What is the meaning of Mark 13:5? Jesus began - Mark locates this moment on the Mount of Olives, just after the disciples point out the Temple’s grandeur (Mark 13:1–4). - The first words out of Jesus’ mouth set the tone for the entire Olivet Discourse—He is initiating a prophetic warning. - Similar scenes: “Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of His miracles had been performed, because they did not repent” (Matthew 11:20). Each “began” signals a shift from observation to urgent instruction. by telling them - The personal pronoun matters; Jesus speaks directly to His closest followers, preparing them for what lies ahead. - Cross reference: “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace” (John 16:33). His words are not abstract theology; they are pastoral care. - Application list: • Discipleship includes hearing Christ’s warnings. • Intimacy with the Lord grants access to truth the world ignores. See to it - An imperative that carries the sense of continual vigilance. - Echoed throughout Scripture: • “Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for” (2 John 1:8). • “Be on the alert; stand firm in the faith” (1 Corinthians 16:13). - Practical call: keep eyes open spiritually, evaluate every message by the Word. that no one deceives you - Deception is the first peril Jesus names, revealing Satan’s preferred strategy (John 8:44). - Parallel warning: “Let no one deceive you in any way, for it will not come until the rebellion occurs” (2 Thessalonians 2:3). - Bullet points on sources of deception: • False messiahs and prophets (Mark 13:22). • Cultural currents that contradict Scripture (Colossians 2:8). • Even self-deception when we neglect truth (James 1:22). - Protection plan: abide in the Word—“Your word is truth” (John 17:17). summary Mark 13:5 launches Jesus’ end-times teaching with a sober command: stay spiritually alert so that deception never finds a foothold. He speaks directly to His disciples—and by extension to us—urging continual watchfulness grounded in the trustworthy Word of God. |
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