Dig In:
Chapter Overview:
Remember the context: Jesus has just finished His final public argument with the establishment. The tension is high, and in an effort to relieve it a bit, one of the disciples makes a comment about the beauty of the temple buildings. Yet Jesus sees no beauty in it; all He sees is the coming destruction for a world that has rejected its creator that will take place on the Day of the Lord.
Dig Deeper:
Verses 12-13 are a good summary of this passage:
[12] Because of the increase of wickedness,
the love
of most
will grow cold,
[13] but the one who stands firm
to the end
will be saved.
We live in an age where "the increase of wickedness" is easily seen. This may be, or it may not be, a sign of Christ's impending return. In any case, it should not surprise us at all that love is decreasing. Both the love that people have for one another and the love that they have for Christ and His Church is getting colder. Not just the love of some people, but the love of most people will grow cold. This is exactly what Jesus promised would happen.
Many of us grew up in an age where demonstrating our love for Christ wasn't difficult, since most of society was living more or less according to Biblical values. But as society disintegrates around us, it's going to take increasingly more effort to stand firm in your love and commitment to Christ.
The best way for you to stand firm is to keep yourself focused on the end. This doesn't mean living every day worried that the sun has come up for the last time or never making plans for the future here on earth. It means keeping the goal of holding lightly to the things of this world and building up treasure in heaven as Jesus commanded back in chapter 6.
Don't lose sight of the fact that these verses are good news. If you stand firm using the strength the Holy Spirit gives you, you will be saved. Not might be, or you hope to be, but you will be.
OLD TESTAMENT REFERENCE:
Daniel 7:13–14
[13] “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. [14] He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
Discuss:
Use the comment box below to discuss one or more of these questions:
EYE FOR DETAIL— Most of the words in this chapter were spoken when Jesus and His disciples were sitting in a particular location. Where was it, and what do you know about this place? (See verse 3.)
Look at the statement Jesus makes in verse 36. What difference in your life do you think it would make if you did know the exact day or hour when Jesus will return?
Thomas, Mack. The Complete Bible Discussion Guide: New Testament
Follow the AAA Prayer Pattern:
ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: The Ancient of Days surrounded by His angels who gives all authority, glory and power to the Son of Man (from Daniel 7, a passage that Jesus draws much of this imagery from).
ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray that God will strengthen you to be vigilant, stand firm, keep watch and be ready.
ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED:
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