The Strand Study Bible

MARK MARK 13:34 a The phrase ( his work ) is speaking of the “ WORK ” He would do for us on the cross. Thus, the “ work of God ” (John 6:28-29), is to trust the “ WORK OF CHRIST ” on Calvary ( Gen 49:18 , Exo 14:13,30-31 , Psa 74:12 , Jonah 2:9 , Hab 1:5 , Mt 7:13-14 , Jn 4:14 & 5:29 & 6:28-29 , Titus 3:5 a and Heb 6:1 c ). Parable #38 is aimed at believers who fail to “stay awake spiritually” because they fail to witness . The character flaw – assuming we are not responsible to witness for Christ. We are (II Cor 5:17-21). According to Jesus, the way to “watch” is to be a witness for Him. In parable #37 (Mk 13:28-32) Jesus tells us “why” we are to make Him our only focus. In parable # 38 , however, He tells us “how” to make Him our only focus. NOTE - Making Jesus our primary focus and telling others about Him brings about three benefits: 1. It pleases God (Heb 11:6). 2. It purifies you (I Jn 3:2-3 and Jn 15:1-2) and prepares you for Heaven (I Thes 2:19, II Cor 1:14 and Phil 4:1). 3. It paves the way for others to receive salvation . If only the Gospel saves (and it does - Rom 1:16, I Cor 15:1-4 and Eph 1:13), then the proclaiming of the Gospel is the only way other people are going to experience redemption (Lk 2:36-38 and Jn 4:28-30,39). 13:34 b According to John 10:1-6, a porter is a doorkeeper and doorkeepers open the door ( CHRIST ) to the lost. 14:7 According to Jesus, poverty is a problem that will never be solved ( For ye have the poor with you always ) until He returns to set up His Millennial Kingdom (Rev 22:1-3). When Denver Moore ( Same Kind of Different As Me ), a homeless man himself for most of his life, was asked what the ultimate solution to homelessness and poverty was, he noted: God says the poor will always be with us. I don’t believe there is a solution… 1 Denver’s right. There isn’t a solution to homelessness and poverty, no matter what the United Nations, Lord Maitreya, or Oprah Winfrey might think. Jesus didn’t come to solve poverty. He came to seek and to save that which was lost (Lk 19:10), which of course includes the poor (Mt 11:1-5 and Lk 4:16-18). 14:13 Follow the people who “carry the water” (salvation – Jn 4: 4- 10 ) and you’ll always know where you’re supposed to go to partake of the Lord’s Supper. Where to partake of the Lord’s Supper is as plain as the instructions of Jesus. Just follow the people who “carry the right salvation” and you’ll always know where you’re supposed to be. 1602

1 Hall, Ron. Same Kind of Different As Me , Nashville, TN, Thomas Nelson, 2006. Print.