Embracing the New Covenant: God's Presence Within Us
Summary
In Mark 13:1-9, we find Jesus and His disciples leaving the temple, a magnificent structure that one of the disciples admires. Jesus, however, uses this moment to deliver a profound teaching: the temple will be destroyed, and not one stone will be left upon another. This declaration shocks the disciples, akin to hearing devastating news from a loved one. They are deeply unsettled, prompting them to seek further understanding from Jesus. As they sit on the Mount of Olives, overlooking the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew privately ask Jesus about the timing and signs of these events.
Jesus warns them about false prophets and the turmoil that will precede the end times, emphasizing that these are merely the beginning of birth pains. He urges them to remain vigilant and not be led astray. This passage is a reminder that while the physical temple will be destroyed, a new spiritual reality is being established. Jesus is preparing His followers for a time when God's presence will no longer be confined to a building but will dwell within them.
The destruction of the temple symbolizes the end of the old covenant and the beginning of a new era where believers become the temple of the Holy Spirit. Jesus' words assure us that despite the chaos and destruction in the world, God's plan is unfolding, and His words will never pass away. This teaching challenges us to focus not on external religious structures but on our relationship with God, who is our refuge and strength.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Transience of Earthly Structures: Jesus' prophecy about the temple's destruction reminds us that physical structures, no matter how grand, are temporary. Our faith should not be anchored in buildings or traditions but in the eternal truth of God's Word. This calls us to focus on the spiritual temple within us, where God's presence resides. [02:38]
2. Vigilance Against Deception: Jesus warns of false prophets and the chaos that will precede His return. This serves as a call to remain vigilant and discerning, rooted in the truth of Scripture. Our spiritual journey requires constant awareness and reliance on God's guidance to navigate the challenges of the world. [06:37]
3. The New Covenant Reality: The destruction of the temple signifies the end of the old covenant and the establishment of a new relationship with God through Jesus. We are now the temple of the Holy Spirit, called to live in a way that reflects God's presence within us. This transformation invites us to embrace a life of surrender and obedience to God's will. [17:08]
4. Understanding God's Plan: Jesus provides a glimpse into the future to prevent fear and confusion. By understanding God's plan, we can face uncertainties with confidence, knowing that nothing surprises God. This assurance allows us to live with hope and purpose, trusting in God's sovereignty over all things. [22:43]
5. The Essence of True Faith: The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector illustrates the difference between self-righteousness and genuine faith. True faith acknowledges our dependence on God's grace and mercy, rather than our own efforts. This humility and trust in Jesus' sacrifice is the foundation of our salvation and relationship with God. [31:43]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:38] - Jesus Predicts the Temple's Destruction
- [06:37] - Warning Against Deception
- [14:11] - The Magnitude of Herod's Temple
- [17:08] - The New Covenant and Spiritual Temple
- [22:43] - The Disciples' Question
- [28:06] - God's Judgment on Unbelief
- [31:43] - The Parable of True Faith
- [34:32] - Understanding the Bigger Picture
- [37:28] - Are You Ready for Jesus' Return?
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Mark 13:1-9
Observation Questions:
1. What was the disciples' initial reaction to Jesus' prophecy about the temple's destruction, and why did it shock them so deeply? [02:38]
2. How does Jesus describe the events that will precede the end times, and what does He emphasize about these events? [06:37]
3. What does Jesus warn His disciples about concerning false prophets and deception? [06:37]
4. How does Jesus' prophecy about the temple relate to the concept of the new covenant and the spiritual temple? [17:08]
Interpretation Questions:
1. What does the destruction of the temple symbolize in terms of the old covenant and the new spiritual reality Jesus is establishing? [17:08]
2. How does Jesus' warning about false prophets and deception apply to the modern-day church and believers? [06:37]
3. In what ways does the prophecy of the temple's destruction challenge believers to focus on their relationship with God rather than external religious structures? [22:43]
4. How does understanding God's plan for the future provide believers with confidence and hope amidst chaos and uncertainty? [22:43]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the transience of earthly structures. Are there any traditions or physical structures in your life that you have placed too much faith in? How can you shift your focus to the eternal truth of God's Word? [02:38]
2. Jesus warns against deception. What are some practical steps you can take to remain vigilant and discerning in your spiritual journey? [06:37]
3. The new covenant reality means believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit. How can you live in a way that reflects God's presence within you? What changes might you need to make? [17:08]
4. Understanding God's plan helps prevent fear and confusion. How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty in your daily life? [22:43]
5. The essence of true faith is humility and dependence on God's grace. In what areas of your life do you struggle with self-righteousness, and how can you practice humility and trust in Jesus' sacrifice? [31:43]
6. Consider the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. How can you ensure that your faith is genuine and not based on self-righteousness? [31:43]
7. Are you ready for Jesus' return? What steps can you take to prepare your heart and life for His second coming? [37:28]
Devotional
Day 1: The Impermanence of Earthly Grandeur
In Mark 13:1-9, Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple, a symbol of religious and cultural pride. This prophecy serves as a stark reminder that physical structures, no matter how magnificent, are temporary. Jesus challenges His followers to shift their focus from the external to the internal, from the transient to the eternal. The temple's destruction symbolizes the end of the old covenant and the beginning of a new spiritual reality where God's presence dwells within believers. This calls us to examine where our faith is anchored and to prioritize our relationship with God over material or traditional structures. [02:38]
Haggai 2:6-7 (ESV): "For thus says the Lord of hosts: Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of hosts."
