> 00:17:22,060 Speaker 3: the unrighteous will go away to eternal punishment, but the 283 00:17:22,100 --> 00:17:26,159 Speaker 3: righteous will go to eternal life. 284 00:17:26,780 --> 00:17:32,959 Speaker 1: The air went still. The silence felt deafening. Jesus had 285 00:17:33,040 --> 00:17:38,100 Speaker 1: just unpacked a revelation they would not soon forget. Their 286 00:17:38,180 --> 00:17:42,030 Speaker 1: meager days as wanderers seemed trivial in light of it all. 287 00:17:42,890 --> 00:17:47,730 Speaker 1: The humble rabbi that taught them of self-sacrifice and humility 288 00:17:48,910 --> 00:17:53,470 Speaker 1: would one day return on a cloud with fire and 289 00:17:53,540 --> 00:17:58,420 Speaker 1: a host of angels. Who is Jesus, they thought to themselves. 290 00:17:59,460 --> 00:18:04,750 Speaker 1: Would they ever fully understand? They studied his face. In 291 00:18:04,770 --> 00:18:08,810 Speaker 1: the moonlight, he looked exactly as he always had. 292 00:18:09,670 --> 00:18:11,390 Speaker 2: A man, just like them. 293 00:18:12,290 --> 00:18:16,129 Speaker 1: His hands were stained with dirt and covered with the 294 00:18:16,150 --> 00:18:20,920 Speaker 1: calluses of an honest working man. His robes had patches 295 00:18:21,060 --> 00:18:25,520 Speaker 1: and stitching from years of wear and tear. His sandals 296 00:18:25,560 --> 00:18:29,359 Speaker 1: had worn thin from walking from city to city. Every 297 00:18:29,460 --> 00:18:35,620 Speaker 1: second with Jesus revealed his humanity. But his words tonight 298 00:18:36,820 --> 00:18:42,810 Speaker 1: revealed he was much more than that. Their imaginations ran 299 00:18:42,910 --> 00:18:47,609 Speaker 1: wild as they pictured the scenes Jesus described of the 300 00:18:47,690 --> 00:18:51,669 Speaker 1: end times. It was almost too hard to take in. 301 00:18:52,730 --> 00:18:56,700 Speaker 1: Jesus rose to his feet with a groan. He smiled 302 00:18:56,740 --> 00:19:00,649 Speaker 1: at the disciples and patted them on their backs. A 303 00:19:00,710 --> 00:19:05,389 Speaker 1: chill bit the air, and the wind rustled the leaves above. 304 00:19:06,550 --> 00:19:09,850 Speaker 1: Something was happening. It is time for us to go pray. 305 00:19:13,570 --> 00:19:16,929 Speaker 5: Imagine being one of the disciples, standing with Jesus as 306 00:19:16,990 --> 00:19:21,119 Speaker 5: he gazes at the magnificent temple in Jerusalem. The temple 307 00:19:21,160 --> 00:19:23,810 Speaker 5: was a marvel of architecture and and a symbol of 308 00:19:23,850 --> 00:19:27,080 Speaker 5: the Jewish faith. It was huge, covered in gold and 309 00:19:27,180 --> 00:19:30,160 Speaker 5: made of stones so large that even modern cranes would 310 00:19:30,220 --> 00:19:34,159 Speaker 5: struggle to lift them. The disciples, like tourists in awe 311 00:19:34,180 --> 00:19:37,379 Speaker 5: of a famous landmark, pointed out the grandeur of the temple, 312 00:19:37,800 --> 00:19:42,350 Speaker 5: expecting Jesus to share in their admiration. But Jesus, always 313 00:19:42,430 --> 00:19:45,669 Speaker 5: full of surprises, responded with a prediction that must have 314 00:19:45,730 --> 00:19:48,750 Speaker 5: shocked them. Not one stone will be left upon another 315 00:19:49,070 --> 00:19:53,219 Speaker 5: that shall not be thrown down. Mark 13, verse 2. 