In mockery, some atheist groups hosted ‘Rapture Parties’. One group gathered and released human-shaped helium balloons to simulate souls rising to heaven while playing The Doors’ song ‘The End’ on a boombox.
When it didn’t happen, Camping adjusted his numbers and said May 21 was a ‘spiritual’ judgment, and the end would still be on October 21. Finally, in March 2012, Camping ‘humbly acknowledged’ that he had been misled, that his attempt to predict a date was ‘sinful’, and that his critics had been right in pointing to the text we will read today.
Camping is not the only one to try predict the end of the world and return of Christ and probably not the last. However, had they heeded Jesus’ words in Mark 13:24-33, they would not be deceived by all the predictions.
As you read this passage about Jesus’ return, you will find three truths regardless of all the crazy predictions…
1- Jesus is coming again (Mark 13:24-27)
Jesus’ disciples thought that the destruction of Jerusalem would be the end of the world. But Christ sets them straight and shows that the day of Christ’s coming and day of judgment are after a terrible tribulation. Perevious signs were given, like earthquakes & wars. But the ‘Tribulation signs’ were in heaven. Jesus says this will mark the end and His return.
Jesus distinguishes prophecy from guesswork. Jesus gives a sure prophecy – He will return. He gives a basic timeline to work with, while NOT giving us a date and time. Why doesn’t Jesus just come out and throw out a date? His emphasis is clearly that the date and time is not so important as how we consistently live our lives in the knowledge that it is coming at any time. But in His His infinite knowledge He doesn’t want anyone to misunderstand, He will return.
2- Jesus’ return is soon (Mark 13:28-29)
Jesus uses a parable of a fig tree to explain His return. Just like a fig tree shows signs in the spring that summer is near, we are to look around and see signs that the end is coming. We don’t know at which exact day or hour, but we can tell when the season is coming.
It is interesting that the fig tree is a symbol in the Bible of Israel. Earlier, Jesus cursed a fig tree because it had leaves, but no fruit. This represented Israel’s works without spiritual fruit. Now he tells His disciples that a fig tree with leaves will be a sign of His soon return. Could this be a hint that Israel will be a nation again? I think it is.
In AD 70, the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple. In 135 AD, was the end of Jewish national life. A pagan temple was built on the Temple Mount and the land was renamed Palestine – after the Philistines. The nation lived under a curse for almost 2,000 years. But on May 14, 1948, Israel was declared a sovereign state. The fig tree has come back to life. The rebirth of the nation of Israel may be a sign that His coming is soon.
3- Jesus’ return gives hope (Mark 13:30-33)
Jesus does appear to give a hint of the time of His return. He says ‘one generation’ will witness these events. The ‘one generation’ to which the Lord was speaking could not refer to the disciples because that generation has long since passed away. Some think it refers to Jews as a race. The Greek word for ‘generation’ can also mean ‘race’ or ‘family.’ I personally think it is the ‘one generation’ that sees the signs He’s already mentioned – the regathering of the Jews into a nation. This could be the generation that sees Jesus return. Something to think about.
Regardless, the fact that Jesus will return gives all Christians hope. Whatever we are going through, it will all be okay one day. Whether we go in death or in Christ’s return, the believer in Jesus will be free from all the problems of this life. Won’t it be wonderful?
But even though we know the end is coming and it ma be soon soon, we do not know the day nor hour. Jesus said our job is to watch and pray. He may not come back in our lifetime, but we still need to be ready. Will you be ready when Jesus returns?
You can read some of my other articles about the return of Jesus: Ready or Not, Here He Comes, Signs of the Times, The Great Tribulation.