1. Do Not Be Deceived (Mark 13:1-11) 

2. Recognize Signs of Christ’s Return (Mark 13:12-31) 

3. Always Be Ready (Mark 13:32-37) 

Central Truth: We must be prepared for Christ’s return. 

Focus: Review Jesus’ teaching about the last days and anticipate His return. 

Evangelism Emphasis: Even in judgment, God’s mercy is revealed. 

Text: “Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is” (Mark 13:33). 

INTRODUCTION 

There is a universal curiosity about what the Bible has to say concerning the end of time, especially when our world of comfort becomes threatened. Preachers of prophecy scramble when catastrophic events take place to see how they fit into our understanding of the last days. Talking about end-time events can be a productive method of witnessing to unsaved people. 

Prophecy can be difficult to understand, and end-time events even more frustrating to integrate with the myriad of eschatological verses in Scripture. Eschatological (dealing with end-time events, such as Mark 13) and apocalyptic (catastrophic changes in world order, such as the Book of Revelation) literature utilize a significant portion of the Old Testament as foundational material. The understanding of prophecy requires that we be well-versed in the Bible. Even then, we must remember that prophecy usually has a short-term (the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70) and long-term meaning (the end of time) and the prophecies are not necessarily in chronological order. Elmer Odom, who taught for many years at Lee University, prefaced his lectures on prophecy with this admonition: “The surest way to understand prophecy is to wait until it is fulfilled!” 

In the end, God’s plan will be fulfilled. The future is related to the present; there is a day of reckoning coming in the future for unrepentant deeds done in the present; and, we know God is in control, even when our world looks out of control. 

1. DO NOT BE DECEIVED 



A. Prophecy Concerning the Temple (Mark 13:1-2) 

Following Jesus’ denunciation of the Pharisees (12:35-40), He leaves the Temple, and the disciples refer to the grandeur of the center of the Jewish faith (13:1). Herod I decided to remodel and enlarge the second temple of Zerubbabel in 19 BC. The work was not completed until a few years before its destruction. Therefore, the construction continued during the ministry of Jesus. 

According to the first-century historian Josephus, the Temple was constructed of massive white polished marble stones with sections of gold overlay. He says that from a distance the sun’s rays upon the gold looked like flashes of fire on a mountain of snow. Jesus tells them of the Temple’s total destruction which was to be fulfilled in AD 70 (v. 2). No stone would be untouched. 

B. False Messiahs and Persecution (Mark 13:3-11) 

3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, 4 Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled? 5 And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: 6 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 7 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. 

10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations. 11 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. 

Jesus and the disciples move to the Mount of Olives (probably across from the Temple), where the disciples ask Him about (1) the timing of His prophecies; (2) the sign of His return (parousia, the visit of royalty); and (3) the completion of the age. The New Testament teaches there are two ages (eons or epochs)—this present evil age and the age to come (Matt. 12:32). The ministry of Jesus initiated the age to come, the reclaiming of the world order and instituting the kingdom of God over all creation. Thus, as Christians, we live in the overlap of these two ages. We are in this evil world, but not of this world (John 17:15-16). 

Jesus, as usual, addresses the real concern before addressing the disciples’ questions. He warns, “See that no one leads you astray” (Mark 13:5 ESV). The idea is of someone wandering around without direction or understanding. It is a solemn warning for all disciples. He identifies three ways this can happen: (1) many individuals falsely, deceptively, and somewhat successfully claiming to be the Messiah; (2) being deeply and emotionally troubled by necessary reports of “wars and rumors of wars”; and (3) catastrophic world events, both because of and beyond human control. 

The effect of all this for disciples is sobering. The universal hatred by religious and political leaders because of Christ’s name will be incurred (v. 9). Also, people in authority will “deliver” (“hand over”) believers up to be beaten, and some believers will be put to death for their faith and witness (Matt. 24:9). History reveals there are always segments of the Church suffering persecution, though the entire Church may not be affected. It also reveals, however, that there are times when all believers come under persecution. Jesus seems to have both aspects in mind. 

In verse 11, Jesus promises believers that when they are brought before authorities because of their faith, they do not have to prepare a defense, “for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit” (ESV). 

In verse 10, Jesus declares that the Gospel (good news) announcing the coming of Jesus Christ and His kingdom will be “preached” (made known) in a public, extensive, and effective manner in the inhabited earth as a successful “witness,” or testimony (from the Greek word for martyr) to “all nations.” When these things are fulfilled—through the design of the Father, the preaching of the Cross, and the provision of the efficacious blood of Jesus Christ, and the empowering and sustaining of the Holy Spirit—“then shall the end come” (Matt. 24:14). 

—Why are so many people prone to spiritual deception?  

—How will the Holy Spirit aid the persecuted believer (v. 11)?  

