Mark 13
BSB1 As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, “Teacher, look at the magnificent stones and buildings!" 2 “Do you see all these great buildings?” Jesus replied. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down." 3 While Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to be fulfilled?" 5 Jesus began by telling them, “See to it that no one deceives you. 6 Many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am He,’ and will deceive many. 7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come. 8 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, as well as famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. 9 So be on your guard. You will be delivered over to the councils and beaten in the synagogues. On My account you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. 10 And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all the nations. 11 But when they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand what to say. Instead, speak whatever you are given at that time, for it will not be you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. 12 Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rise against their parents and have them put to death. 13 You will be hated by everyone because of My name, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved. 14 So when you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let no one on the housetop go back inside to retrieve anything from his house. 16 And let no one in the field return for his cloak. 17 How miserable those days will be for pregnant and nursing mothers! 18 Pray that this will not occur in the winter. 19 For those will be days of tribulation unmatched from the beginning of God’s creation until now, and never to be seen again. 20 If the Lord had not cut short those days, nobody would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom He has chosen, He has cut them short. 21 At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There He is!’ do not believe it. 22 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible. 23 So be on your guard; I have told you everything in advance. 24 But in those days, after that tribulation: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; 25 the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.’ 26 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. 27 And He will send out the angels to gather His elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. 28 Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its branches become tender and sprout leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things happening, know that He is near, right at the door. 30 Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have happened. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away. 32 No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on your guard and stay alert! For you do not know when the appointed time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey who left his house, put each servant in charge of his own task, and instructed the doorkeeper to keep watch. 35 Therefore keep watch, because you do not know when the master of the house will return—whether in the evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or in the morning. 36 Otherwise, he may arrive without notice and find you sleeping. 37 And what I say to you, I say to everyone: Keep watch!"
Study Notes — Mark 13
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Mark 13
- Themes from Mark 13
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Mark 13
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Mark 13 begins with Jesus' prediction of the temple's destruction, which sparks the disciples' curiosity about the timing of this event and the sign of Jesus' return. Jesus responds with a lengthy discourse, warning them about false prophets, wars, and natural disasters that will precede His return. He emphasizes the importance of watching and waiting, urging believers to stay faithful and prepared for the Lord's return. Jesus also teaches about the gospel being preached to all nations, the importance of endurance, and the need to be aware of the signs of the times. The chapter concludes with Jesus' parable of the fig tree, illustrating the need for believers to be prepared for the Lord's return, as they do not know the day or hour of His coming.
Context for the Chapter
Mark 13 is situated within the larger narrative of Jesus' ministry, which is recorded in the Gospel of Mark. The chapter follows Jesus' teaching in the temple and His confrontation with the religious leaders, as seen in Mark 11-12. The Olivet Discourse serves as a culmination of Jesus' teachings, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and preparedness for the Lord's return. This chapter also looks forward to the events of Mark 14-16, which describe Jesus' arrest, trial, and crucifixion.
Heart Application
As believers, we are called to stay vigilant and prepared for the Lord's return, trusting in Jesus' words and teachings. We must remain faithful to His commands, even in the face of uncertainty and persecution, and look forward to the day when Jesus will return in glory. By staying grounded in Scripture and trusting in God's sovereignty, we can navigate the challenges of life with confidence and hope.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Mark 13 is a chapter about Jesus teaching His disciples about the end times and the importance of staying faithful and prepared for His return. Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple and warns about false prophets and persecution. He urges believers to stay vigilant and trust in His words, as seen in Mark 13:31. The chapter emphasizes the need for believers to endure to the end and trust in God's sovereignty.
Voices from the Church
“The Lord's coming is a truth which should be ever present to our minds, and should have a sanctifying influence upon our lives.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The disciples were not only inquiring about the time of the destruction of the temple, but also about the sign of Christ's coming, and the end of the world.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Prediction of the Temple's Destruction (Mark 13:1-4) — Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple, which sparks the disciples' curiosity about the timing of this event and the sign of Jesus' return.
