Mark 11

Mar 11:1 And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples, Jesus and the disciples come to Jerusalem in the town of Bethpage (house of unripe figs), and the town of Bethany (house of dates or figs). Jesus sends two of the disciples ahead.

Mar 11:2 And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him. The two disciples were instructed to go into the village and find a donkey tied there, one that no one has ever ridden, and bring it to Jesus. (Matthew 21:2, Luke 19:30).

Mar 11:3 And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither. The two disciples were to tell anyone who asked what they were doing, to tell them that the Lord needs the colt and He will return it soon. We are going to see this was prearranged by God and was written way before about the first advent of Christ. Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. (Zechariah 9:9). (Zechariah 9:10 continues into the second advent of Christ, when He comes riding a white horse).  

Mar 11:4 And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him. They found the colt standing in the street at a fork in the road. 

Mar 11:5 And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt? What's going on bystanders asked the disciples? 

Mar 11:6 And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go. They told the bystanders what Jesus had told them to say, and they were permitted to take the colt. (Remember, this was prearranged by God).

Mar 11:7 And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him. No saddle on this colt, so the disciples put their coats on the colt and Jesus sat on it. (Zechariah 9:9). 

Mar 11:8 And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. The people spread palm leaves ahead of Him. (Prophecy coming to past). 

Mar 11:9 And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: With Jesus at the center of the procession, all the people were around Him shouting, "Hosanna," meaning "save us now." The hosanna prophecy. (Psalm 118:25-26).

Mar 11:10 Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest. "Blessed be the Kingdom of David. Praise God in the highest." (Isaiah 9:6-7, Jeremiah 33:15-17). 

Mar 11:11 And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve. Jesus enters the temple in Jerusalem, looked around, and left because it was late in the afternoon. (I wonder how the temple looked to Him, and if everything seemed in order for the Passover celebration)? Then He returned to Bethany (house of dates), with the twelve disciples. (Matthew 21:17). 

Mar 11:12 And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry: The next morning, as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus and the diciples were a little hungry. (Matthew 21:18).

Mar 11:13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. Jesus noticed a fig tree in full leaf, but with no figs. (To early in the season for fruit). "Setting the stage for the parable of the fig tree."

Mar 11:14 And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it. Wow, it sounds like Jesus was a little angry at the tree because there was nothing to eat. (Again, He was setting the stage for the generation of the fig tree). "The good and bad figs." (Jeremiah 24:1-5). The chute was set in the year 1948 when Judah became a nation. This is the parable of the fig tree. (Matthew 24:32-35, Mark 13:28-32, Luke 21:29-33).

Mar 11:15 And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; Now Jesus and the disciples arrived back in Jerusalem and Jesus entered the Temple. I don't think things were in the order that He expected. Jesus began to drive out the people who were buying and selling animals for sacrifice, He knocked down the tables of the money changers, and the chairs of those selling might infested doves. (Matthew 21:12, Luke 19:45, John 2:13-16). Wow, was Jesus that upset with these priests in the Temple. You see, the idea was that they were going to provide a service for the people that had to travel-far. Instead of these people bringing their animal with them to sacrifice, they could purchase an animal at the Temple. However, the priests learned they could make a few bucks by charging a higher price in the Temple. (The art of supply and demand). Now, the animals were to be without blemish, and of course the priests would determine what was without blemish and could disqualify any sacrifice not purchased at the Temple. (They were forcing the people to buy from them and ripping them people). "A priest would never do that would they?" As for the money changers; the people were to bring one tenth of their income to the Temple to give to God. (Deuteronomy 14:25-26). However, some decided that the the pagan Gentile coins were not acceptable in God's Temple. This is how the money changers got started, and according to Jewish historians, the priests were netting the equivalent of around $300,000 a year in money alone. (What a racket they had going). The clergy had no more morals than the average guy. Sound familiar?  

Mar 11:16 And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. Jesus stopped everyone from using the Temple as a marketplace. It was to be a house of prayer. (Isaiah 56:7). Not a commercial outlet.

Mar 11:17 And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves. Jesus tells them that; "The Scriptures declare, My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations, but you have turned it into a den of thieves." (Isaiah 56:7, Jeremiah 7:11, Luke 19:46, John 2:16).

