Mark 13:5-8 - False Messiahs, Wars, and Natural Disasters

Mark 13:5-8
5 And Jesus began to say to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. 6 Many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He!’ and will mislead many. 7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be frightened; those things must take place; but that is not yet the end. 8 For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will also be famines. These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.

Message: False Messiahs, Wars, and Natural Disasters

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus has been in Jerusalem speaking to the disciples following his time at the temple. Upon exiting the temple area, some of the disciples remark that the temple structure is huge and impressive. Jesus has just spoken to them about how we often stare at people's large giving or wealth and think what they do is more impressive than a poor person, yet the poor widow gave everything she had as an offering. Jesus responds that the temple will one day be destroyed and no stone will be left. The disciples ask the question of wanting to know when this will occur.

In response to the question that the disciples asked in verse 4 - Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled? Jesus began to say to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. Many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am!’ and will mislead many. Many people will come disguised as authority, with the idea that they speak for Jesus. Jesus' response here in 5-8 has come to be known as the Olivet Discourse and has been a challenge for many to interpret.

Jesus in these words is wanting to provide some discernment to the events of the future, but also give the disciples some comfort. The idea that Jesus understands the future and will take of things is a comfort to the disciples and present day followers. Jesus first says that they need to be careful as many will try to mislead them. They need to be careful because it will happen - people will try to mislead you for personal power or pride or gain. And these that come will have success. They will mislead many. I can't help here to think of Joseph Smith, someone that came with the same sort of authority of Jesus or even Muhammad -- and in the process many have been misled. Many will say that Jesus was a man or even God but they will also want to come alongside Him and have the same authority as Him and this is something the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and Islam appears to have done. Those adherents have been misled.

Jesus then says - When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be frightened; those things must take place; but that is not yet the end. The warning again is to be careful because wars and rumors of war will occur and take place. It is not as if they may or may not happen, but they will happen. But, our response to these will probably be different from how others respond. Jesus tells us to not be frightened. People often think that wars and rumors of them should not be occurring if we have a God of love. Obviously, they don't understand his purposes and also don't understand sin. We need to remain firm in our faith during these crazy times.

Our country is experience shootings in an alarming rate currently. In the last week there has been a shooting at a Jewish synagogue in Pittsburgh in which a man walked in and opened fire, killing 11 people. Last night there was a shooting at Yoga studio in Tallahassee. These shootings are becoming a weekly phenomenon. People seem angry and want their way over others. People seem to be quick to place blame on others rather than looking within. We have built a culture of toleration and yet complete toleration is somewhat impossible. Our media is quick to show us controversy and take sides among leaders. We have a culture that is often angry and doesn't know how to deal with that anger. Again, Jesus says, do not be frightened. 

He remarks then that nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. As time marches on we have more countries and nations than ever before. It is somewhat amazing to me that we still only have 50 states in the US and places haven't tried to divide themselves further. The rest of the world continues to do this. In the last 100 years the total number has gone from about 80 to about 190 now. So it is growing.

There will be earthquakes in various places; there will also be famines. These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. The number of natural disasters is increasing. But we are not to be frightened or misled or bothered by the earthquakes and famines which occur. We need to keep our focus on the Lord. Unfortunately, more trouble is on the way.

Summary - Jesus is probably still at the Mount of Olives, outside of Jerusalem. He is responding to some of the disciples saying that temple structures are large, but then Jesus says they will be destroyed and then the disciples ask when and Jesus provides a response to be careful to not be misled or frightened. Natural disasters, wars, and deceptions will occur, but we can take solace in the promise of God and continue to Trust Him.

Promise: We do not know when Christ's final return will be. There will be signs. What we know is we are to trust God and not be frightened and wait for His time.

Prayer: Lord, I am always thankful for the clarity of Your Words. You know the future and you know men's hearts. Help me to keep reminded of this and keep my eyes focused on Your truths. Thank you for your great love. I believe in You.