The Second Coming: An InterVarsity Bible Study

By Jordan Yeager

During Bible study last week, we studied Mark 13, and in this passage, the second coming was discussed. The Bible says that one day Jesus will return, and the world will come to an end, but what Jesus fails to tell us is when. The disciples ask Jesus when those prophecies will be fulfilled to help prepare for what is to come, but He doesn’t give them a direct answer.

Instead, Jesus tells them what signs to looks for when the world will come to its end, but even then, nobody truly knows what day or time it will happen. In verse 32 of Mark 13 it states, “But of that day and of that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Neither the angels nor the Son of Man know when this will happen, only the Father. And that’s okay.

Yes, it is in our nature as human beings to want to know everything, but God doesn’t want us to know everything, He just asks us to trust Him. Jesus goes on to talk about the end times and warns disciples of the things to come. He speaks of false prophets, war, earthquakes, famine and trouble which he describes as “the beginning of sorrows.” There will be persecutions, arrests, betrayal, hatred and even death; but he who endures to the end shall be saved. The disciples’ calling, however, remains the same despite all that may occur: continue to share the Gospel to everyone.

After hearing what Jesus had said, I can imagine this all could be hard to hear and understand, and maybe it’s simply confusing. The second coming seems like a giant mystery, but even when we can’t see what looms in front of us, God remains in control. Jesus concludes this passage by making a promise to the disciples, “Heaven and Earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass way” (Mark 13:31).

Jesus speaks about a new place for his followers that will bring everlasting life. He speaks of the Holy Spirit that lives inside each and every one of us. As a follower of Jesus, it is our job in the meantime to trust Him, stay alert and keep watch; one day the earth will wear thin and all the materialist things like nice houses, fancy cars, money, and power will pass away, but the one thing that gives hope is God’s salvation.

Image source: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/image/the-second-coming-a824e2d?lang=eng