Chapter 13

Read Mark 13:1-37: Jesus talks about the end times

As Jesus and His disciples were leaving the temple, one of them mentioned what a magnificent building it was. Jesus then gives a prophecy that would be fulfill about 40 years later in verse 2…

² “Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”

In AD 70, the temple would be destroyed.

As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives looking at the temple, He spoke to Peter, James, John and Andrew. I always wonder why Andrew isn’t with the other three more often. He is Peter’s brother and John’s friend. Being curious about the temple destruction, they ask in verse 4…

⁴ “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?”

Jesus answers with a long explanation of the events leading up to the end of time. While they were sitting there listening they might have thought Jesus was talking about the near future. However, we know 2000 years later it is still coming. Probably every generation thought they could see the signs in their time, but it sure seems to me we are seeing the signs in our time.

Jesus warns them not to be deceived in verses 5-6…

⁵ Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. ⁶ Many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am He,’ and will deceive many. 

That warning is still for us today. Do not be deceived. All teaching should line up with Biblical truth.

Then Jesus mentions things that have happened since then  throughout the ages; wars, nations against nations, earthquakes, famines. Interesting choice of “word picture” when He calls them birth pains. After that He warns them that they will suffer and, because of Him, will testify before kings. In verse 11 He gives advice we should all follow…

¹¹ Do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.

If we let Him, the Holy Spirit will guide our testimony to others.

Then Jesus gets to the signs of the tribulation. He mentions in verse 14 “the abomination that causes desolation” that Daniel prophesied about in Daniel 9:27…

²⁷ He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven^’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.” 

The one “seven” is the seven-year tribulation. Jesus goes on to say how terrible that time will be and in verse 20 talks about saving the elect…

²⁰ “If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom He has chosen, He has shortened them.

Jesus warns about false Messiahs, but adds hope for us in verses 26-27…

²⁶ “At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. ²⁷ And He will send His angels and gather His elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.

As John said in Revelation 22:20, “Come Lord Jesus, come!”

Jesus closes this teaching by telling them that the day and the hour are only known by the Father. So, we need to be ready at all times. Be “salt and light” to this hurting world.