IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Witness to Them on Account of Me

Date: May. 25, 2022

Passage

Mark 13:1-13 (ESV)

And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”

And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.

“But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. 10 And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. 11 And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12 And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. 13 And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 13:9-10

“But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations.

The disciples were impressed by the magnificence of the temple complex. But Jesus predicted it’s destruction. God had rejected it as a den of robbers (11:17) and was building a new temple on Jesus the cornerstone (12:10). The disciples saw the temple as the center of God’s activity. Therefore, its destruction could only mean the end of the world. They asked Jesus: When will it happen? What signs should we look for? Jesus focused on how to respond to current events and persecutions. What was God doing through these events?

Jesus’ impending crucifixion would leave them vulnerable to deception. Current events are riddled with wars and natural disasters, causing alarm. This has been the situation for 2,000 years. Jesus says, “Watch out! Do not be alarmed!” We must protect our hearts and live by faith in Jesus.

The world hates Jesus and hates those who follow him (Jn 15:18-20). Persecutions will come, both in society and even in our own families. God wants all people to hear the gospel (10). Many don’t know or misunderstand it until it is preached to them (Ro 10:9). Jesus encourages us to stand firm to the end as his witness. We respond with love, blessing, and live as peacemakers in a violent and lonely age.

Prayer: Prayer: Father, thank you for the gospel through which I’m saved. Help me guard my heart and keep my eyes on Jesus, sharing the gospel today.

One Word: One Word: Do not be alarmed, be a witness.

Daily Bread

The Lamb Will Triumph

Revelation 17:1-18

Key Verse: 17:14

They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.”

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