The following discussion questions have been prepared to accompany the sermon on July 21, “The Cross and the End Times” (Mark 13:1–37). The questions can be used for discussion in small groups or for personal reflection.

Main Point: We must not be asleep and miss the Lord’s coming.

Discussion Questions

• This first question is a more general question: How does Mark 13 set the stage for Mark 14–16? How does that have an impact on how we read it?
• As a way to dig deeper into question #1, how would you specifically explain the connection between Mark 13:32–37 and Mark 14:34–41?
• As another way to dig deeper into question #1, how does the time frame in Mark 13 for the coming of the Lord and the warning to stay awake help us read Mark 14–16? Where do we see terms like (1) evening, (2) when the rooster crows, or (3) morning? 
• What does the term “eschatology” mean? When do the end times begin?
• What does it mean that the presence of the future has broken into the present evil age? What does it look like for people to be awake to these realities personally?

Application Questions

• How have you responded to the cross and the resurrection of Christ? Are you awake to these realities? If you are not totally asleep to the Lord’s coming, then in what ways do you sometimes find yourself drowsy or sleepy to the reality of Christ’s coming?
• What are some ways that you can see evidence of a pattern of pursuing the things above and a pattern of putting to death what is earthly in you? (See Colossians 3.)
• What are some specific sin patterns that you urgently need put to death? Solicit prayer for killing those sins this very week.

Prayer Focus
Are you awake to the coming of Christ? Are you raised with him? Pray for a grace to put to death earthly things and set your mind on things above!