2. RECOGNIZE SIGNS OF CHRIST’S RETURN

A. Betrayal and Abomination (Mark 13:12-18) 

Jesus solemnly warns, “Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death” (v. 12 ESV). All is not bleak, however. “Whoever stands his or her ground and refuses to give in shall be delivered and made whole” (v. 13, author’s translation). Unfortunately for some saints, this will occur in the age to come, not this one. Tertullian (AD 200) said, “The blood of martyrs is the seed of the church.” 

Jesus continues to address end-time events with a reference to the “abomination that causes desolation” (v. 14 NIV), prophesied by Daniel (9:27; 11:31; 12:11). This phrase can mean: (1) something similar to the offering of swine in the Temple by Antiochus Epiphanes during the period between the Old and New Testaments; (2) the utter desolation of the land; or (3) the participation of the Antichrist in the rebuilt Temple. In light of the phrase “stand in the holy place” (Matt. 24:15) and the admonition for the reader to be careful in considering this, it seems to refer to a combination of the first and last. However, the warning for those in Judea to flee to places of safety (vv. 16-20) does speak to the desolation of Jerusalem in AD 70. 

—Describe the role of endurance in the Christian life (v. 13).

B. Great Tribulation (Mark 13:19-23) 

19 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. 20 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. 

23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things. 

Daniel 12:1 serves as the Old Testament foundation for this passage. Jesus says there will be unparalleled “affliction,” or tribulation—great distress that is caused from external and internal pressure. It is so severe that it means “to the point of bursting.” There is a twofold meaning here. Believers of all ages have and will face great distress. It is part of being a sojourner in a foreign land. We long for the release from this world, but suffer its injustices until that time. Yet, Jesus adds, this tribulation will be unlike anything that ever has been or will be. This also points to what is commonly known as the Great Tribulation—a seven-year period between the events described in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and Revelation 19:11-16. 

Mark 13:20 can be understood as a continuation of the previous verse or as resuming the line of thought in verse 14. It seems to be a commentary on the end-time event as a whole and not one specific event, such as the Tribulation. The severity of the events, at times, will be such that the time will necessarily be shortened or no one will survive. “But, because of the chosen ones [elect], those days have already been decreased” (author’s translation). This can be interpreted two ways: Those days (1) have already been shortened in the plan of God to spare those who are believers; or (2) will be shortened because of the believers’ desire to be with Him. The end-time events have been shortened and the world will be spared prolonged judgment. 

In the last days, “then” many will be deceived by and chase after false messiahs and false prophets, who produce fantastic signs and miraculous wonders in an attempt to deceive “even” believers (vv. 21-22). It is not within human capabilities to do these things. The source of the power is evil and has evil intent. 

—Why is spiritual discernment vital?  

C. Signs in the Skies (Mark 13:24-27) 

24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, 25 And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. 26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. 27 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.  

“After that tribulation,” several celestial catastrophes will occur, affecting the light from the sun, moon, and stars. These events recall the prophecies of Ezekiel 32:7 and Joel 2:10. It is not unusual for each of these sources of direct or indirect light to be eclipsed or hidden at different times; however, there the sun is unable to give light, the moon cannot give her radiance, and the stars will fall in ruins from the sky at the same time. Further, Jesus says the very powers of the heavens will be unexpectedly and disastrously shaken. Here, “heaven” probably refers to the first (celestial realm) and second (the realm of evil powers; see Eph. 6:12) being subject to the power of God, whose abiding place is the “third heaven” (2 Cor. 12:2). 

The image is that of the heavens being emptied to emphasize and make room for “the sign of the Son of man in heaven” (Matt. 24:30). Some view the sign as a supernatural outward sign, such as a cross in the sky (Chrysostom), while others see it as speaking of His return itself. Still others understand sign to mean “a standard” or “banner” of some sort. Isaiah 18:3 speaks to this and seems to serve as the foundation of these verses (also see Zech. 9:14). Whatever it is will cause all the nations of the earth to “mourn” (Matt. 24:30). Mourn means “deep grief caused by remorse.” Here, it carries with it a sense of being “cut off” from the coming of the Son of Man in majesty and power—in stark contrast to His humble first appearing on earth. 

At that time, His “angels,” or messengers, will be sent with authority at the “mighty trumpet blast” (Matt. 24:31 TLB; cf. 1 Cor. 15:52; 1 Thess. 4:16). Their purpose is to gather together in one place His “chosen ones” (TLB) from the “four winds” (Mark 13:27), from the farthest point of heaven to the other farthest point of heaven. First, the “four winds” is a way of saying from every direction of the earth (see Rev. 7:1). Second, “from farthest point . . . to farthest point” is a way of communicating the comprehensiveness of the gathering. No saint of God will be overlooked or left behind. 

—What do verses 26 and 27 teach about the Second Coming?  

D. Parable of the Fig Tree (Mark 13:28-31) 

28 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: 29 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. 30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done. 31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. 