Reflection: What physical or material structures in your life are you relying on for security or identity? How can you begin to shift your focus to the eternal truth of God's presence within you today?
Day 2: Guarding Against Spiritual Deception
Jesus warns His disciples about false prophets and the chaos that will precede His return. This serves as a call to remain vigilant and discerning, rooted in the truth of Scripture. In a world filled with conflicting messages and ideologies, it is crucial to rely on God's guidance to navigate the challenges we face. Jesus emphasizes the importance of spiritual awareness and the need to be anchored in His teachings to avoid being led astray. This vigilance is not just about avoiding deception but also about actively seeking God's truth in our daily lives. [06:37]
2 Peter 2:1-2 (ESV): "But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel most susceptible to deception or false teachings? How can you strengthen your understanding of Scripture to guard against these influences?
Day 3: Embracing the New Covenant
The destruction of the temple signifies the end of the old covenant and the establishment of a new relationship with God through Jesus. Believers are now the temple of the Holy Spirit, called to live in a way that reflects God's presence within them. This transformation invites us to embrace a life of surrender and obedience to God's will. It challenges us to move beyond ritualistic practices and to cultivate a genuine, personal relationship with God. As we live out this new covenant reality, we are called to embody the love, grace, and truth of Jesus in our interactions with others. [17:08]
Jeremiah 31:33 (ESV): "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people."
Reflection: How does knowing that you are the temple of the Holy Spirit change the way you live your daily life? What specific actions can you take to reflect God's presence within you to those around you?
Day 4: Trusting in God's Sovereign Plan
Jesus provides a glimpse into the future to prevent fear and confusion among His followers. By understanding God's plan, we can face uncertainties with confidence, knowing that nothing surprises God. This assurance allows us to live with hope and purpose, trusting in God's sovereignty over all things. In times of chaos and uncertainty, it is essential to remember that God's plan is unfolding, and His words will never pass away. This perspective helps us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when the world around us seems unstable. [22:43]
Isaiah 46:9-10 (ESV): "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'"
Reflection: What current uncertainties or challenges are you facing that require you to trust in God's sovereign plan? How can you remind yourself of God's faithfulness and sovereignty in these situations?
Day 5: The Heart of True Faith
The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector illustrates the difference between self-righteousness and genuine faith. True faith acknowledges our dependence on God's grace and mercy, rather than our own efforts. This humility and trust in Jesus' sacrifice is the foundation of our salvation and relationship with God. It challenges us to examine our hearts and motivations, ensuring that our faith is rooted in a genuine desire to know and follow God. As we cultivate this authentic faith, we are called to extend grace and mercy to others, reflecting the love of Christ in our interactions. [31:43]
Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Reflection: In what ways do you find yourself relying on your own efforts rather than God's grace? How can you cultivate a heart of humility and dependence on God in your daily walk of faith?
