Sabbath: The Last Days
Daily Lesson for Sabbath 31st of August 2024
Image © Pacific Press
Read for This Week’s Study: Mark 12:41-44, Mark 13:1-32, Daniel 9:24-27, Daniel 7:25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
Memory Text:
“ ‘Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then He will send His angels, and gather His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven’ ” (Mark 13:26-27, NKJV).
This week’s lesson starts with a very brief story at the end of Mark 12:1-44, where Jesus makes a profound statement about a small act by a widow. The main portion of this week’s lesson, however, deals with Mark 13:1-37, a striking prophecy about the fate of the Jerusalem temple and more. This chapter, along with its parallels in Matthew 24:1-51 and Luke 21:1-38, tell about the fall of Jerusalem and beyond, even to the end of the world.
What Mark 13:1-37 makes quite clear is that the prophecy goes from the time of the prophet, Jesus, to the time of the end, His second coming. This pattern follows what is known as “the historicist interpretation of end-time prophecy,” as opposed to the attempt to put these prophecies in the past or way off into the future.
Like many teachings of Jesus in Mark, the Lord’s instruction is in response to a question or a misunderstanding by His disciples. These questions or misunderstandings give Jesus the opportunity to teach truths vital to Christian life and experience. Jesus not only predicts the future but also instructs His disciples both then and now in how to prepare for the coming trials.
*Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, September 7.
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We will spend one day studying the two-cent story, and the rest of the week exploring the big "end-time" theme. But sometimes, the size of the lesson can be deceiving. If we miss the lesson of the little story, we may not be prepared for the end-time.
Just something to hold in the hollow of you head as we study together this week!
From a widow's faith, to the faith needed for these last days. This week's lesson study packs lessons we need to grasp if we expect to safely navigate the challenging times that we live in. Little things mean a lot.
The concept of “the last days” runs through the entire Bible, starting from the Old Testament to the end of the New Testament. This is a period when God will make decisive actions to bring the human history to an end and fulfil the promise of establishing his eternal kingdom. This period will be characterized by the return of the Messiah, the ultimate judgment and the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom.
The concept of "the last days" underscores the urgency of living faithfully, recognizing that history is moving toward the fulfilment of God’s redemptive plan. Among many other things, “the last days” is reflected as a time period characterised by moral and spiritual decadence including widespread sin and apostasy. For instance, 2 Timothy 3:1-5.
Understanding this time period referred as “the last days” is very critical to believers. This will motivate us to live our lives with a purpose knowing that we will be held accountable for our actions and deeds. Secondly, it is good news. It gives hope that this period will culminate in Christ’s return. This hope will sustain us through all sorts of trials, encouraging us to persevere, knowing that God’s ultimate victory is assured (Titus 2:13).
Little things mean so much.
Happy new week.
Mark 12:41-44 – v.43”...Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; ...,her whole livelihood.”
Mark 13:9-11 – v.9 ”… You will be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them.”
Salvation by Grace through Faith is such a radical concept, that everyone associated with the Faith of Jesus Christ was/is in need to step away from what used to be the norm in order to make room for the Holy Spirit of God’s New Covenant.
I see the poor widow demonstrating that she is wholeheartedly living her life by faith in her benevolent God. The apostles still needed to learn to trust their Teacher that the Truth they learned from Him would prepare them to live their life in the ‘kingdom of God’ established by His Word and prompted to the heart by the Holy Spirit. Faith in the Word of God would equip them for the time when they would stand before rulers and kings – “for a testimony to them.”
Hardships, trials, and tribulation should be seen as an opportunity to testify to the Power of the Word of God through Jesus Christ to save man from hopelessness and destruction. If we look at life from this perspective, we just might have ample opportunities as Christ's ambassadors to speak His Truth to all we come in contact with.
The widow gave everything she got. The widows faithfulness shows her love for God. That even if she gives everything she has God will give her back double. The little things she gave means a lot to God. Same as our Lord Jesus Christ he left all in heaven for the love he has for his people. Blessings to you all for this new week
The widow gives everything she has to God with no entitlement that she deserves something in return from God , her love for God guides her . It serves as a wake-up call to us. Can we trust God enough to give Him all we have with pure hearts and no doubts? . Lovely week ahead.