Mar 13:1
And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!”: In Matthew 23, Jesus was lamenting about Israel while He was in the temple. It seems possible that this disciple was trying to change Jesus's mind about his lamentations. I can't see how this comment follows, but maybe it was said impetuously when seeing the grandeur after being shaken by Jesus's words.
Mar 13:2
And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”: The disciple had been moved by the appearance of the temple because it had been rebuilt by Herod. The second temple was magnificent when Herod was finished. But Jesus isn't swayed by these worldly things and predicts that they will be completely dismantled. This prophecy was fulfilled in 70AD when the Romans burned down the temple. There is a story that went around for a couple of decades in the later part of the 1900's that the Romans tore down the temple block by block because gold seeped into the cracks of the stones, but there is no historical evidence of this. JVL has an article highlighting the writings of Josephus, and he doesn't mention it.
Mar 13:3
And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,: It seems that the declaration that the temple would be destroyed hit the disciples. When Jesus sat down, these four disciples asked Jesus questions about it.
Mar 13:4
“Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?”: Mark doesn't record it, but Matthew says that they also asked about Jesus's coming and the end of the age (Mat_24:3). So there are really four questions asked:
1. When will these things be?
2. What will be the sign that these things are about to happen?
3. What will be the sign of your coming?
4. What will be the sign of the end of the age?
Mar 13:5
And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray.: Satan's main distinguishing feature is his lies. The Bible starts with Satan tricking Eve through lies. Jesus Himself says, " You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (Joh 8:44)" The end times will be uncharacteristically deceitful. The culmination is Satan setting up his kingdom headed by the Antichrist, but the world will need to be swayed first.
Mar 13:6
Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray.: There have been many people saying that they come in the name of Jesus, such as Joseph Smith, or Charles Russell who have lead many astray. But the end times will be uncharacteristically so. 2Th 2:3 agrees, saying that there will be a great falling away, and 1Ti 4:1-4 also agrees, "Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth."
Mar 13:7
And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet.: The current state of the world is pretty crazy, with wars and rumors of wars everywhere, from nearly every country I can think of. New alliances are forming that are aligning with scripture, some shocking. Russia with Turkey and Iran? Yes, it's taking form, and Syria just fell. We'll see how this plays out, but it seems like Ezekiel 38 is taking form. So are all these wars and rumors of wars a sign? No, Jesus said, "Do not be alarmed." The world is under the sway of Satan, so why should we be surprised that there's such chaos? We know the world is moving toward the one-world government, and that's the general direction we're heading. We are to keep heart because the end isn't yet. We don't know how bad things will get, but they can get bad before we're raptured out of here.
Mar 13:8
For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.: The repetition of words is used all throughout the Bible to emphasize a point, and that's what we see here. Jesus was telling us we're going to see tons of wars, and so far, that's all history has been. We're not to be alarmed at the earthquakes, or the famines. These will take place. But Jesus does give us a clue in that they're the beginning of birth pains, meaning that they will get worse and worse, faster and faster until the end comes.
Mar 13:9
“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.: Here, Jesus is addressing his disciples concerning what they will face. He's addressing all of their questions, but kind of mixing up the answer, keeping it general and not addressing each individually. I believe He did this to keep us guessing. He wants us ever vigilant, watching, and waiting in anticipation. He also can't give us too many specifics because then Satan would know when these things will take place and be able to take advantage of it. Now, all of these things Jesus told His disciples took place. They suffered for Jesus, and bore witness unto death.
Mar 13:10
And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations.: Gotquestions.org has an article on how much of the world has yet to hear the gospel. Yet, according to Rom 10:18 and Col 1:6, it's possible that the requirements for this prophecy have already been met, even though there are millions of people that still have not heard the gospel. There is also Rev 14:6, which states "Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people." This prophecy could be fulfilled then as well.
I'm not sure about this prophecy, but I think it's prudent to take it literally and continue on trying to proselytize the world. That is our great commission after-all (Mat 28:18-20, "Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”").
Mar 13:11
And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.: This verse also pertains to the apostles. When Stephen was brought before the Sanhedrin, his face shone like an angel (Act 6:15). John and Peter were brought before the Sanhedrin as well (Act 4:1-22). There were more times that Jesus's disciples went before kings, and they spoke with the power of the Holy Spirit.
Mar 13:12
And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death.: This prophecy is something that we have seen throughout history, and seems to speak of the depravity of men. It's a very general statement with no specifics other than those who we should trust most will betray those they should protect. Jesus is saying that people will continue being people. People do abominable things out of fear, even reporting on their own family to save themselves. In the name of Allah, family members murder those who leave the Islamic cult to follow Jesus.