- The Olivet Discourse (Mark 13:5-23) — Jesus responds to the disciples' questions with a lengthy discourse, warning them about false prophets, wars, and natural disasters that will precede His return.
- The Importance of Watching and Waiting (Mark 13:24-27) — Jesus emphasizes the importance of believers staying vigilant and prepared for the Lord's return, using the parable of the fig tree to illustrate this point.
- The Parable of the Fig Tree (Mark 13:28-31) — Jesus teaches about the parable of the fig tree, which illustrates the need for believers to be prepared for the Lord's return, as they do not know the day or hour of His coming.
- The Call to Faithfulness (Mark 13:32-37) — Jesus concludes the chapter by emphasizing the importance of believers staying faithful to His teachings, even in the face of persecution and uncertainty.
Core Doctrines
- The Second Coming
- Mark 13 teaches about the return of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the importance of believers staying prepared and faithful for this event.
- The Importance of Faithfulness
- The chapter emphasizes the need for believers to endure to the end and trust in God's sovereignty, even in the face of uncertainty and persecution.
- The Authority of Scripture
- Mark 13 highlights the importance of trusting in Jesus' words and teachings, as seen in Mark 13:31, where Jesus says, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away."
- The Sovereignty of God
- The chapter underscores God's control over all events, including the destruction of the temple and the return of Jesus Christ.
Lessons from Mark 13
- The Importance of Vigilance — Believers must stay vigilant and prepared for the Lord's return, trusting in Jesus' words and teachings.
- The Need for Faithfulness — Believers must endure to the end and trust in God's sovereignty, even in the face of uncertainty and persecution.
- The Power of Prayer — Believers must pray for strength and wisdom to navigate the challenges of life, as seen in Mark 13:18, where Jesus says, "Pray that your flight will not take place in winter."
- The Importance of Community — Believers must support and encourage one another, as they navigate the challenges of life and look forward to the Lord's return.
- The Sovereignty of God — Believers must trust in God's control over all events, including the destruction of the temple and the return of Jesus Christ.
Themes from Mark 13
- The Return of Jesus Christ — Mark 13 teaches about the return of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the importance of believers staying prepared and faithful for this event.
- The Importance of Faithfulness — The chapter emphasizes the need for believers to endure to the end and trust in God's sovereignty, even in the face of uncertainty and persecution.
- The Authority of Scripture — Mark 13 highlights the importance of trusting in Jesus' words and teachings, as seen in Mark 13:31, where Jesus says, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away."
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter underscores God's control over all events, including the destruction of the temple and the return of Jesus Christ.
- The Importance of Vigilance — Believers must stay vigilant and prepared for the Lord's return, trusting in Jesus' words and teachings.
Questions for Meditation
- What does Jesus mean by the phrase "the end of the age" in Mark 13:7?
- How can believers stay faithful to Jesus' teachings in the face of persecution and uncertainty?
- What is the significance of the parable of the fig tree in Mark 13:28-31?
- How does Mark 13 relate to the larger narrative of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of Mark?