Mar 11:18 And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine. Remember the good and the bad figs? The leading priests and religious teachers of the law seen what Jesus had done, and now they began planning on how to kill them. However, they were a little afraid, because the people were so amazed at His teachings. They wanted to kill Jesus because He was stopping their income by ripping people off. (God hates when the poor get ripped off). Not only that, but now they have a problem killing Him, because so many people followed Him, and they did not want to lose the people either.  

Mar 11:19 And when even was come, he went out of the city. That evening, Jesus and the disciples left the city.

Mar 11:20 And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. The next morning they passed the fig tree Jesus had cursed, and the disciples noticed that the tree had withered from the roots up. Remember verse 14, the tree being withered was an example to prove a point. (A foreshadow to the ruin of the Jewish nation on account of its unfruitfulness).  

Mar 11:21 And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away. Peter recalled what Jesus had said to the tree and noticed that the tree withered and died. It died because it had not produced good fruit. Just as when Jesus entered the Temple He expected to find good fruit, instead He found bad fruit (the bad figs), with the merchants ripping off the people. (Proverbs 3:33). "God desires good fruit in our lives."

Mar 11:22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. In other words; Don’t put your faith in man, or some church. "Put your faith in God!" (Psalm 62:8, John 14:1, Colossians 2:12). You don't need a fancy stone building or glass house to worship God.  

Mar 11:23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Mountains in the Scriptures symbolize nations and people (Isaiah 41:14-16, Zechariah 4:7). "This mountain" was understood, by the disciples, to be in reference to the nation of Israel which was directly related to the Temple. Coupled with this statement from Jesus, in the midst of His warnings about the destruction of Jerusalem in His cursing of an unfruitful fig tree, as a symbol of judgment upon Israel. Referring to the false "fig nation," the bad figs. "They will be cast into the sea at the second advent."

Mar 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. "Pray for anything and it will be yours." Wow, sounds pretty cool. Pray for a new car and we will receive one. Not quite... We are speaking of things that you need to further the Kingdom, or the removal of the enemy. (John 14:13, 15:7, James 1:5, 5:15, 1 John 3:22, 5:14). "However, If you need something material, get out and work for it." (God loves a cheerful hard worker, but He does not care that much for lazy people). This goes for the same in His Word; don't just take someone's teachings for Gospel. Check them out in God's Word, look it up and put some effort in your studies. "It makes God's day when He looks down and sees you studying His Word of Truth."

Mar 11:25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. First off when you pray, forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, then ask your Heavenly Father for forgiveness for your sins. (Matthew 6:14-15, Luke 6:37). For the longest time I have always gotten this backwards. I would start my prayers by asking the Heavenly Father to forgive me for any sins I may have committed, then continue on. Now I understand that I need to ask the Heavenly Father first for help to forgive those I hold a grudge against, then ask Him to forgive me of my sins. (Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:13).  

Mar 11:26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. If you cannot forgive even your enemies, God cannot forgive you. It is not always possible to get along with everyone, but if you cannot get along with someone, you can at least forgive them, and just stay away from them.

Mar 11:27 And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders, Here comes trouble again! (The rip-offs priests are angry now).

Mar 11:28 And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things? Who gave you the authority to drive out our money changers and ruin our party they asked? (Jesus was and is the supreme authority).

Mar 11:29 And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Now the tables are going to turn a bit. Jesus is going to trip them up now, just as they are trying to trip Him up. Now He hits them with a question? (Matthew 21:24).

Mar 11:30 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me. Was John's authority to baptize from heaven, or was it merely human?

Mar 11:31 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him? Now they try to reason it out among themselves. Hmmm, if we say Johns authority was from Heaven, He will ask why we didn't believe him. 

Mar 11:32 But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed. But, do we dare and say it was merely human? The people thought John was a prophet. So, they were a little afraid of what the people would do.  

Mar 11:33 And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things. So, after their reasoning, they replied to Jesus, "we don't know." They were playing it safe because they didn't know what to say. (The mark of a hypocrite and crowd-pleaser). Just tell the people what they want to hear to make them feel comfortable and safe. (The mark of a false teaching church). So, how does Jesus answer them? "Then I won't tell you by what authority I do these things." These guys were hanging out with the wrong people and didn't know the truth. Who are you going to follow? The traditions of men, or the teachings of Christ?