Mar 13:13
And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.: This prophecy applied to Jesus's disciples. They were certainly hated by all around them, with the exception of a small number. They were beaten, flogged, crucified, stoned, jailed, and anything else Satan could throw at them, including being boiled in oil. Yet, we know that these apostles will be in Heaven, and I can't wait to meet them. The courage to face what they went through is admirable.
People today in our country try and apply this prophecy to themselves when anything bad happens, but I just don't think it applies to us. We aren't hated by all, especially in places like the US. We may experience hate by some people, but certainly not all. I can see how Christians in places like Gaza or other Muslim countries might relate, but not here, which means that this prophecy was directed to Jesus's disciples at that time.
Mar 13:14
“But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.: Jesus's answers are jumping around answering the questions in Mar 13:4. I believe it's to keep us guessing, so we don't lose interest. Here, Jesus is referencing Dan 9:27, Dan 11:31, and Dan 12:11. Daniel's prophecies are specifically addressing the Jews. This abomination will be set up during the middle of the tribulation period, and there needs to be a third temple built. A lot of commentators believe that the Jews will flee to Petra, but that's not certain.
Mar 13:15
Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out,: When the abomination is set up, it's going to be at the time when Satan is kicked out of Heaven. Satan will give his power to the Antichrist, and start to persecute the Jews. When this happens, they need to immediately flee. They shouldn't even stop to pick up anything from their house. Flee immediately.
Mar 13:16
and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak.: The persecution of the Antichrist will come so quickly against the Jews that it would be better for someone to leave their cloak in the field and flee without it. They'd have a better chance of escaping. What's coming is horrible.
Mar 13:17
And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days!: Can you imagine trying to flee from the Antichrist while pregnant, or with your children? It's going to be horrible.
Mar 13:18
Pray that it may not happen in winter.: I don't believe this is a directive, but we should still pray for Israel that the midpoint of the tribulation not happen in winter. It's going to be horrible enough already without them trying to flee during the winter.
Mar 13:19
For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be.: At this point, when Satan inhabits the Antichrist, seven angels are given bowls of wrath to be poured out on the world (Rev 16:1-21). So the Jews fleeing will not only have to endure the fury of Satan trying to kill them, but also the worst of the judgements of the wrath of God. This period after the mid-point is also known as The Great Tribulation, and Jesus here says it's going to be the worst it ever has been, and ever will be during that time. Christians should be praying for the Jews that they come to know Jesus, so they won't have to go through this. We should be extra nice to them, and realize that a great many Jews don't like Christians because of how Christians have treated them throughout history. WW2 is still fresh on people's minds, and the majority of Christians didn't come to their defense during that time, but sat back and watched while millions were slaughtered. According to Dr. Erwin Lutzer, in his book "Hitler's Cross," over 80% of Germans professed Christianity. So be patient and acknowledge the history, but be different.
Mar 13:20
And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days.: This is so amazing how Jesus speaks of these events as already having happened. These events during The Great Tribulation are going to be so devastating that God, in order to save some people for the Millennial Kingdom, shortened the days. If He hadn't, there woudn't be anyone left to enter His earthly kingdom. He did it for those saved after the rapture, during the tribulation.
Mar 13:21
And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it.: There's a reason why Jesus says this: Because many people have and will continue to say they are the Christ! It will most likely culminate with the Antichrist claiming to be the Christ and the world will believe it. So this warning stands until Jesus Himself comes in the clouds with the armies of Heaven (Rev 19:11-16).
Mar 13:22
For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect.: Many people throughout history since the time of Jesus have been led astray by false Christs. There are many sects, like Mormons and Jehova's Witnesses that have been led astray. We were warned not to believe, yet "the elect" have been deceived. So who are these elect? They're simply those who God knows will believe. The concept is hard for us to understand because we're linear beings with no foreknowledge, but God knows all things, including the future. He knows the decisions we will make, and He knows our hearts. He can accurately say who the elect are because He knows the future. This is why Jesus can say, "if possible, the elect." From God's view, it's not possible since it's already happened, but from our perspective, people can be led astray.
Mar 13:23
But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.: We are to be vigilant, keeping our heads full of the knowledge of God's word. God has warned us, and had His followers record the warnings. We need to know them and take them to heart, and be extra careful what ideas we allow to form in our minds. If someone says anything that goes against the Bible, refute them. If someone claims to be the Christ, quote these verses.