- What practical applications can be drawn from Jesus' teachings in Mark 13 for believers today?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Prediction of the Temple's Destruction (Mark 13:1-4)
| Mark 13:1 | Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple, which sparks the disciples' curiosity about the timing of this event and the sign of Jesus' return. |
| Mark 13:2 | Jesus responds to the disciples' question, saying, "Do you see all these great buildings? Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down." |
2. The Olivet Discourse (Mark 13:5-23)
| Mark 13:5 | Jesus warns the disciples about false prophets and the importance of staying faithful to His teachings. |
| Mark 13:6 | Jesus says, "Many will come in My name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many." |
| Mark 13:7 | Jesus warns about wars and natural disasters that will precede His return, saying, "When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come." |
| Mark 13:8 | Jesus says, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains." |
| Mark 13:9 | Jesus warns about persecution and the importance of staying faithful, saying, "You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues." |
| Mark 13:10 | Jesus says, "And you will be hated by all nations because of Me." |
| Mark 13:11 | Jesus says, "Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, 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." |
| Mark 13:12 | Jesus warns about family members turning against each other, saying, "Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death." |
| Mark 13:13 | Jesus says, "All men will hate you because of Me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved." |
| Mark 13:14 | Jesus says, "When you see 'the abomination that causes desolation' standing where it does not belong - let the reader understand - then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains." |
| Mark 13:15 | Jesus says, "Let no one on the roof of his house go down or enter the house to take anything out." |
| Mark 13:16 | Jesus says, "Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak." |
| Mark 13:17 | Jesus says, "How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers!" |
| Mark 13:18 | Jesus says, "Pray that this will not take place in winter, because those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning of God's creation until now - and never to be equaled again." |
| Mark 13:19 | Jesus says, "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." |
| Mark 13:20 | Jesus says, "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." |
| Mark 13:21 | Jesus says, "At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'Look, there He is!' do not believe it." |
| Mark 13:22 | Jesus says, "For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect - if that were possible." |
| Mark 13:23 | Jesus says, "So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time." |
3. The Importance of Watching and Waiting (Mark 13:24-27)
| Mark 13:24 | Jesus says, "But in those days, following that distress, 'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.'" |
| Mark 13:25 | Jesus says, "At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory." |
| Mark 13:26 | Jesus says, "And then 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." |
| Mark 13:27 | Jesus says, "Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near." |
4. The Parable of the Fig Tree (Mark 13:28-31)
| Mark 13:28 | Jesus says, "Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door." |
| Mark 13:29 | Jesus says, "I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened." |
| Mark 13:30 | Jesus says, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away." |
| Mark 13:31 | Jesus says, "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." |
5. The Call to Faithfulness (Mark 13:32-37)
| Mark 13:32 | Jesus says, "Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come." |
| Mark 13:33 | Jesus says, "It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch." |
| Mark 13:34 | Jesus says, "Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back - whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn." |
| Mark 13:35 | Jesus says, "If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping." |
| Mark 13:36 | Jesus says, "What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!'" |
| Mark 13:37 | Jesus says, "What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!'\ |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the temple's destruction in Mark 13?
The temple's destruction serves as a catalyst for Jesus' Olivet Discourse, which teaches about the end times and the return of the Son of Man. As seen in Mark 13:1-4, Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple, emphasizing the importance of staying faithful to His teachings.
What is the meaning of the parable of the fig tree in Mark 13:28-31?
The parable of the fig tree illustrates the need for believers to be prepared for the Lord's return, as they do not know the day or hour of His coming. As Jesus says in Mark 13:29, "Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door."
How does Mark 13 relate to the larger narrative of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of Mark?
Mark 13 is situated within the larger narrative of Jesus' ministry, which is recorded in the Gospel of Mark. The chapter follows Jesus' teaching in the temple and His confrontation with the religious leaders, as seen in Mark 11-12.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mark 13:1 → Matthew 24:1-2 | Both passages describe Jesus' prediction of the temple's destruction, highlighting the significance of this event in the larger narrative of Jesus' ministry. |
| 2 | Mark 13:5-6 → Matthew 24:4-5 | Both passages warn about false prophets and the importance of staying faithful to Jesus' teachings, emphasizing the need for believers to be vigilant and prepared for the Lord's return. |
| 3 | Mark 13:7 → Luke 21:9 | Both passages describe Jesus' warning about wars and natural disasters that will precede His return, highlighting the significance of these events in the larger narrative of Jesus' ministry. |