Mark 12

Mar 12:1 And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country. After the Sanhedrin (the supreme council), had questioned the authority of Jesus, He began to teach the crowd, but His focus was more on the Sanhedrin. The parable Jesus is about to tell is going to be about something familiar to the people. (Wealthy foreign landlords who would lease out land to tenant farmers for them to take care of the land). Now He begins the parable: A man planted a vineyard and leased it out to a tenant farmer, then he moved to another country. (Isaiah tells about a similar parable about God's unfruitful vineyard, Israel). When it did not produce fruit, it was destroyed. (Isaiah 5:1-7). "The man who planted the vineyard represents God."

Mar 12:2 And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard. The man sent one of his servants to collect his share of the vineyard on harvest day. (The vineyard represents the world).

Mar 12:3 And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty. Some of the tenant farmers grabbed the servant, beat him, and sent him back empty handed.   

Mar 12:4 And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled. The owner sent another servant, but they insulted him and beat him also. (The servants represent all the prophets God has sent down through the years).

Mar 12:5 And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some. The land owner sends another servant and he was killed and others he sent were either beaten or killed. (Many prophets were beaten and killed; like John the Baptist, the last of the prophets).

Mar 12:6 Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son. Only one left, the land owners son, whom he loved dearly. "Surely they will respect my only son." (The mans son would represent Jesus; the last One, the Son of God).

Mar 12:7 But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours. Here the tenant farmers conspire among themselves to kill the land owners son and take the estate for themselves. (Just as they conspired to kill Jesus, trying to rob Him of His estate and authority). "Satan at work!" However, you can't rob God. Satan thinks he can, but he will not succeed. You know; Satan has most of the world deceived, people eating right out of his hand, but it won't last for long. God will put a stop to it.   

Mar 12:8 And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard. So the tenant farmers grabbed the land owners son and killed him. (Just as they crucified Jesus). 

Mar 12:9 What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others. What do you think the owner of the vineyard will do now that they have killed his son, Jesus would ask them? I'll tell you; he will come and kill those farmers and lease the land to others. (Forty years after Jesus' ministry, death and resurrection, Rome would partially destroy Israel. There was no nation of Israel from 70 A.D. until 1948 when they would become a nation again). Judah (Israel), was taken into captivity by the Babylonians in 606 B.C. They were released from captivity 70 years later by the Persians in 536 A.D., exactly as the prophet Jeremiah had prophesied, but their land was still under the control of the Persians. The Persians were later conquered by the Greeks, and the land of Israel remained under Greek control. The Greeks were then conquered by Rome and the land of Israel remained under Roman control. After failed rebellions against Rome around 70 A.D. and another around 100 years later, the Romans removed the Jews from the land of Israel, dispersed them around the world and then renamed the land "Palestine" after the enemies of Israel. Then, after 2,500 years, and for the first time since the Babylonian captivity in 606 B.C., the world watched as Israel once again appeared on the world map as a sovereign nation on May 14, 1948, "exactly when the Bible said it would."

Mar 12:10 And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner: Haven't you read in the scriptures? The stone the builders rejected (Jesus Christ), has now become the cornerstone. (Psalm 118:22). 

Mar 12:11 This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? "The marvel of the Lord and it is wonderful to see."

Mar 12:12 And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way. The religious leaders finally figured it out. They realized that Jesus was telling the story about them. They were the wicked farmers, and they wanted to arrest Jesus. However, they were afraid because of the crowd of people who were following Jesus. So they left Him and went away for now. 

Mar 12:13 And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words. Later the leaders sent some Pharisees and supporters of Herod (scripture lawyers), to try and trap Jesus into saying something He could be arrested for. 

Mar 12:14 And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? Here they are trying to Puff Jesus up by complementing Him for being such a great teacher. (Satan's method of operation). "Beware of people that tell you how great you are." (These phonies wanted to know if it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar)?

Mar 12:15 Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it. Jesus seen right through their attempt to trap them. Then He tells them to show Him a Roman coin. 

Mar 12:16 And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's. They bring Jesus a coin and He asked them who's picture was on the coin. Of course they said Caesar's. 

Mar 12:17 And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him. Jesus tells them that; "give to Caesar what belongs to him, and give to God what belongs to God." (Our love and obedience). They didn't know what to say because they were amazed by His answer. (Matthew 22:22).

