Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God.

This week’s readings will give us a glimpse into God's plan for our Savior and for us, beginning with preparing His disciples for His death in Mark 13 and ending with preparations for His birth in Luke 1. Different perspectives, different authors, and different writing styles, but they both work toward the same purpose – to point others to Jesus in seasons of waiting.

Today, we are starting at the end - the second coming of Christ. The actual event will obviously come later, but this is a warning of what is to come. On one of the last days of Jesus’ life, He gives answers to questions and concerns that His followers hadn’t even considered yet. After leaving the Temple in Jerusalem, Jesus instructs His close inner circle, Peter, James, John, and Andrew, to watch and be on guard for things yet to come - the fall of the Temple in Jerusalem, violent persecution, and His second coming. Sometimes when we talk about Jesus' return, people are determined to nail down a time and date, and others just throw their hands up and decide it doesn’t matter. Jesus shows us the correct response in this passage. Despite not knowing a time or date, Jesus tells us to be alert, eager, and ready for His coming.

“Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.” Mark 13:33 NKJV

In verses 34-36, Jesus shares a short parable to further explain these things to His followers. The story tells of a master who left his servants in charge of his house and his affairs while he was away. The master instructed them to anticipate his return at any time. But the master did not leave the servants without a place to work and wait, jobs to complete, and the authority to deal with matters in his absence.

Jesus knew He was about to die on the cross, rise from the grave, and return to His Father in heaven. He didn’t leave His followers without a promise to return and directions on how to wait well. Like the master in the story, our Master, Jesus, has left us with a place, purpose, and power. We don’t know the time or date when He will return, but we do know what to do while we are waiting. He has given us a place in His Church, left us with a purpose in faithfully telling others who He is and what He has done, and provided us with power and spiritual gifts through the Holy Spirit to complete this mission. We aren’t called to just sit still! Jesus calls us to be faithful to what He has given us until He returns. Watch for the master, eagerly await and pray for His return, but also be faithful to the place, power, and purpose He has given us.

Reflection:

• How do you handle seasons of waiting? In what ways can you choose to be faithful to your calling when you don't know when things will change? 
• Pray that God would open your eyes to how to be a faithful servant in the waiting.

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Family Application: Mark 13

Author: Amy Stampley

What do we do when we are getting ready for something to happen? If we are expecting a snow day, we find our warmest coats, scarves, and mittens and our parents hurry to the store to gather groceries just in case we get snowed in. If we are expecting a hurricane, we gather our flashlights, milk and bread, candles, lighters, etc. and we watch the news stations to track the storms. These are things we know to do when we are preparing for something that is to come.

For today’s reading in Mark 13, the disciples were discussing with Jesus how to expect His return. He warns them that many will come to deceive, pretending to be the Savior. He warns them that they might be questioned and punished by others for following Him. And then He tells them that no one will know the day, the time, or the specific hour. But most of all, they must “Watch” and “Be Ready”!

• What do you think Jesus means for us to watch and be ready?
• What are some ways that we can be ready for Jesus’s return?
• What are some things we can do to prepare for His return?
• Prayer: Dear God, we cannot begin to imagine what life will be like when we are called to be together in eternity. Lord, we know that Heaven is such a beautiful and wonderful place. Thank you for giving us the Holy Bible which is Your Word so that we can prepare and be ready for Your return. Thank You for giving us the opportunity to accept You into our hearts so that we may live in eternity with You. Amen.