And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!
And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,
Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?
And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you:
For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet.
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.
And the gospel must first be published among all nations.
But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.
Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judea flee to the mountains:
And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house:
And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.
But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.
For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.
And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.
And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:
For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.
But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.
But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,
And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.
And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.
Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:
So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.
Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.
Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.
Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:
Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.
Mark 13, often called the "Olivet Discourse," is a crucial passage where Jesus unveils future events to His disciples. Situated on the Mount of Olives, overlooking the magnificent temple, Jesus' words address both the immediate future and the distant end times, offering insights that continue to resonate with believers today. This chapter is particularly relevant for understanding the signs of the times and how believers should live in anticipation of Christ's return. Keywords: Mark 13.
The Temple's Fate Foretold (Mark 13:1-2)
As Jesus and His disciples departed from the temple, they were awestruck by its grandeur (Mark 13:1). The temple, a symbol of Jewish national pride and religious identity, stood as a testament to human craftsmanship and devotion. However, Jesus delivered a startling prophecy: "Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down" (Mark 13:2). This prophecy was fulfilled in AD 70 when the Roman army, under Titus, besieged and destroyed Jerusalem, including the temple. This event marked a significant turning point, signifying the end of the old covenant system centered around the temple and paving the way for the expansion of the gospel to all nations.
Questions on the Mount of Olives (Mark 13:3-4)
Later, seated on the Mount of Olives with a panoramic view of the temple, the disciples Peter, James, John, and Andrew sought clarification. They inquired, "Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?" (Mark 13:4). Their questions reflect a desire to understand the timing and the indicators of these monumental events. They linked the destruction of the temple with the end of the age and the establishment of the messianic kingdom, failing to grasp the interval between these events. Jesus' response, known as the Olivet Discourse, provides a detailed account of the signs and events leading up to His return.
The Beginning of Sorrows (Mark 13:5-8)
Jesus began by cautioning His disciples against deception: "See that no one leads you astray" (Mark 13:5). He warned that many would come in His name, claiming to be the Messiah and leading many astray (Mark 13:6). He also foretold of wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, and famines (Mark 13:7-8). These events, though alarming, were not to be mistaken as the immediate sign of the end. Rather, Jesus described them as "the beginning of birth pains" (Mark 13:8). This analogy, drawn from the experience of childbirth, suggests that these events are the initial stages of a more intense period of tribulation, leading to the ultimate arrival of the Kingdom of God. The prophets often used the imagery of labor pains to symbolize God's judgment, highlighting the sorrow and pain that precedes a new era.
Persecution and Witness (Mark 13:9-13)
Jesus then shifted the focus to the personal experiences of His followers. He warned them of persecution: "But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them" (Mark 13:9). Despite the trials they would face, Jesus assured them that these experiences would serve as opportunities to bear witness to the gospel. He promised the Holy Spirit would empower them to speak with wisdom and courage (Mark 13:11). Even within families, betrayal and hatred would arise (Mark 13:12). However, Jesus emphasized the importance of perseverance: "But the one who endures to the end will be saved" (Mark 13:13). This endurance refers not only to spiritual salvation but also to preservation through the tribulation, ultimately leading to participation in the millennial kingdom.
The Abomination of Desolation (Mark 13:14-20)
A pivotal event in the Olivet Discourse is the "abomination of desolation" (Mark 13:14), a term borrowed from the book of Daniel (Daniel 9:27). This refers to a future desecration of the temple, likely involving the Antichrist setting himself up as an object of worship. Jesus urged those in Judea to flee to the mountains, emphasizing the urgency and severity of the situation (Mark 13:14-16). He described this time as a period of unparalleled tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of creation until now, and never will be (Mark 13:19). Had God not intervened to shorten those days, no one would survive (Mark 13:20). This intervention underscores God's sovereignty and His commitment to preserving His elect.