Mar 12:18 Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying, The Sadducees didn't believe like the Pharisees. (They say there is no resurrection from the dead). They believed that the first five books of the bible (the Torah), were inspired by God, but they did not believe that the rest of the old testament was. (Now they want to trap Jesus up with a question about the law of Moses).  

Mar 12:19 Master, Moses wrote unto us, If a man's brother die, and leave his wife behind him, and leave no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. Referring to the duty of a man to raise up a name for his deceased brother. (Deuteronomy 25:5-10).

Mar 12:20 Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed. Now here is where the Sadducees try to trap Jesus up. (Seven brothers and the oldest dies without a child).

Mar 12:21 And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise. The second brother dies without children also. Now the third brother marries her. 

Mar 12:22 And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also. The woman goes through all seven brothers having no children and then she dies. 

Mar 12:23 In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife. Now the Sadducees want to know from Jesus whose wife will the woman be in the resurrection? Because all seven were married to her. (This never really happened, it was just a hypothetical situation, and they want to trap Jesus up). But wait... The Sadducees don't even believe in the resurrection.

Mar 12:24 And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God? I believe Jesus wanted to say here; "You Idiots!" Your mistake is that you don't know the scriptures, and surely don't know the power of God. You see, as the five books of Moses were the only scriptures which the Sadducees admitted as Divine, our Lord confutes them by an appeal to these books, and proves that they were ignorant of those very writings which they professed to hold sacred. He not only rectified their opinions, but so explained the doctrine as to overthrow the erroneous decision of the Pharisees, that if two brothers married one woman, she should be restored at the resurrection to the first.

Mar 12:25 For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven. Now Jesus tells them what will really happen. When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage. They will be like the angels in heaven. (Matthew 22:30, Luke 20:35-36). Their in spiritual bodies. It doesn’t matter. However, you will know your mate. Remember the rich man and Lazarus? (Luke 16:19-31).

Mar 12:26 And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? Remember that that Sadducees didn't believe in the resurrection, and they only went by the first five books of Moses that they believed were the only books inspired by God. Now Jesus will prove His point with scripture that they accept. (Exodus 3:6). God speaks to Moses from the burning bush about Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They were not dead, they were with Him. God is the only one who can give or take life eternally.  

Mar 12:27 He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err. Notice in the last verse God did not say, "I was the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." He said, "I Am the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." He is their God because they are still alive. (The Sadducees didn't know what they were talking about). 

Mar 12:28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? Now one of the scribes (teachers of the religious law), liked what Jesus had just said, and had a question of his own. Which of the commandments is most important? 

Mar 12:29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: Jesus replies, "The most important commandment is: "The Lord our God is the one and only LORD." (Exodus 20:3, Deuteronomy 5:7, 6:4).  

Mar 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. Jesus continues, "you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and all your strength." Lets break this down a little. Heart: "kardia," your main body engine that keeps the blood flowing. (Where your will springs from). Soul: "psuche," breath, the soul, your self, where feeling, desires and affections come from. Mind: "dianoai" intellect of the soul, faculty of understanding. Strength: "ichus," ability, strength, and physical might. Put all together, it makes up all of us as a physical being.

Mar 12:31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. Love thy neighbor as thy self. (Leviticus 19:13). Part of the last five commandments. (The first five are spiritual, and the other five are the civil commandments). The last five are summed up by; "Love thy neighbor as thyself." (Romans 13:9).

Mar 12:32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: The teacher of the religious law liked what he had heard, especially that there is only one God and no other.  

Mar 12:33 And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. The scribe realized that these things were all true and that they were more important than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices required by the law. (Hosea 6:6). God wants our love and for us to have knowledge of Him more than anything else. 

Mar 12:34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question. The man answered Jesus correctly and Jesus was pleased with his answer. Jesus tells the man; "You are not far from the Kingdom of God." i.e. your on the right track. (Preparing them for the crucifixion).

Mar 12:35 And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the Son of David? Later, Jesus was teaching in the Temple and asked the people; "Why do the teachers of the religious law claim that the Messiah is the Son of David?"

Mar 12:36 For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The LORD said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool. Quoting from (Psalm 110:1). 

