Mark - Chapter 13

Mark 13.1 And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here! Mark 13.2 And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. Mark 13.3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, Mark 13.4 Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled? Mark 13.5 And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: Mark 13.6 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. Mark 13.7 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. Mark 13.8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows. Mark 13.9 But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. Mark 13.10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations. Mark 13.11 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. Mark 13.12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death. Mark 13.13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Mark 13.14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains: Mark 13.15 And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house: Mark 13.16 And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment. Mark 13.17 But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! Mark 13.18 And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter. Mark 13.19 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. Mark 13.20 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. Mark 13.21 And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not: Mark 13.22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. Mark 13.23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things. Mark 13.24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, Mark 13.25 And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. Mark 13.26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. Mark 13.27 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. Mark 13.28 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: Mark 13.29 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. Mark 13.30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done. Mark 13.31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. Mark 13.32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Mark 13.33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. Mark 13.34 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. Mark 13.35 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: Mark 13.36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. Mark 13.37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

Mark : Chapter 13

Jesus' Eschatological Discourse According to Mark 13

Chapter 13 of the Gospel of Mark offers us valuable insight into Jesus' eschatological discourse. It raises profound questions about the future of his disciples and the events that will mark the end of time. This prophetic text addresses the destruction of the temple, the signs of the times, and the glorious coming of the Son of Man.

Central Themes of Mark 13

In this chapter, Jesus invites us to explore fundamental themes such as perseverance in faith, spiritual discernment, and constant vigilance. Mark 13 positions Jesus not only as a teacher, but also as an end-time prophet, calling us to be alert and prepared.

Exploring the Scriptures

To better understand the apocalyptic themes of Mark 13, we invite you to meditate on five revealing biblical passages:

1. Daniel 9:27

"He will make a covenant with many for one week. In the middle of the week, he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And in one part of the temple, he will set up a terrible abomination until the end decreed for him comes." This passage is mentioned by Jesus in Mark 13:14, where he speaks of the "abomination of desolation," a harbinger of the end times.

2. Joel 2:10

"Before them the earth quaked, the sky trembled, the sun and the moon grew dark, and the stars ceased to shine." This verse resonates with the apocalyptic descriptions given by Jesus in Mark 13:24-25, where he mentions the cosmic signs that would announce his coming.

3. Zechariah 14:5

"You will flee through my valley among the mountains, for it will reach to Azel. They will flee as they fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. ​​Then the Lord my God will come with all his saints." This prophecy echoes Jesus' promise in Mark 13:26-27, where he announces his coming with the angels to gather his chosen ones.

4. Isaiah 13:10

"The stars and constellations of the sky will not show their light. The rising sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light." Jesus refers to this passage in Mark 13:24-25, describing the signs that will accompany His Second Coming.

5. Daniel 7:13

"In my night vision, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the old man and was brought before him." This verse is echoed in Mark 13:26, where Jesus speaks of the coming of the Son of Man in the clouds, thus identifying himself with this messianic figure.

By meditating on these passages, we are invited to deepen our understanding of the times to come and strengthen our commitment to faith. May these reflections guide us toward constant vigilance and spiritual preparation for the coming of the Kingdom of God.