The End of the World

Read Mark 13:1-37

26. “Everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory.
27. And he will send out his angels to gather his chosen ones from all over the world—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.
28. Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near.
29. In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that his return is very near, right at the door.
30. I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene before all these things take place.
31. Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.
32. However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.
33. And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!” Mark 13:26-33

How do you think the world will end? Will a nuclear holocaust obliterate our home planet? Will an asteroid the size of Alaska collide with the earth, causing another ice age? Or will we deplete the ozone layer so much that the world’s climates will be radically changed and no longer able to support life?

In this reading, Jesus reveals something about how the world will really end. It’s a horrifying finish, but Jesus assures his followers that God is in control. He also encourages his followers who will live through this time to hold fast to their faith in him. Doing so will bring a great reward at the end of time. As you read, gain confidence in your heavenly Father who knows and controls the future.

The events of the end times are still to come in world history. We know that when these events happen, Christ’s return will follow soon (Mark 13:26-37). Unfortunately, before his return, some Christians may be deceived by false prophets who say they have received messages from God or false messiahs who claim to be God (13:5-6).

So how can we avoid being deceived? And how will we know when Christ has returned? We can look for his appearance in the clouds—one of the sure signs of his second coming (13:26; see Revelation 1:7). All people everywhere will be able to see him then.

When Jesus returns, you will know. In the meantime, be on your guard against false prophets and false messiahs. Don’t believe what they say, because only God the Father knows when Christ will return (Mark 13:32). At the same time, be ready because he will come suddenly and unexpectedly, like a “thief in the night” (see Matthew 24:42-44; 1 Thessalonians 5:2).