Mar 12:37 David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he then his son? And the common people heard him gladly. Since David himself called the Messiah "My Lord," how can the Messiah be his son? (Good question). You see, the Messiah was not only the son of David, He was also the Son of God. (Romans 1:3-4, Revelation 22:16). (He was human and He was God). "Emmanuel," God with us. (Matthew 1:23). 

Mar 12:38 And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces, Beware of the Scribes. Those who look so holy parading around in flowing robes to show people how important they are. Sound familiar? (Matthew 6:5, 10:17, 23:1-7, Luke 11:43, 14:7-11 20:45-47, 3 John 1:9). 

Mar 12:39 And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts: They love to sit in high places and love the spotlight.

Mar 12:40 Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation. They cheat widows out of their money and property, while they pretend to be so pious by making long prayers in public. (Matthew 6:5-6). Again, sound familiar? Beware of the rip-offs today in the churches that prey on woman, because they are the biggest donators. (Don't be an easy mark ladies).

Mar 12:41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. Jesus was observing how people were dropping their money in the collection box. The rich made themselves look good by giving large amounts. (You can bet they let everyone know they were contributing to the collection).

Mar 12:42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. Now here comes a little old lady and drops in two small coins. (About a $1.50 into the treasury).

Mar 12:43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: Jesus seen this and called the disciples together. He tells them a truth; "This poor widow has given more than all the others put together with their contributions." (The disciples were a little confused).

Mar 12:44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living. Then Jesus explains; "You see, the other wealthy people only gave a little part of their surplus, but as poor as this woman is, she has given everything she had to live on." How would your church treat this woman today? Would she go un-noticed, or would she be greeted like your most valuable donor?

Mark 13

Mark 13 is a parallel chapter to Matthew 24, know as the Olivet Prophecy. This great sermon by Jesus was delivered on the Mt. of Olives just east of the temple, across the Kidron Valley. Jesus’ prediction of the coming destruction of the temple prompted a question from the disciples. What will it be like in the end times? In verses 5-37, Jesus gives His response to their question as He describes His second coming at the end of this present earth age.

Mar 13:1 And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here! As Jesus left the Temple one of the disciples tells Him; "Look at these magnificent buildings and impressive stones in the walls." (Matthew 24:1, Luke 21:5).

Mar 13:2 And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. "Yes, Jesus replies; look at these great buildings. But, they will be "completely" demolished. Not "one stone" will be left on top another." (Matthew 24:2, Luke 19:41-44, 21:6). The question is, when and what was Jesus talking about? The first Temple was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC. The second Temple was reconstructed (overseen by Zerubbabel), completed around 516 BC. Herod the Great started to completely rebuilt the Temple around 20 BC. The main sanctuary was completed about 10 years later. But the complete project (including the courtyards, walls, gates, and various other buildings), was not complete till around 64 AD. Many believe that the second Temple was destroyed in 70 AD by the Roman armies. However, the "Wailing wall" still stands. What did Jesus say? "There shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down." So, who is correct? And, is there going to be a third Temple? (Could this be in the near future)? Lets read on and see what the Jesus tells the disciples.

Mar 13:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, Later Jesus and the disciples went across the Kidron Valley where they sat on the Mount of Olives looking at the Temple. Four of the disciples came to Him and asked Jesus a question about what He had just said.   

Mar 13:4 Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled? They ask the question, "when will these things happen and what sign should we look for?" (Matthew 24:3). The sign of the second advent and the end of the world. (Jesus is going to give the chronological order of the events).

Mar 13:5 And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: Don't let anyone mislead you! (1 John 4:1). Deception is the key here. (Revelation 6:1-2). The four beasts (the Zoon)! The first seal of the end times opens and the one who comes ridding the white horse in (Revelation 6:2), is the false Christ. Read our newsletter study topic titled: "The Four Horsemen."

Mar 13:6 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. Many will come in His name saying they are from Christ, and one will come claiming to be Christ. (Satan as the antichrist). The white horse rider! (Revelation 6:2).

Mar 13:7 And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but don't panic, these things must take place first. (This has been going on for some time now). You can't rush these things along, so keep your eyes on the return of Christ, not on the wars. Trust in Christ. (John 14:1, 14:27). 

Mar 13:8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows. Nations and Kingdoms will go to war against each other. (Happening now). Earthquakes in many places as well as famines. (Also happening now). "However, don't forget the famine in the end time for hearing the Word of God." (Amos 8:11-12). There is a lot of false teachings going on today that will lead you astray, so it is important to get back to the basics and truth in the word.