| 4 | Mark 13:9-10 → John 15:18-20 | Both passages describe Jesus' warning about persecution and the importance of staying faithful, emphasizing the need for believers to trust in God's sovereignty and endure to the end. |
| 5 | Mark 13:11 → Luke 12:11-12 | Both passages describe Jesus' teaching about the importance of trusting in the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the need for believers to rely on God's power and guidance in times of uncertainty and persecution. |
| 6 | Mark 13:12 → Matthew 10:21 | Both passages describe Jesus' warning about family members turning against each other, highlighting the significance of this event in the larger narrative of Jesus' ministry. |
| 7 | Mark 13:13 → Matthew 24:13 | Both passages describe Jesus' teaching about the importance of endurance and faithfulness, emphasizing the need for believers to trust in God's sovereignty and stay faithful to His teachings. |
| 8 | Mark 13:14 → Daniel 9:27 | Both passages describe the abomination that causes desolation, highlighting the significance of this event in the larger narrative of Jesus' ministry and the prophetic fulfillment of Scripture. |
| 9 | Mark 13:19 → Matthew 24:21-22 | Both passages describe Jesus' warning about the days of distress and the importance of staying faithful, emphasizing the need for believers to trust in God's sovereignty and endure to the end. |
| 10 | Mark 13:26 → Revelation 1:7 | Both passages describe Jesus' return in glory, highlighting the significance of this event in the larger narrative of Jesus' ministry and the fulfillment of Scripture. |
Sermons on Mark 13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Lord's Work by D.L. Moody | In this sermon by D.L. Moody, he emphasizes the importance of courage, enthusiasm, perseverance, and sympathy in doing the Lord's work. He shares examples of individuals who demons |
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The Coming Persecution by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a vision he had about five calamities that will come to America and the world. The first calamity is a worldwide recession caused by economic co |
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(Blood Covenant) the Mark of God or the Mark of the Beast - 2 by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of possessing the land and entering into God's rest. He emphasizes the need to fear falling short of this promise and encourag |
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Personal Victory for the New Year by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on a verse written by Paul, emphasizing the importance of being watchful as Christians. He highlights that we cannot simply muddle through the |
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The Great and Final Separation by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God's face and being separated from the world. He challenges the congregation to examine their commitment to livin |
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Current Events and the Return of Christ by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of watching and praying in relation to the work of God. He highlights that watching involves maintaining loyalty to Jesus Chr |
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God's Truth: The Roles of Men and Women by Russell Kelfer | In this sermon, Russell Kelfer discusses the importance of recognizing the distinct differences and roles between men and women in marriage. He emphasizes that while men may be phy |
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All Prayer by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of waiting on the Lord and spending quality time in prayer. He shares a personal story of a friend who dedicated hours to pray |
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Return of Christ 19.3.1961 by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of work and prayer in the life of a believer. He encourages every individual to be diligent in their work and to find joy in |
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The Lord's Coming in the Clouds by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need to recognize and acknowledge the true nature of God. He criticizes the tendency to view God as an "errand boy" who exists solely to |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Mark 13
Matthew Henry's commentary on Mark 13 emphasizes the importance of staying faithful to Jesus' teachings, even in the face of persecution and uncertainty. Henry notes that Jesus' prediction of the temple's destruction serves as a catalyst for the Olivet Discourse, which teaches about the end times and the return of the Son of Man. Henry also highlights the significance of the parable of the fig tree, which illustrates the need for believers to be prepared for the Lord's return. Throughout the commentary, Henry emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and staying faithful to His teachings, even in the face of uncertainty and persecution. As Henry says, 'The disciples were not only inquiring about the time of the destruction of the temple, but also about the sign of Christ's coming, and the end of the world.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Watching
Jesus repeatedly emphasizes the need for believers to stay vigilant and watchful, as seen in Mark 13:33 and Mark 13:37. This theme is closely tied to the concept of waiting, which is also a prominent motif in the chapter.
The Use of Figurative Language
Jesus uses vivid imagery and metaphorical language to describe the end times, as seen in the parable of the fig tree in Mark 13:28-31. This language helps to convey the significance and urgency of the events described.
The Emphasis on Faithfulness
Throughout the chapter, Jesus stresses the importance of believers staying faithful to His teachings, even in the face of persecution and uncertainty. This emphasis is seen in Mark 13:13, where Jesus says, "But the one who endures to the end will be saved."