316 00:19:53,220 --> 00:19:56,500 Speaker 5: This was a bold statement. The idea that such a solid, 317 00:19:56,680 --> 00:20:01,679 Speaker 5: magnificent structure could be completely destroyed was unthinkable. Yet, Jesus 318 00:20:01,800 --> 00:20:06,050 Speaker 5: wasn't just giving an architectural critique. He was speaking prophetically 319 00:20:06,130 --> 00:20:08,950 Speaker 5: about the future, and His words would be fulfilled within 320 00:20:09,010 --> 00:20:14,000 Speaker 5: a generation. when the Romans destroyed the temple in A.D. 70. Understandably, 321 00:20:14,140 --> 00:20:17,340 Speaker 5: the disciples had questions. As they sat with Jesus on 322 00:20:17,380 --> 00:20:20,610 Speaker 5: the Mount of Olives, overlooking the temple, they asked, When 323 00:20:20,630 --> 00:20:22,889 Speaker 5: will these things be? And what will be the sign 324 00:20:22,930 --> 00:20:26,790 Speaker 5: when all these things will be fulfilled? Mark 13, verse 4. 325 00:20:26,790 --> 00:20:29,609 Speaker 5: They were curious, as we often are, about what the 326 00:20:29,690 --> 00:20:33,330 Speaker 5: future holds. They wanted to know the timeline, the signs, 327 00:20:33,750 --> 00:20:38,420 Speaker 5: the details. Jesus' response is known as the Olivet Discourse. 328 00:20:38,930 --> 00:20:43,109 Speaker 5: And it's a blend of warnings, predictions, and assurances. It's 329 00:20:43,150 --> 00:20:46,710 Speaker 5: important to remember that while Jesus did give his disciples 330 00:20:46,890 --> 00:20:50,800 Speaker 5: insight into future events, his focus was always on how 331 00:20:50,840 --> 00:20:53,240 Speaker 5: they should live in the present. One of the first 332 00:20:53,300 --> 00:20:56,619 Speaker 5: things Jesus told his disciples was, Take heed that no 333 00:20:56,700 --> 00:21:00,739 Speaker 5: one deceives you. Mark 13, verse 5. He warned them 334 00:21:00,800 --> 00:21:05,560 Speaker 5: about false messiahs, wars, earthquakes, and famines. But he also 335 00:21:05,740 --> 00:21:09,190 Speaker 5: reassured them, saying, Do not be troubled. For such things 336 00:21:09,410 --> 00:21:13,189 Speaker 5: must happen, but the end is not yet. Mark chapter 13, 337 00:21:13,190 --> 00:21:17,000 Speaker 5: verse 7. Jesus was clear. Life in this world would 338 00:21:17,020 --> 00:21:20,719 Speaker 5: be marked by challenges, but these challenges weren't signs that 339 00:21:20,760 --> 00:21:23,720 Speaker 5: the end was near. They were simply part of living 340 00:21:23,780 --> 00:21:26,700 Speaker 5: in a broken world. The message is just as relevant 341 00:21:26,720 --> 00:21:30,590 Speaker 5: for us today. Don't let fear take the wheel. Jesus 342 00:21:30,670 --> 00:21:35,710 Speaker 5: wanted his disciples and us to be wise, discerning, and steadfast. 343 00:21:36,390 --> 00:21:39,830 Speaker 5: But Jesus didn't just talk about the difficulties. He also 344 00:21:39,890 --> 00:21:44,080 Speaker 5: gave His disciples and us reason for hope. He spoke 345 00:21:44,119 --> 00:21:46,619 Speaker 5: about His return, a time when the sun will be 346 00:21:46,660 --> 00:21:49,020 Speaker 5: darkened and the Son of Man will come in the 347 00:21:49,080 --> 00:21:53,940 Speaker 5: clouds with great power and glory. Mark 13, verse 26. 348 00:21:53,940 --> 00:21:56,270 Speaker 5: This isn't meant to be a scene from a disaster movie. 