Mar 13:9 But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. Watch out in these times. You will be delivered up the councils and stand trial for being a follower of Jesus. (Matthew 24:9-10). This will be your opportunity to stand for Christ and tell them about Him. We are speaking of those who will be delivered up to antichrist. (The anointed ones with the seal of God in their foreheads).

Mar 13:10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations. The Good News must be preached to all nations. (It's going down). When the nations all know "The Good News," they will be held accountable. (Mark 16:15, Matthew 24:14).

Mar 13:11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. When you are delivered up, don't worry what to say. This is the hour of temptation. (Revelation 3:10). If you keep His Word, He will keep you from failing in the hour of temptation during the great tribulation. But, you must first know the truth of His Word before you can keep it. Have ye not read? In the end times, God will pour our His Spirit among His children. "The Holy Spirit will speak through you." (Joel 2:28).  

Mar 13:12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death. Betrayed and delivered to death (Hebrews 2:14). Delivered up to antichrist who holds the power of death. But wait... Who does the delivering? Your own family and friends will be the ones who deliver you up. (Matthew 10:21, Luke 21:16). How can this be? Don't your family and friends love you? Here's the problem, they think they are doing good, but they don't know the truth and think Satan is the real Christ. How many friends and family members do you know that don't have a clue of what the Word is really about? They only know what they are told by man and never take the time to study the Word on their own. Jesus warns He will bring division among us in the end times. For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. (Luke 12:52). Even families will be divided over Jesus. Division among the families and the churches. (John 10:19-21, 15:18-21). The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. (Luke 12:53). Take a good look today at the churches and even in your own family. One believes this way, and another believes a different way. People believing different religions and doctrines of men. (Satan divides families with religion).

Mar 13:13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. People will hate you in the end time because you follow Christ. However, "those who endure till the end will be saved." (Matthew 10:22, 24:13, Hebrews 3:14, James 1:12, Revelation 2:10, 3:10). This word "endure" is G5278 "hupomeno" from G5259 and G3306 to stay behind, to remain, to undergo (that is to bear trials), tarry behind. (i.e. We that remain during the tribulation of antichrist, standing for Christ will be saved).

Mar 13:14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains: Better translated "the abomination of desolation," spoken by Daniel the prophet, standing where "he" ought not. (Daniel 9:27, Matthew 24:15, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).

Mar 13:15 And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house: A warning to the people to pay attention during the tribulation. (Forget the material things, they mean nothing). "Your a watchmen, pay attention." (Matthew 24:16, Luke 17:31-33).

Mar 13:16 And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment. Your not going to need a coat, or have time to pack, there will be little time. 

Mar 13:17 But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! Hard for these women with child. But is that all it means? Those with child also means those with excess baggage. (Those seduced by Satan, false doctrine, and traditions of men). "Nursing along the lies of Satan." You will not be the virgin that Christ expects you to be. Christ does not like when you are deceived. Paul explains it best in (2 Corinthians 11:1-15).

Mar 13:18 And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter. Keep in mind we are speaking of the harvest time here. You do not harvest in the winter, it is out of season. You harvest in the fall. "The five month tribulation time will be between May and September." (We know the season; but, no one knows the year). 

Mar 13:19 For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. In the tribulation period there will be greater anguish than at any time since God created the world. Worse than the Katabole (Overthrow of Satan), worse than Noah’s flood, and Sodom and Gomorrah. What is about to happen in the end times will far surpass these. "The great tribulation." (Matthew 24:21). 

Mar 13:20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days. In fact, unless these days will be shortened by the Lord, no one would survive, and mankind would be wiped out. (Zechariah 13:8-9). "The 3.5 years of tribulation will be shortened to five months." (Matthew 24:22, Revelation 9).

Mar 13:21 And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not: During this time, if anyone tells you "here is the Messiah," or "here is the Christ." Don't believe them. (It is the false-Christ). Many believe that the antichrist will be the opposite of Christ. (You know, the little red guy with the pitchfork and tail). Not quite... The word means "instead of Christ," and he will try to be as much like Christ as he can. "Do not be deceived!"

