The Mission: Clarity in the Chaos
Sermon by Pastor Bob Johnson / Feb 8, 2026
Text: Mark 13:10
I believe we all identify with the chaos and there is a deep desire to seek clarity. Clarity in the chaos. Did you know that Jesus and His disciples would have understood the chaos of their culture?
In fact, just a few days before His crucifixion, Jesus was with His disciples on the Mount of Olives overlooking the Kedron Valley facing the Temple Mount. It was there when Jesus spoke what is called the Olivet Discourse. This dialogue is found in Matthew 24-25, Mark 13, and Luke 21.
Mark 13:3-9 – Jesus uses the words “Take Heed” twice to His disciples.
TAKE HEED of outward chaos (Verse 5)
Jesus warns about the…
1) Chaos of (5-6)
“We live in an era where believability is often mistaken for truth.”
Then, Jesus warns about the…
2) Chaos of (7-8a)
“Our culture trains us to label people before we’ve learned to love them.”
After warning about the chaos of deception and division, Jesus arns abut the…
3) Chaos of (8b)
“Even when disaster isn’t in our neighborhood, it’s in our pocket—on our screens.”
So, Jesus says to His disciples, take heed to the outward chaos. But then He says…
TAKE HEED of Inward Compromise (Verses 9-13)
First, Jesus warned against the…
1) Compromise of (9)
“Belief slowly shifts from revelation to preference.”
Then, Jesus warned against the…
2) Compromise of (11)
“We can end up preaching a message people like instead of the message people need.”
Finally, Jesus warned against the…
3) Compromise of (12-13)
Jesus’ words speak of betrayal and misplaced loyalty. He warns His
“Our loyalties are revealed when following Jesus becomes inconvenient.”
In the middle of the two “Take Heeds” of outward chaos and inward compromise, Mark records a clarifying statement. It’s a statement that gave the disciples such clarity, that every one of them was willing to die for the mission Jesus gave them.
It is this mission that gave the disciples clarity in the chaos. It is this mission that will give you and me clarity in the chaos.
Before the end comes, the gospel must go. That is our mission!
Clarity comes because of the subject of our mission – “The Gospel”
Mark 13:10 – “And the gospel must first be published among all nations.”
1. The in the Gospel
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: (Romans 1:1-4)
And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:46-47)
2. The of the Gospel
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16)
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18)
3. The to the Gospel
- Mark 1:15 – “Repent ye, and believe the gospel.”
Clarity comes because of the action of our mission – “First Be Published (Preached)”
Mark 13:10 – “And the gospel must first be published among all nations.”
1. The Action Must Be a
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)
2. The Action Must Be a
“Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.” (Acts 8:4)
Before the end comes, the gospel must go.
3. The Action Must Be a
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Clarity comes because of the range of our mission – “Among All Nations”
Mark 13:10 – “And the gospel must first be published among all nations.”
1. The Mission Our Community
“Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.” (Mark 5:19)
2. The Mission Everyone
“Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4)
3. The Mission to All Nations
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (Matthew 24:14)
Before the end comes, the gospel must go.
Here are a few practical action steps:
Invite someone to church.
Offer to pray for someone in real time.
Start a gospel conversation.
Serve someone practically as a bridge to the message.
Write down 3 people God has placed near you.
-Pray for them by name for 7 days.
-Look for an open door to share God’s love.