Mark - Chapter 13

13:1-37

The Temple and the End Times:

The thirteenth chapter of Mark is a happy hunting ground for those who are fascinated by the end of the world, those who may be more interested in the next world than this one. This chapter displays several characteristics of end times thought. The symbols of the chapter are taken from passages in the OT, especially from Daniel, which is quoted three times (verses 14, 19, & 26). Mark also draws similar thoughts from II Thessalonians 2 and we see passages in Revelation that bear on the same topic.

The setting of the story is the prediction by Jesus of the destruction of the Temple in response to the admiration by His disciples of the beauty of the building. Here we see the end of the Jerusalem ministry and the final disqualification of the Temple as the focal point of the kingdom of God.

Andrew is now seen among the inner three disciples (Peter/James/John) and now Jesus adds a one word command to the original command He had given of “follow”. Now he says “watch”. These four are much in question of the Lord as to when the destruction predicted will occur and what will be the signs of the coming event. The teaching starts at verse 5 and falls into two major sections. Verses 

5-23 are a series of three warnings against deceptive signs of the end times, the appearance of deceivers, wars, and natural calamities, plus the persecution of the disciples, plus the appearance of sacrilege of desolation with false Christs evident. But the main point is that the end is not yet.

The second major section of the teaching is begun with the phrase of “those days after that tribulation” and this section also includes three parts: the coming of the Son of Man (24-27) with the need to watch, the fig tree (28-31), and the absent master (32-36) and another concluding word of “watch” (37). The phrases in verses 

24-27 are borrowed from the OT (Joel 2:10 & Isaiah 13:10 & 34:4 & Daniel 7:13 & Deut. 30:3 & Zech 2:10). The main point is that the end is in fact coming when the Son of Man comes. The event is certain (verses 30-31) but the timing is not (verse 32). The proper stance for the disciples is therefore to watch. This proper stance still exists for each of us still today.

This is the farewell message to His disciples. The central thought of His last will and testament here is to be alert and to watch for His coming. This chapter therefore provides urgency for the mission to spread the gospel message.

We know now that the destruction of the Temple (by the Romans in 70 A.D.) was not the last sign of His coming but rather was a major turning point in Jewish and Christian history. From then on, for Christians, the coming of the Son of Man in glory replaces the Temple as the focus of hope for the arrival of the kingdom.

The parable of the fig tree with its sayings in verses 28-31 is designed to underscore hope in His coming with His solemn assurance that the event is certain. The parable of the absent master with its sayings in verses 32-36 makes the point that the time of the coming of the Son of Man is unknown to all but the Father so our hope must be alert and cautious and remain true to our faith in His plan.

To Christians who face troubles, just as to those who faced the destruction of their nation and its Holy Temple, God's word here has several thoughts:

ENDURE, BE FAITHFUL FOR HIS WORD IS SURE AND TRUE.

WATCH, FOR HE IS COMING AGAIN.