Mar 13:22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. You are going to have false Christ's and false prophets in these times. (Matthew 7:15). They will perform and display powers that will even fool the elect. (Matthew 24:24). What Jesus wants us to know is that we need to be cautious when listening to someone who claims to be of God. (Matthew 7:21-23). You must be doing the will of God, teaching the truth of His Word. (Not the will of man). The question is. Are they obeying God, and doing His will? At judgment, many will say they are of Christ, but God did not send these false teachers. God will reject and expose them for their evil deeds and false teachings.

Mar 13:23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things. "Christ has warned us." Now be prepared for the time ahead! (Luke 21:34).

Mar 13:24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, After the time of anguish of those days, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will give no light. (After Satan's tribulation). "Remember, there are two, Satan's tribulation and God's tribulation." 

Mar 13:25 And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. There will be a great shake-up. (You will know when it is happening).

Mar 13:26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. God takes control... Again, you will know when this happens. And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. (Revelation 19:11), Yes... He is the real thing, and Jesus is the one who justly punishes and makes war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. (Revelation 19:12). Remember that God is a consuming fire. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. (Revelation 19:13), "The Word of God." In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1). And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. (Revelation 19:14). Christ's second advent and His return. "His army is coming." The horses represent the vehicles the army of Christ will arrive upon. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. (Revelation 19:15). His mouth is a two edge sword. (Revelation 1:16). Striking down the nations with power and He will rule them with an iron grip. "This wrath is only against His enemies, not His people." And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. (Revelation 19:16). The one and only "King of Kings, and Lord of Lord's."

Mar 13:27 And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven. His angels will gather His chosen ones (the elect), from the four corners of the earth and heaven. Lets take a look at the book of Revelation chapter 7 for a better understanding. And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. (Revelation 7:1). The four winds mentioned means the end. Keep in mind that in biblical numeric, four means earth. When we mention the holding of the four winds of the earth, it has to do with the end of this earth age, as mentioned in Daniel Chapter 7; "Vision of the four beasts," and Ezekiel Chapter 37, "The valley of dry bones." The winds are being held back till this time of the end.

Mar 13:28 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: What did Christ say here about the Parable of the fig tree? "Learn it!" (All the way back to the beginning to the fig tree of Adam and Eve). However, He makes it very clear in (Jeremiah 24). In 1948, the good and bad figs gathered back to Israel to become a nation again. (If you know the parable of the fig tree, you know the season of the end times).

Mar 13:29 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. Follow the subject. We are talking about things that must come to pass before the return of Christ. (It is right at our door).

Mar 13:30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done. This generation shall not pass, before all these things come to pass. What generation? The generation of the fig tree. "This is the generation of 1948." (Many still living today and getting a little grey on their heads). The time is real near my friend. Time for us to rejoice because Christ will be returning soon, and many of us will be here to see it.

Mar 13:31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. This heaven and earth age will pass away. (2 Peter 3:10-12). But, God's Word never changed from the beginning, and it will remain the same forever. (Matthew 24:35, Hebrews 1:10-12).

Mar 13:32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Did you hear that? No man, not the angels, not even Christ at this time knows when. "Only the full God head knows the time it will be." (Christ knows now, because He sits at the right hand of the Father). But, don't listen to any man, priest, or teacher, that will tell you they know when His return will be. They may claim to know, just to get a following, but they are fakes. (However, you should now know the generation and the season of the end). Listen to God, not man.

Mar 13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. Be on guard and be ready. (A good watchmen is always ready).

Mar 13:34 For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. God gives His servants authority and a purpose for his, or her works. "We all have a destiny." A true Christian will stand for the truth and against the false-Christ. What did the Son of man tells us? "He commanded the porter to watch." The porter is the gate keeper (door watcher). Remember verse 29? So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. (Mark 13:29). We need to be watching for the sign of the times and the return of Christ. 

Mar 13:35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: You must keep watch and do not be deceived by the false Christ that comes first. 

Mar 13:36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. Don't be caught up in the worldly things. i.e. sleeping on the job when you are to be a watchmen. (Matthew 24:48-51, Luke 21:34, 1 Thessalonians 5:6-7). 

Mar 13:37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch. You are a watchmen. So, be aware of what is going on around you in the world. All the wars going on right now are religious wars over beliefs. As true Christians, we have a job to do. (Matthew 28:18-20). Be a believer, teacher, and good watchmen. "Jesus will be with us till the end."