Lectionary Year B
December 1, 2002
Mark 13:24-37

Step II: Disposition
A. Genre

(JFC) These paragraphs record part of Jesus' warning the disciples, re: the disasters coming preceding the Parousia. He quotes Scripture, He pictures graphic scenes, He paints figures unimaginably complete with small portraits within the large panorama, He tells two parables, He reiterates how the timing of the Parousia is unknown and He repeatedly He calls them to alertness, awaken-ness and watch-keeping.

B. Personal Interaction

(JFC) We have to wonder what the "it" (NET translates it "he") that is expected to be "near, right at the door" involves. "It" has got to be more than the "summer" mentioned just above. And, did Jesus really reinforce the readers'/hearers' expectation of an imminent Second Coming? And, does He really expect them to stay alert/awake always, even through all their night times? Surely He knows humans need their/our rest.

C. Organization

(JFC) The "it" expected is in verse 29. The "summer" is used, symbolically (but, of what?) in verse 28. The imminent return reinforced occurs in the 30th verse. The call to constant awaken-ness comes in the parable in the 35th verse.



| Return to Gospel text listings | Return to Epistle text listings |
| Return to Old Testament listings | Return to Psalm listings |
| User response form |