Mark 13:3-5
How many “messiahs” have come and gone since Jesus uttered these words! How many people have been swept off their feet by slick talkers, even leading their gullible followers to their deaths! A common warning today is not to give a stranger advance payment for services promised later.
Jesus said that his people do not listen to “a stranger’s voice” (John 10:5). Being taught by God in his Word protects you from the many falsehoods that are peddled as “the secret that will solve all your problems—for just a small donation.”
Warning about Trouble
(See also Matt. 24:3-14; Luke 21:7-19)
As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives facing the Temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew were asking him privately, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign when these things will be put into effect?”
Jesus began to say to them, “See to it that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name and say, ‘I AM,’ and they will deceive many people.
When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, stop being alarmed. These things must take place, but the end hasn’t come yet, because nation will rise up in arms against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes and famines in various places. These things are only the beginning of the birth pains.”
“As for yourselves, be on your guard! People will hand you over to local councils, and you will be beaten in their synagogues. You will stand before governors and kings to testify to them because of me. But first, the gospel must be proclaimed to all nations.
“When they take you away and hand you over for trial, don’t worry ahead of time about what you will say. Instead, say whatever is given to you at that time, because it won’t be you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
Brother will betray brother to death and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated continuously by everyone because of my name. But the person who endures to the end will be saved.”
Read The Bible In
One Year: Dan. 4-6
Plus Daily Chapter: 1 Cor. 7