Mar 13:24
“But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light,: After the events described in Revelation 6-18, before the second coming of Jesus in Revelation 19, there will be darkness.
Mar 13:25
and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.: This seems like a reference to Isa 34:4, "All the host of heaven shall rot away, and the skies roll up like a scroll. All their host shall fall, as leaves fall from the vine, like leaves falling from the fig tree." I see no reason not to take this literally. However, it could additionally be a reference to angels falling. One of the names of Satan is The Prince of the Power of the Air (Eph 2:2), and we know that Satan will be locked up for 1000 years during the Millennial Kingdom (Rev 20:1-3). Satan is locked up, but there is no mention of the angels that followed him being locked up. Perhaps that's what it means that the powers in the heavens will be shaken: Satan's angels are locked up with him. During the Millennial Kingdom, Satan will not be able to deceive the nations, and peace will be restored to the world. I don't see that happening with the fallen angels roaming around freely. So much speculation... Can't wait to see how it plays out.
Mar 13:26
And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.: Jesus here is referencing Rev 19:11-16. Fascinating, since Revelation hadn't been revealed yet, and wouldn't be revealed for another 50 to 60 years.
Mar 13:27
And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.: When Jesus returns, He will send out His angels to gather all the people who became believers during the tribulation and bring them to Jerusalem. This will be a joyous day! Satan will be locked up (and hopefully his angels with him) and the world will be restored to a state where animals no longer will be in conflict with humans. Children will lead lions and play with vipers (Isa 11:6-9). Can't wait!
Mar 13:28
“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near.: This lesson could be referencing the fig tree from chapter 11 since it would still be fresh in the disciples's minds. The fig tree is the symbol of the nation of Israel. Since fig trees produce fruit before leaves, we can infer the order of events. There will first be fruit produced (the time of the Gentiles), then the leaves (the time after the founding of the nation of Israel in 1948, including the tribulation period), then summer (the second coming).
Mar 13:29
So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates.: Jesus refers to Himself in the third person here. When Israel is formed, and all these other signs start to take place (meaning the tribulation period), you will know that Jesus's return will be very near. We have the priviledge of living at the end of the age of the Gentiles, marked by the formation of the nation of Israel. We are so very close to being raptured and the tribulation period starting.
Mar 13:30
Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.: There's a lot of people who misunderstand this verse. It's not tied to the foundation of Israel. There's a lot of mockery because people tie it to Israel, but it's tied to "all these things."
Mar 13:31
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.: In the end, Heaven and earth are going to pass away. This is found in Rev 21:1 and other places. But Jesus makes it clear that His words will remain, even after. His words are eternal. He existed in the beginning, and will always exist (Joh 1:1-5).
Mar 13:32
“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.: I often hear Muslims use this verse to say that Jesus was not divine. However, Jesus not knowing the day or hour in no way means that He wasn't divine. It simply means that He was fully human and fully divine. In His role as a human, He didn't know. But He was divine, so He did know. It wasn't His role as a human to disclose it, probably because of our fallen nature, and to keep it from Satan. There is no contradiction to say that Jesus was God, but died, just as it's not a contradiction to say that Jesus was God, but didn't know. God can't die, but being fully human, He did, just as God can't not know something, but being fully human, He didn't know.
Mar 13:33
Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.: This verse explains why Jesus, in His role as a human did not know the day or the hour. If He disclosed it to us, we wouldn't be on guard. The fact that we don't know the day and hour keeps us searching, waiting in expectation. I know that I'd procrastinate if I knew the day and hour. It's in my nature to do so. I'd probably start off doing the right thing, but put it off eventually. Why worry when I could take it up a week before? A day before?
Mar 13:34
It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake.: While Jesus is away, everyone in the Church has a role to play, but we are all doorkeepers.
Mar 13:35
Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning—: The fact that Jesus is repeating that we need to keep on guard should be alarming to us. How clear can He make it? He expects us to live in expectation, waiting in anticipation of His return. The doorman was to be ready at any time, just as we have no idea when Jesus will return, and need to be ready in the evening, at midnight, or whenever. Be ready always, and live like He will return at any moment.
Mar 13:36
lest he come suddenly and find you asleep.: We call it backsliding, but it's very serious. Would you want to be caught in a compromised state when Jesus comes back? Would you want to be drunk or high? Watching porn? Living life without a care for the things of Jesus? Being selfish? Putting idols first? There are so many things that we do that we need to keep from. We can end up asleep without realizing it, and that would be terrible.
Mar 13:37
And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”: Jesus makes it clear that this warning is for everyone. We are all the doorkeeper in the parable in Mar 13:34.
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