THE GOSPEL MUST FIRST BE PREACHED
Mark 13:1-23
Key Verse: 13:10
“And the gospel must first be preached to all nations.”
1.Read verses 1-4. What was the comment of one disciple as they left the temple? What astonishing prophecy did Jesus give in reply? How did his view of the world differ from that of the disciples? What two questions did they ask about Jesus’ prophecy? (3-4)
2.Read verses 5-8. What two warnings does Jesus give us here? What are some signs of the beginning of the end of the age? Why does Jesus refer to these times of suffering as “birth pains?” What should be our view of the world and history?
3.Read verses 9-13. Who will persecute Christians? Why is this worse than earthquakes and famines? How can we turn the time of suffering into a time of opportunity? (10) What must we do (10,13)? How do the times of suffering become worse? What promise is given?
4.Read verse 14. To what might “the abomination that causes desolation” refer? (Compare Daniel 9:27;11:31; 12:11) What might be the equivalent in other times?
5.Read verses 14-23. In the terrible times, why must we flee, not going back for anything? Why is it especially difficult for pregnant women and nursing mothers? How are the times of distress described? (19-23) How does God show mindfulness of his elect? (20-23)