The Bible Recap – Day 310 (Mark 13) – Year 7

Host: Tara-Leigh Cobble
Episode Date: November 6, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Tara-Leigh Cobble unpacks Mark 13, focusing on Jesus' prophetic teaching about the destruction of the Temple and the end times. With her signature clarity and warmth, she helps listeners distinguish between information and instruction in Jesus’ words, explores varying interpretations of key prophecies, and encourages believers to stay focused on the gospel amidst trials and uncertainty.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Understanding the Context (00:03–01:10)

• Tara-Leigh encourages listeners to consider context by asking:
  • Who is this message for?
  • Is it informational (about what God will do) or instructional (about what we should do)?
• This lens helps clarify confusing passages:

  “If he’s telling us what God is going to do, it’s information. If he’s telling us something we’re supposed to do, it’s instruction.” (00:16–00:22)

Jesus' Temple Prophecy (01:11–02:35)

• One of Jesus’ disciples marvels at the Temple’s grandeur, but Jesus foretells its destruction.
• Contextual note: The largest stone in the Temple weighed 570 tons (over a million pounds).
  • “If you were with us in the Old Testament, you probably remember what a challenge it was to get this temple rebuilt... And now Jesus says God’s going to make it unhappen.” (01:37–01:55)
• Jesus’ prophecy fulfilled: Less than 40 years later, Rome destroys the Temple, as a judgment on Israel for rejecting Jesus (cf. Luke 19).
  • Tara-Leigh clarifies: Both the Roman response to Jewish revolt and Israel's spiritual rejection factor into this judgment.

Clarifying Two "Temple" Prophecies (02:36–03:05)

• Reference to John 2:19—Jesus predicts His resurrection by comparing His body to the temple (“destroy this temple and I will raise it again in three days”).
• Tara-Leigh draws a distinction between prophecy about the literal Temple and the metaphorical one (Jesus’ body).

Signs, Not Timelines: Jesus' End-Times Teaching (03:06–04:10)

• Jesus' disciples ask for signs and timing.
• He gives more information about signs, but not specific timing.
  • “He spends more time on the part of their question that deals with the signs, but never gives them a straight answer about the time. That’s important to note.” (03:19–03:28)
• Jesus warns that disasters and turmoil are just “the beginning of the birth pains.” (cf. Mark 13:7, 13)

“Abomination of Desolation”: Past or Future? (04:11–05:15)

• Scholars disagree:
  • Many say this refers to Rome’s destruction of Jerusalem (past).
  • Others point to a still-future event before God unites heaven and earth.
  • “If you’re in the camp of ‘this already happened,’ then this text probably doesn’t alarm you… But if you’re in the camp of ‘this is still yet to come’ and you find that scary, then here are a few things I want to point to in this text that will hopefully give you some peace.” (04:45–05:00)

Jesus’ Instructions for His Followers (05:16–06:13)

• For the disciples (and/or for us, depending on interpretation), Jesus says:
  • Don’t believe false messiahs
  • Don’t be afraid of wars or rumors
  • Expect persecutions, but God will give you words
  • You’ll be hated and beaten, but ultimately saved
• Regardless of the timing debate, Jesus urges:
  • “Do not be alarmed.” (Mark 13:7)
  • “Do not be anxious.” (Mark 13:11)
  • Focus on the gospel mission even during hard times.

The Gospel Mission Continues (06:14–07:25)

• The main assignment:

  “Your priority is to talk about the good news of Jesus... He’s the one who does the preserving.” (06:25–06:35)

• Jesus says to “stay awake and stay focused on the main thing”—don’t be lulled into complacency or distraction.
• Reference to Matthew 24:14: The gospel will go to all nations before the end.
• Whenever we long for Jesus’ return, remember:

  “Our cry, ‘Come, Lord Jesus’ meets its match in our call, ‘Go share Jesus.’” (06:57–07:03)

• “Our relationship with God is personal, but it’s never supposed to be private, because... Jesus says the gospel must go everywhere, and we’re the ones who have it to share.” (07:10–07:20)

God’s Protection of His People – “My God Shot” (07:26–08:45)

• Jesus says God's chosen (the elect) will endure hard times, but God will protect them from eternal harm.
• Notable quote:

  “It’s impossible to lead the elect away from the faith, because remember, nothing can snatch you out of his hand.” (07:44–07:50)

• Jesus echoes this encouragement—He’s building something that will outlast every trial or attack.
  • “He says, you’ll see opposition and even death. But this thing I’m building, you’re a part of it, and it’s going to outlast all this.” (08:27–08:35)
• Take heart: “I’m so glad we’re a part of an unstoppable kingdom. But I’m even more glad that He’s our king. He’s where the joy is.” (08:38–08:45)

Memorable Quotes

• On discerning information vs. instruction:

  “If he’s telling us what God is going to do, it’s information. If he’s telling us something we’re supposed to do, it’s instruction.” (00:16–00:22)

• On prophecy fulfillment:

  “Jesus says God’s going to make it unhappen... Rome fulfills that prophecy.” (01:54–01:58)

• On gospel mission:

  “Our cry, ‘Come, Lord Jesus’ meets its match in our call, ‘Go share Jesus.’” (06:57–07:03)

• On assurance of faith:

  “It’s impossible to lead the elect away from the faith, because remember, nothing can snatch you out of his hand.” (07:44–07:50)

• On perseverance:

  “He’s where the joy is.” (08:45)

Important Timestamps

• 00:02–01:10: Setting up the context and the importance of differentiating information vs. instruction
• 01:11–02:35: Jesus predicts the Temple’s destruction—historical and theological context
• 03:06–04:10: Jesus responds to the disciples’ questions about signs and timing
• 04:11–05:15: Abomination of desolation—past or future?
• 05:16–06:13: Instructions from Jesus to his followers
• 06:14–07:25: End-times mission—share the gospel everywhere
• 07:26–08:45: God’s protection and encouragement for His chosen

Final Thoughts

Tara-Leigh Cobble’s episode guides listeners through one of Jesus’ most challenging teachings with practical wisdom, historical insight, and a heart for gospel mission. She reminds us that whether facing the past or anticipating the future, our hope and calling remain—to trust God’s protection, focus on sharing Jesus, and remember that “He’s where the joy is.”