Jesus instructs us to learn the parable from the fig tree. The fig tree is one of the few trees in Israel that sheds its leaves in winter. When spring arrives, the twigs become “tender” and leaves spring forth, a sure sign that summer is eminent. Learn is a cognate (related word) of the word disciple in the Greek. The parable probably speaks on at least three levels: (1) learn to read the signs pointing to His coming; (2) the appearance of the fig tree’s leaves point to, but do not cause, summer (some things we respond to, but do not control); and (3) the winter of distress should not prevent a personal preparation for His return (continued faithful discipleship). 

Verse 30 presents difficulties. Jesus’ affirmation of truth and importance is followed by the statement that “this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened” (NIV). Who is “this generation,” and what are “all these things”? First, some assert (wrongly) that Jesus thought He would return shortly after His death and is saying He will return before the death of the generation that composed His first-century audience. However, Jesus says that even He does not know (at this point) “the day or the hour” of His return (see v. 32). Second, a more popular view is that “all these things” refers to the destruction of Jerusalem; however, Jesus speaks of much more than the prophecies concerning Jerusalem. Third, “generation” refers to the Jewish people or the human race in general. This is a viable understanding. Fourth, the early-church fathers understood “generation” as a reference to the Church, which will prevail against the gates of Hades and endure to the end. This is also a possible understanding. Jesus was not a false prophet; thus, He could not have meant the physical generation to which He was speaking. The fourth option, connecting the “chosen ones” with “this generation,” seems to fit best. 

The Sustaining Word 

The world is literally held together by the Word of God. Prophetic words must be fulfilled as spoken. The Word is keeping the world from utter destruction as it awaits the wrath of God. . . . Revelation 4:11 also reveals that the world was created for God’s pleasure, and therefore will never end except at His good pleasure.—Ron Phillips (Hope in the Shadow of Armageddon) 

3. ALWAYS BE READY 

A. An Unknown Time (Mark 13:32-33) 

32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. 33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. 

Jesus’ statement in verse 32 has created much controversy among scholars. How could the all-knowing Son of God not know when He will return to earth? Two common explanations are given below: 

1. The Greek word translated know sometimes means “reveal.” Thus, Jesus did not reveal the time of His coming. However, this raises the question, When did the Father reveal the time of Christ’s coming? 

2. This statement “is to be understood in the light of His self-limitation during the days of His humiliation (cf. Phil. 2:5-8). He had assumed a position of complete subjection to the Father, exercising His divine attributes only at the Father’s bidding (cf. John 8:26-29)” (Wycliffe). 

Many times since Jesus spoke these words, people have claimed a special revelation of the exact date of the Second Coming. Some teachers have made a career out of searching the Scriptural prophecies in the attempt to unlock this secret from the Bible. Such an effort is fruitless, as Jesus has already declared. True, we can and must be familiar with the signs of the end times proclaimed by Jesus himself and other authors of Scripture, but we cannot know the exact date. We must not think the signs of end times will lead us to a piece of knowledge not even given to the angels. 

Rather than speculating about the date of Christ’s return, believers are to “watch and pray” for His return (Mark 13:33). The apostle John prayed, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Rev. 22:20). 

—What does it mean to “watch and pray”?

B. A Sudden Event (Mark 13:34-37) 

34 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. 35 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: 36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. 37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch. 

Like the parable of the talents, a master assigns the care of his property to his servants before departing for an unspecified amount of time. In this scenario, however, it is their watchfulness, not their work, that is emphasized. In the New Testament world, if a master returned and found his property and household in disarray, the servants would undoubtedly find themselves out of a job. They were to be ready for their master’s return at any point by keeping the household in order at all times. 

Jesus is not encouraging His followers to do nothing but watch for His return, but to prove their watchfulness by being consistently ready for this event. The household of faith must be kept in order; the Kingdom must be advanced. When we heed Jesus’ call to watch, we get actively involved in ministry as a consciousness of eternity fills our earthly tasks. 

Looking for Christ’s Return 

The apostolic church thought more about the Second Coming than about death and heaven. The early Christians were looking not for a life in the ground called the grave but for a cleavage in the sky called Glory.—Alexander MacLaren 

ETERNITY IN MIND 

The Christian lifestyle necessitates living with eternity in mind. In His discourse regarding the unknown time of His coming, Jesus urges an active alertness on the part of His followers. Two extremes are to be avoided. Jesus cautions us against being lazy while we wait for Him, but also commands that our active work for Him never lose sight of His imminent return. It is only when faithful service is combined with watchfulness that the kingdom of God is fully served. 

Daily Devotions:  

M.  Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream (Daniel 2:26-36)

T.   Kingdoms to Come (Daniel 2:37-45) 

W.  The End-Times (Daniel 12:1-4) 

T.  Be Spiritually Alert (Matthew 25:1-13) 

F.  Terrible Times (2 Timothy 3:1-9) 

S.  Jesus Returns (Revelation 19:11-21) 

 *Adopted from the Evangelical Sunday School Lesson Commentary 2020-2021