False Christs and Deception (Mark 13:21-23)
Jesus reiterated the warning against deception, highlighting the proliferation of false Christs and false prophets who would perform signs and wonders to lead people astray (Mark 13:21-22). He cautioned believers to be vigilant and discerning, emphasizing that He had forewarned them of these dangers (Mark 13:23). This underscores the importance of sound doctrine and a reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance in navigating the complexities of the end times.
The Coming of the Son of Man (Mark 13:24-27)
The discourse culminates in the glorious return of Jesus Christ. He described cosmic disturbances: "But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken" (Mark 13:24-25). These signs will herald the arrival of the Son of Man in the clouds with great power and glory (Mark 13:26), fulfilling the prophecy in Daniel (Daniel 7:13-14). He will then send His angels to gather His elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven (Mark 13:27). This gathering signifies the culmination of God's redemptive plan and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.
The Parable of the Fig Tree (Mark 13:28-32)
To illustrate the nearness of these events, Jesus shared the parable of the fig tree (Mark 13:28-29). Just as the budding of a fig tree signals the approach of summer, so too will the signs Jesus described indicate that His return is near, "at the very gates" (Mark 13:29). He affirmed the certainty of His words: "Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away" (Mark 13:30-31). While the exact timing remains unknown—"But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Mark 13:32)—believers can be assured that His prophecies will be fulfilled.
Watchfulness and Readiness (Mark 13:33-37)
In light of the uncertainty surrounding the timing of these events, Jesus exhorted His followers to be watchful and alert: "Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come" (Mark 13:33). He likened the situation to a master who goes on a journey, leaving his servants in charge and instructing them to keep watch (Mark 13:34). Believers, therefore, must remain vigilant and prepared for Christ's return, living in a state of constant readiness (Mark 13:35-36). The call to "be alert" (Mark 13:37) serves as a timeless reminder for all believers to live in anticipation of Christ's imminent return.
Mark 13 provides essential guidance for understanding the end times. While interpretations of specific prophecies may vary, the overarching message is clear: be watchful, be discerning, and be faithful, for the Lord is coming soon.
And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!
And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,
Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?
And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you:
For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet.
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.
And the gospel must first be published among all nations.
But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.
Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judea flee to the mountains:
And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house:
And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.
But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.
For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.
And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.
And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:
For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.
But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.
But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,
And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.
And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.
Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:
So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.
Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.
Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.
Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:
Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.
Mark 13, often called the "Olivet Discourse," is a crucial passage where Jesus unveils future events to His disciples. Situated on the Mount of Olives, overlooking the magnificent temple, Jesus' words address both the immediate future and the distant end times, offering insights that continue to resonate with believers today. This chapter is particularly relevant for understanding the signs of the times and how believers should live in anticipation of Christ's return. Keywords: Mark 13.
The Temple's Fate Foretold (Mark 13:1-2)
As Jesus and His disciples departed from the temple, they were awestruck by its grandeur (Mark 13:1). The temple, a symbol of Jewish national pride and religious identity, stood as a testament to human craftsmanship and devotion. However, Jesus delivered a startling prophecy: "Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down" (Mark 13:2). This prophecy was fulfilled in AD 70 when the Roman army, under Titus, besieged and destroyed Jerusalem, including the temple. This event marked a significant turning point, signifying the end of the old covenant system centered around the temple and paving the way for the expansion of the gospel to all nations.
Questions on the Mount of Olives (Mark 13:3-4)
Later, seated on the Mount of Olives with a panoramic view of the temple, the disciples Peter, James, John, and Andrew sought clarification. They inquired, "Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?" (Mark 13:4). Their questions reflect a desire to understand the timing and the indicators of these monumental events. They linked the destruction of the temple with the end of the age and the establishment of the messianic kingdom, failing to grasp the interval between these events. Jesus' response, known as the Olivet Discourse, provides a detailed account of the signs and events leading up to His return.