Quotes
"And Jesus said to him, do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down. Time out. All right, everybody. The disciples heard that, and that rattled them. That shook them to their core. That'd be like the person you love most in the world looking at you and saying, hey, I'm going to die tomorrow, and meaning it. Like that, it just gutted everything in them. It just, it did something. It shocked them. When Jesus said this to them, they were alarmed. There was no happy little, oh, that's nice, Jesus, and moving along, right? This was something that really they needed to come back to." [00:00:55] (44 seconds)
"And Jesus began to say to them, see that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name saying, I am he. And they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. You catch that? For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places and there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains. Verse 9, but be on your guard." [00:02:20] (41 seconds)
"Jesus has given us a picture of things to come. Now, let me ask a question before we get any further into the text here. In your lifetime, did anyone ever give you, like, a piece of information that was accurate, but because you didn't know the whole story, it didn't really set well with you? Like, you knew a little bit of information, but then you're like, but what's—something's coming, but I don't know what it is, and I don't like it. And it caused your agita to spike a little bit. You northern folks, that was for you, you know, or whatever that looks like. Something just didn't set well with you." [00:04:35] (32 seconds)
"So this picture that Jesus is giving us today is one to keep something like that from happening but on an important level. So he gives us this picture of the temple being destroyed but then he says hey this is a much bigger part of a grand picture and I am going to give you instruction today so that you don't let your head go to a bad place so that you know what's gonna happen so that you don't walk with trepidation and fear but you have a confidence in knowing what's coming because you know the story before it unfolds you see where we're going today this is what Jesus is doing here all right he's instructing the disciples then he's instructing us now on what's to come and how to live before it gets here what's the it we're talking about when Jesus comes back for a second time and he's telling us lots of people are going to claim to be me they're going to try to deceive you don't you dare believe them some of them are going to work miracles but guess what I've already come and I'm not coming a second time working a bunch of miracles when I show up it's oh do do do do do do do it's over right like he's saying don't be deceived he's making this very very clear for us today and he says don't forget what I have to say because it's always going to be true Jesus said it best in just a few verses from what we're going to read here the end" [00:09:29] (89 seconds)
"In fact, David said something similar to the words of God never passing away. He said this in Psalms. He says, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear that the earth gives way, that the mountains be moved and cast into the heart of the sea. In other words, the end's coming, we're still holding on to our rock that is Christ Jesus. So Jesus, what he's saying is that problems and unrest are going to unsettle the world, but they do not unsettle God, that this is all a part of the plan. There's nothing that's going to happen that is going to catch God by surprise. He's not going to be like, well, I didn't see that coming. Wow." [00:11:54] (41 seconds)
"And so this disciple makes this little observation about how amazing this structure is. Yeah, I'd agree. But then Jesus looks at that and says, This is an opening for me to teach here and to say something really important. So what does he teach? He teaches that the whole temple is going to be destroyed. Like, what? Not the response that you would have expected, but that's what Jesus says. In verse 2, it says, And Jesus said to him, Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down." [00:14:39] (36 seconds)
"And if you know your history, and you might, you know that about 40 years or so after Jesus made that statement, that very thing happened. That Rome sent an army 60 ,000 strong to come in and sack the city of Jerusalem. It was one of the most horrible massacres in history, and the Romans were angry. I can't get into all the reasons. The history is compelling about this. But obviously, the Jewish people did not want to be ruled by anybody. They said, we're ruled by God, not by you. And they barricaded themselves in the city of Jerusalem. They sent out skirmishes, fighting against, taunting and killing Roman soldiers, and they'd run back and hide inside and barricade inside the walls. They sacked legions. There were legions that were moving, and portions of those troops had troop movement where they had supplies. And the Jewish the Jewish soldiers would sack those supply lines, steal their weapons. And that's how they held up for so long. Again, I got to move on. But the Romans did not like them." [00:15:15] (66 seconds)
"No longer is the presence of God going to reside in a building that was built with human hands. But you, my creation that I made, Jesus says, will be the home for the presence of God. See, this is what Paul was teaching. Luke records this for us in Acts 17 when Paul talks about how, listen, temples made with human hands are not houses for God or little idols that are made with human hands. They are not gods. He said this, Acts 17 24, the God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man. Nor is he served by human hands as though he needed anything." [00:18:17] (46 seconds)
"As unbelievable as every stone of the temple being pulled apart is, as enormous as that idea could be in the physical, the spiritual implications are even bigger. What Jesus is saying is everything is going to change now. We're doing away with this whole system of bringing an unblemished animal as a sacrifice once a year to cover your sins. Because that's what they did. They would sin. They'd come to the temple. They'd offer a sacrifice for the sins. Their sins would be forgiven. They'd go home. They'd sin. They'd come back to the temple, do the same thing, offer a sacrifice for them, for their family. Each and every year, this is just what they did. And Jesus is saying, listen, that system doesn't work anymore. It's obsolete. We are done with that. You saw what the temple became." [00:19:17] (49 seconds)
"Maybe you're one of those that say, well, yeah, I'm going to go to church to meet with God. No, friends, that is not the gospel. His spirit lives within you. See, Jesus did away with a set location to meet with God. He is just as present when you're growing. Thank you. are sitting in your house by yourself that he is in St. Peter's Square. Like he is everywhere all the time, always with you wherever you are. You are the temple of the Holy Spirit. And you might say, well, Nate, that seems like a small thing to think I go to church to meet with God. This is big. And this is why." [00:30:10] (35 seconds)
"It's not you go to a place to receive God's acceptance. No, God came to you to redeem you from your sin. And it is only because of Jesus. So anytime we think we've got to do this external thing to connect with God, that is not the gospel. Christ has come to us to make all things new. And it reminds us that we would be utterly lost without him, that there's nothing that we could do to save ourselves, nothing that we could do to earn God's favor or acceptance. It's only because it is given by Almighty God. The Pharisees and the scribes and unbelieving Israel forgot this." [00:30:45] (37 seconds)
"Are you ready to answer that question? Are you ready? Because you can be. You see, the Bible says in Romans 10, 9, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, that you will be saved. You will be saved." [00:37:28] (18 seconds)
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