Day Four Mark 13:14-23
14 “The day is coming when you will see the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing where he should not be.” (Reader, pay attention!) “Then those in Judea must flee to the hills. 15 A person out on the deck of a roof must not go down into the house to pack. 16 A person out in the field must not return even to get a coat. 17 How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers in those days. 18 And pray that your flight will not be in winter. 19 For there will be greater anguish in those days than at any time since God created the world. And it will never be so great again. 20 In fact, unless the Lord shortens that time of calamity, not a single person will survive. But for the sake of his chosen ones he has shortened those days.
21 “Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t believe it. 22 For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones. 23 Watch out! I have warned you about this ahead of time!”
Discover
1. How do verses 15-18 portray the urgency of fleeing the event of verse 14?
2. Who does Jesus warn His disciples about in verses 21-22?
3. Why are these false teachers dangerous?
Respond
Although scholars may disagree about the timing of the events Jesus spoke of in verses 14-20, we can know for sure that false teachers have always existed and will continue to exist until Jesus returns. Watching out for them is a warning Jesus continues to issue to His disciples, especially in times of persecution. How do you discern true teaching from false? The best way to do this is simply to know truth! Ask God now to help you hide His Word in your heart. As you read or listen to news, pastors, social media, and books, ask for the Holy Spirit of Truth to fill you and give you discernment as you do.
For Further Reading: False Signs and Wonders
For Families with Kids at Home
Our kids are constantly receiving messages that often conflict with the Truth of God’s Word. Pray today that God would give you discernment and help you as a parent to lovingly shepherd your kids in the Truth. Pray that the Holy Spirit would help you parent your kids in such a way that they come to you when they have questions, rather than seeking answers from the world.
*TPCC does not necessarily endorse all For Further Reading/Learning sources. They are simply meant to be a helpful tool.