The Beginning of Sorrows (Mark 13:5-8)
Jesus began by cautioning His disciples against deception: "See that no one leads you astray" (Mark 13:5). He warned that many would come in His name, claiming to be the Messiah and leading many astray (Mark 13:6). He also foretold of wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, and famines (Mark 13:7-8). These events, though alarming, were not to be mistaken as the immediate sign of the end. Rather, Jesus described them as "the beginning of birth pains" (Mark 13:8). This analogy, drawn from the experience of childbirth, suggests that these events are the initial stages of a more intense period of tribulation, leading to the ultimate arrival of the Kingdom of God. The prophets often used the imagery of labor pains to symbolize God's judgment, highlighting the sorrow and pain that precedes a new era.
Persecution and Witness (Mark 13:9-13)
Jesus then shifted the focus to the personal experiences of His followers. He warned them of persecution: "But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them" (Mark 13:9). Despite the trials they would face, Jesus assured them that these experiences would serve as opportunities to bear witness to the gospel. He promised the Holy Spirit would empower them to speak with wisdom and courage (Mark 13:11). Even within families, betrayal and hatred would arise (Mark 13:12). However, Jesus emphasized the importance of perseverance: "But the one who endures to the end will be saved" (Mark 13:13). This endurance refers not only to spiritual salvation but also to preservation through the tribulation, ultimately leading to participation in the millennial kingdom.
The Abomination of Desolation (Mark 13:14-20)
A pivotal event in the Olivet Discourse is the "abomination of desolation" (Mark 13:14), a term borrowed from the book of Daniel (Daniel 9:27). This refers to a future desecration of the temple, likely involving the Antichrist setting himself up as an object of worship. Jesus urged those in Judea to flee to the mountains, emphasizing the urgency and severity of the situation (Mark 13:14-16). He described this time as a period of unparalleled tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of creation until now, and never will be (Mark 13:19). Had God not intervened to shorten those days, no one would survive (Mark 13:20). This intervention underscores God's sovereignty and His commitment to preserving His elect.
False Christs and Deception (Mark 13:21-23)
Jesus reiterated the warning against deception, highlighting the proliferation of false Christs and false prophets who would perform signs and wonders to lead people astray (Mark 13:21-22). He cautioned believers to be vigilant and discerning, emphasizing that He had forewarned them of these dangers (Mark 13:23). This underscores the importance of sound doctrine and a reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance in navigating the complexities of the end times.
The Coming of the Son of Man (Mark 13:24-27)
The discourse culminates in the glorious return of Jesus Christ. He described cosmic disturbances: "But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken" (Mark 13:24-25). These signs will herald the arrival of the Son of Man in the clouds with great power and glory (Mark 13:26), fulfilling the prophecy in Daniel (Daniel 7:13-14). He will then send His angels to gather His elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven (Mark 13:27). This gathering signifies the culmination of God's redemptive plan and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.
The Parable of the Fig Tree (Mark 13:28-32)
To illustrate the nearness of these events, Jesus shared the parable of the fig tree (Mark 13:28-29). Just as the budding of a fig tree signals the approach of summer, so too will the signs Jesus described indicate that His return is near, "at the very gates" (Mark 13:29). He affirmed the certainty of His words: "Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away" (Mark 13:30-31). While the exact timing remains unknown—"But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Mark 13:32)—believers can be assured that His prophecies will be fulfilled.
Watchfulness and Readiness (Mark 13:33-37)
In light of the uncertainty surrounding the timing of these events, Jesus exhorted His followers to be watchful and alert: "Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come" (Mark 13:33). He likened the situation to a master who goes on a journey, leaving his servants in charge and instructing them to keep watch (Mark 13:34). Believers, therefore, must remain vigilant and prepared for Christ's return, living in a state of constant readiness (Mark 13:35-36). The call to "be alert" (Mark 13:37) serves as a timeless reminder for all believers to live in anticipation of Christ's imminent return.
Mark 13 provides essential guidance for understanding the end times. While interpretations of specific prophecies may vary, the overarching message is clear: be watchful, be discerning, and be faithful, for the Lord is coming soon.