Signs of the end(Mark 13:14–37)

Some interpreters limit the events of this section to the chaotic years preceding Jerusalem’s fall (A.D. 66–70). Others relate them exclusively to the Great Tribulation at the end of this Age. But the details suggest that both events are in view.

I. You Can Run … But You Cannot Hide (13:14–23)

14 “So when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not” (let the reader understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let him who is on the housetop not go down into the house, nor enter to take anything out of his house. 16 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 17 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 18 And pray that your flight may not be in winter. 19 For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be. 20 And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake, whom He chose, He shortened the days. 21 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘Look, He is there!’ do not believe it. 22 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 23 But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand.

A. Abomination of Desolation.

The word “abomination” indicates that which is repulsive to God and his people. The word “desolation” suggests that as a result of its defilement the temple is abandoned by the true people of God. In Daniel the words refer to the statue of Zeus Olympus and the pagan altar Antiochus IV Epiphanes of Seleucid Syria erected in the Jerusalem temple in 167 B.C. Originally the expression referred not to the destruction of the temple but to its desecration by a foreign persecutor.

The desecration by Antiochus became the prototype of future desecrations of the temple: by the Roman general Pompey in 63 B.C. when he conquered the city and entered the holy of holies, by the governor Pilate when he brought idolatrous standards into the city about A.D. 26–27, by the emperor Caligula when he unsuccessfully tried to erect his statue in the temple in A.D. 40, and by the Zealots when they got control of the temple during the Jewish rebellion in A.D. 66–70.

B. The warning.

No one would be able to flee from the judgment of God during the end times, so the more immediate fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 seems to be what Jesus was referring to. First, no one on the roof of his house was to go inside to get any belongings. Second, no one in the field was to return to the house for his or her outer garment.

The roofs of Palestinian houses were flat, and they were often used as places of prayer. In order to get to the roof, a person had to go up an outside staircase. Jesus was showing the urgency of the moment by instructing people on the roofs not to entertain any idea of going into the house to get belongings. Once they were down the staircase, they must keep on going. The outer garment was used at night to keep a person warm; in the daytime it was taken off to allow freedom of movement while working. Even though the outer garment would act as a blanket to keep a person warm at night, Jesus instructed people that they should not go back to the house to get it. They should head for the mountains immediately.

Jesus emphasized the winter season would be an especially hard time for those attempting to flee, since the cold and rain-swollen streams would present great hazards. The phrase, pregnant women and nursing mothers, indicates that women who were pregnant or with small babies would have a hard time getting away because of their condition. Being able to cover ground quickly was of the utmost importance. These warnings were especially appropriate because of what actually happened when Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans.

C. A shift to the end times.

The catastrophic and cataclysmic language seems to look forward to the Great Tribulation that would precede the end times. Mark uses language derived from Daniel’s description of the last days. Mark’s statement about the elect refers to God’s people. God will remember mercy in the midst of judgment because of his people.

Jesus finished this section as he began it—by warning against false christs. Jesus pointed out that they would have supernatural power that enabled them to perform signs and miracles. Yet, they would not be able to deceive God’s people because God would protect his people. He emphasized that believers should be on your guard.

II. The King Is Coming (13:24–27)

24  “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; 25 the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. 27 And then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven.

A. Jesus wanted to give his people hope.

In the midst of incredible persecution and pain Jesus wanted to give his people hope, especially during the tribulation of the end times. He did so by describing his return as the conquering king.

When Jesus returns, there will be spectacular celestial phenomenon and cosmic disturbances that the world has never seen such as the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light. The imagery and language is similar to the Old Testament descriptions of the “Day of the Lord”—another phrase for the end times in the Old Testament

B. All of humankind will see the Son of Man as the ruler of this universe.

The return of Jesus will not be seen by just a few people, as was true of his entrance into the world when he was born in a manger. This time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. The reference here is to Daniel 7:13. This is the first time Jesus definitely connected the title “Son of Man” with the Daniel prophesy.

His major concern will be to gather his people together so they might share in this time of triumph. The phrase, gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens, has a dual meaning. Not only will he send his angels to gather his people from the ends of the earth but apparently those in the heavens who have gone on before will also be with him to celebrate his triumph.

III. Signs of the Time (13:28–31)

28 “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that it is near—at the doors! 30 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

A. Jesus wanted to make certain truths personal.

In Palestine most trees remained green throughout the year, with the exception of the fig tree. During the fall the fig tree would lose its leaves. In the spring the sap would fill the branches and the tree would begin the process of putting forth its leaves. This meant that summer was not far away. Jesus did not want his disciples to despair about the persecution they would face. Jesus was showing that just as he promised there would be persecution, deliverance would follow through his return as the Son of Man.

The phrase, these things, could refer to the events surrounding the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 or to the events immediately preceding the end of the age. The next phrase, it is near, may also be translated as “he is near.” Again, a dual interpretation of this phrase is possible. Jesus may have been referring to both the near future and the distant future.

B. The incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, ascension, and return of Christ all seem to go together.

The phrase, I tell you the truth, calls attention to what Jesus was about to say: This generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. The understanding of this verse hinges on two phrases: this generation and all these things. There are several ways to understand the phrase, “this generation.” It could be applied to humankind in general, Israel, or Christians in general and unbelievers.

God’s desire is that everyone repent. He could be holding back the last stage of the coming of the end times. This understanding of “all these things” would make “this generation” mean that the return of Christ is at hand for every generation. Jesus was clear that his word is absolute. His words will be authenticated by the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 and culminated in the fulfillment of the end times.

IV. Pay Attention (13:32–37)

32 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. 34 It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. 35 Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning—36 lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. 37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!”

A. Jesus was serious about his followers being vigilant during the time before his return.

The phrase, that day, refers to his return after the great tribulation. Even though certain signs have been given about that day, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Even Jesus did not know. This shows clearly his humanity. Jesus purposely laid aside the exercise of his deity—in this case his ability to know all things past, present, and future—as a consequence of his human existence.

Jesus answered one of the key questions of the disciples, “When will these things happen?” Jesus declared that he did not know and they should not worry about it. Even at Jesus’ ascension, he clearly said to the disciples that it was not for them “to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority”

B. Jesus ended this the way he began it—with a warning to watch.

The emphasis of this parable is a stern warning to be on guard because Christ could come back at any time. A constant vigil must be kept because he could arrive suddenly.

All believers in every age must watch. Jesus urged all believers not only to keep watch for his return but also to watch out so nobody would deceive them and rob the house. Temptations and pressures would come, causing troubles and despair. His followers were to watch out for these things as well. Do not let anything derail you from your task of preaching the gospel and remaining steadfast,