2/6/10 Mark 13
False Christs
Here is the Mark’s account of Jesus teaching known as the Olivet Discourse. This simply means that Jesus delivered this teaching on the Mt. of Olives which is just outside the old city of Jerusalem. Again, this chapter and Matthew 24 and Luke 21 have many different interpretations because of reasons that I states on 1/21/10 when the daily reading took us through Matthew 24.
We typically do not here of people claiming to be the Christ, but Mark 13:21-22 tells us there will be and false prophets. Two weeks ago as I was reading TIME magazine waiting for an appointment, I was surprised by a short series of quotes where a man in Europe claims to be the Christ. Much of the world is poised to receive a false Christ, and there are many individuals that would love to have that acclaim, but we can take encouragement from Mark 13:21-23 and know that the true Christ has told us to be careful, because he has told us in advance that this will happen.
We also can know from this passage that when the true Christ returns it will be unmistakable. (Mk 13:26)
Prayer: Father guide me in all truth. Although there are many things that I do not understand, I pray, that I will live by the things that I do understand. I pray that the Lord Jesus will come soon, but if your will is further delay, give me the grace that I know and understand more truth so I may become like Him. In Jesus Name. Amen.