349 00:21:56,660 --> 00:22:00,350 Speaker 5: It's a promise of redemption, of God setting everything right. 350 00:22:00,970 --> 00:22:03,810 Speaker 5: It's easy to look at the world and feel overwhelmed 351 00:22:03,869 --> 00:22:07,210 Speaker 5: by the darkness. But Jesus reminds us that the story 352 00:22:07,250 --> 00:22:11,580 Speaker 5: doesn't end with darkness. The light is coming. The Son 353 00:22:11,619 --> 00:22:14,179 Speaker 5: of Man will return, and His return will be the 354 00:22:14,280 --> 00:22:18,659 Speaker 5: climax of history, not the catastrophe. So, what should we 355 00:22:18,740 --> 00:22:21,869 Speaker 5: do with this knowledge? Jesus gave us the answer in 356 00:22:21,880 --> 00:22:23,889 Speaker 5: verses 32-37. 357 00:22:24,710 --> 00:22:25,450 Speaker 2: Watch and pray. 358 00:22:25,970 --> 00:22:28,689 Speaker 5: We're called to live in a state of readiness, not 359 00:22:28,730 --> 00:22:32,810 Speaker 5: in a panicked frenzy, but in hopeful anticipations. We're called 360 00:22:32,850 --> 00:22:35,230 Speaker 5: to live in a state of readiness, not in a 361 00:22:35,470 --> 00:22:40,390 Speaker 5: panicked frenzy, but in hopeful anticipation. Jesus used the parable 362 00:22:40,430 --> 00:22:43,129 Speaker 5: of the fig tree to illustrate this. Just as we 363 00:22:43,170 --> 00:22:46,350 Speaker 5: can tell summer is near when the fig tree's leaves appear, 364 00:22:46,890 --> 00:22:50,350 Speaker 5: we should live with the awareness that Jesus' return is near. 365 00:22:50,970 --> 00:22:54,429 Speaker 5: But remember, being watchful doesn't mean we drop everything to 366 00:22:54,540 --> 00:22:58,399 Speaker 5: stare at the sky. It means living faithfully, doing the 367 00:22:58,440 --> 00:23:01,490 Speaker 5: work Jesus has given us to do, and keeping our 368 00:23:01,550 --> 00:23:05,850 Speaker 5: hearts set on His promises. It's about balancing the present 369 00:23:05,910 --> 00:23:09,950 Speaker 5: wisdom of living wisely and responsibly with the future assurance 370 00:23:10,250 --> 00:23:14,330 Speaker 5: that our hope is secure in Christ. Church, the Olivet 371 00:23:14,390 --> 00:23:17,270 Speaker 5: Discourse is a reminder that while we may not know 372 00:23:17,530 --> 00:23:21,270 Speaker 5: every detail of what's to come, we know enough. We 373 00:23:21,310 --> 00:23:24,670 Speaker 5: know that Jesus is coming back. We know that He's 374 00:23:24,730 --> 00:23:27,590 Speaker 5: given us work to do in the meantime. And we 375 00:23:27,630 --> 00:23:30,520 Speaker 5: know that no matter what happens, we don't face the 376 00:23:30,600 --> 00:23:34,540 Speaker 5: future with fear, but with hope. Let's live with that hope. 377 00:23:35,140 --> 00:23:38,900 Speaker 5: Let's live with that hope. Let's be watchful and wise, 378 00:23:39,280 --> 00:23:42,620 Speaker 5: ready to meet our Lord whenever He returns, and eager 379 00:23:42,660 --> 00:23:44,810 Speaker 5: to share the good news of His coming with a 380 00:23:44,850 --> 00:23:48,270 Speaker 5: world that desperately needs to hear it. As we go 381 00:23:48,350 --> 00:23:52,030 Speaker 5: out today, let's carry this balance of present wisdom and 382 00:23:52,150 --> 00:23:55,430 Speaker 5: future assurance, living in the light of His promises.