Signs of Life
(Mark 13:1-8)
The world is often consumed with trying to predict the end. Wars, disasters, and global turmoil are scrutinized as signs of Christ’s imminent return. But Jesus shifts our focus away from signs of destruction. He teaches that these are not the indicators of the end but rather the “beginning of birth pangs” (Mark 13:8)—the painful labor that precedes the birth of something new.
Instead of looking for destruction, Jesus calls us to discern signs of life. The accurate marker of His Kingdom’s fulfillment isn’t death but the spread of the Gospel to the world. In Mark 13:10, Jesus reveals: “The gospel must first be preached to all the nations.” It’s not destruction but the growth of His Kingdom that heralds His return.
When Jesus foretold the destruction of the Temple, His disciples asked two questions: When will these things happen? And What will be the sign of their fulfillment? (Mark 13:4). Jesus warns them not to be deceived by false messiahs or frightened by wars and disasters. These events, He says, are inevitable but not the end (Mark 13:7).
The destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D. was a profound moment in history. As the Roman army under Titus laid siege to Jerusalem, the walls of the city crumbled, and the Temple was consumed by fire. The Jewish historian Josephus described the aftermath as desolate, with the city unrecognizable and its people scattered or enslaved.
This destruction was a death, but it wasn’t the end. It marked the transition from the old covenant, centered on the Temple, to the new covenant, centered on Jesus Christ. The Temple was no longer needed because Jesus had become the true and eternal meeting place between God and humanity. His death and resurrection had established a new order.
Discerning the True Signs: Life and Growth
Jesus teaches us that death and destruction are part of the process of renewal. Just as His death led to His resurrection, the upheaval in the world points to the birth of His Kingdom. However, the signs we are to discern are not those of death but of life.
1. The First Sign of Life: Jesus’ Resurrection.
Jesus’ resurrection is the cornerstone of the new Kingdom. It replaced the Temple with Himself, as He declared in John 2:19: “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” His resurrection also establishes His authority over all things (Matthew 28:18). It is the first and ultimate sign that the Kingdom has come.
2. The Preaching of the Gospel to All Nations.
Jesus emphasizes that the Gospel must be proclaimed to the entire world before the end comes (Mark 13:10). This is the definitive sign of the Kingdom’s advancement. As the Gospel spreads, it brings life to individuals, families, and nations, signaling the growth of Christ’s reign on earth.
3. The World’s Death for Its Rebirth.
The upheavals Jesus describes—wars, earthquakes, and famines—are not the end but the labor pains of a world being made new (Mark 13:8). The New Heavens and New Earth will emerge through a process of death and resurrection, just as Christ Himself rose from the grave.
4. The Parable of the Fig Tree.
Jesus uses the fig tree as a lesson: when its branches become tender, and leaves sprout, you know summer is near. In the same way, when we see signs of life—hearts transformed by the Gospel, communities renewed by God’s Word—we know the Kingdom is at hand (Mark 13:28-29).
The early Church provides a powerful example of discerning signs of life. While the Roman Empire sought power through conquest, the Kingdom of God grew quietly but persistently. The Gospel spread from the homes of slaves to the halls of emperors, overcoming persecution and adversity. By the 3rd century, Christianity had permeated the empire, and the once-mighty Rome would bow its knee to King Jesus.
This Kingdom continues to grow today. It thrives in homes, churches, and even the earth's most remote corners. Every heart changed by the Gospel is a sign of life, a marker of the Kingdom advancing. As we await Christ’s return, we are called to discern these signs of life.
As we witness the growth of His Kingdom, let us be encouraged, courageous, and active in our faith. The King is coming, and His Kingdom is alive and growing. If you want to know when Jesus will return, discern the signs of life, not signs of death.
Peace be with you!
Pastor Bruce
