Pray: "Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law."

1. 1

   What do you learn about God (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways, or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

2. 2

   NOTE: Chapter 13 is called the Olivet Discourse. On the Mt. of Olives, Jesus taught His disciples about the future events to come, not only in their lifetime, but also at the end of the age. The disciples would face persecution and be killed after Christ's ascension to heaven. The temple would be destroyed, and the Romans would defile the temple. He wants them to be ready and trust in God for when these things happen. Second, Jesus described future events that will precede His second coming. Since the time of the disciples, persecution has been committed against Christians, but in the Tribulation years to come it will be much more severe than it has ever been. Jesus' warnings and calls to be on the alert are for us as well as the disciples of His time.

3. 3

   According to verses 1-2, what did Jesus say would happen to the temple? Note: In 70 A.D., this was fulfilled when the Romans destroyed the temple.

4. 4

   In verses 3-6, Jesus warns the disciples not to be led astray. How might people be led astray? In verses 7-8, what will be the beginning of birth pains for the end of days? How are we to view these signs? Note: verses 3-13 describe the first half of the Tribulation.

5. 5

   In verses 9-13, Jesus exhorts them to be on guard. Why do they need to be on guard? What will happen to them? How might they be treated by close family?

6. 6

   In verses 14-23, the second half of the tribulation. What does this second half begin with? When this is seen, what must the people do? What kind of tribulation is coming in the future? What are we not to believe? What will happen to lead astray, if possible, even the elect? How are we to respond right now?

7. 7

   In verses 24-27, what will happen at the end of the 7-year tribulation, right before Christ's return? Christ's first appearance on earth was as a servant and sacrifice for mankind. How will His second coming be different? Who will He gather?

8. 8

   In verses 28-36, what will not pass away? If someone predicts the day of Christ's return, how would this section refute their prediction?

9. 9

   Ponder: Over and over in this chapter we see the phrases: don't be led astray, be on guard, stay awake! While you may not fully grasp the timeline of end-time events, what does it look like for us to be awake? His return could be any day! First, He said, "Do not be led astray." If there are going to be people who are false teachers and who attempt to lead astray believers, then what can we do to not be led astray? Well, you're doing it! Know the Word! Keep learning, digging in, and false teaching will begin to be like red flags that pop up in your head. Secondly, stay alert. Live each day as if Christ were coming back any minute. How would this impact your life? Your interactions with others? Your prayer life? How does this lead you to pray?