Mark 13:14-37
Q.1. To whom does the ‘Abomination of Desolation’ apply? How bad will this time be? Who are the elect to whom Jesus was referring? – (Mk.13:14-23)
The ‘abomination of desolation’ first occurred when the Greek General Antiochus Epiphanes who ruled Palestine from 175-165 B.C. desecrated the temple, thus fulfilling Daniel’s prophecy (c.f. Dan.9:27). Here in Mark, Jesus predicted that the Temple of His day which had been rebuilt during the reign of Herod, also would be destroyed. This occurred in 70 A.D. Titus, with the Roman army, destroyed Jerusalem and burned the temple. The soldiers prized the massive stones apart to retrieve the molten gold. This fulfilled Christ’s prophecy that – Not one stone will be left upon another … (Mk.13:2). The Scriptures also reveal that a further “abomination of desolation” will occur in the Endtimes (c.f. Dan.9:24-27; 2 Thes.2:3-4). Christ’s warning speaks of a time of unprecedented tribulation – For those days will be a time of tribulation such has not occurred since the beginning of the creation which God created until now, and never will (Mk.13:19). So great will be the tribulation, that God will shorten the time – for the sake of the elect He chose (Mk.13:20). Romans 11:28 describes Israel as His chosen and elect. They will include the one hundred and forty-four thousand Israelites, and the redeemed from this seven-year great tribulation period (c.f. Rev.6:9-11; 7:4-8, 13-17; 14:1-4). Though the members of the church are also God’s chosen and elect, the church will be raptured before the great tribulation period is unleashed upon the world (c.f. Rom.8:33; Eph.1:4; Col.3:12; etc; 1 Thes.4:13-17; Rev.19:7-9).
Q.2. What will follow this time of tribulation? Who will take part in Christ’s kingdom? What is the message of the fig tree? – (Mk.13:24-29)
Jesus described this tribulation period as dark and catastrophic (Mk.13:24-25 c.f. Isa.13:9-13; 2 Pet.3:11-13). He declared – Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory (Mk.13:26 c.f. Rev.19:11-16). None of the elect will miss out when King Jesus reigns (c.f. Mk.13:27). Jesus drew attention to the cycle of the fig tree and said – Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near (Mk.13:28). Most scholars understand that this as a reference to the restoration of Israel to the land. This commenced in May 1948. Israel has formed its leaves but is still lacking the fruit.
Q.3. Who will experience Christ’s return? How certain is His coming? When will it take place? How should we respond? – (Mk.13:29-37)
When Israel regathers to the land, Jesus warned – Even so, you too, when you see these things happening, recognize that He is near, right at the door (Mk.13:29). He foretold that ‘this generation’ i.e. the generation that sees the reforming of Israel as a nation – will not pass away until all these things take place (Mk.13:30). Peter predicted – that in the last days mockers will come … saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation’ (2 Pet.3:3-4). Jesus assured us – Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away (Mk.13:31). Some people ignore the fact that Jesus is coming back to earth. Others make exaggerated claims that they know the exact time. Jesus addressed these extremes and declared – But of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone (Mk.13:32). Nevertheless, He warned us to be prepared – Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come (Mk.13:33). He underscored this truth by telling a parable of a master going on a journey and leaving his house in the care of his slaves, with the final instruction to stay on the alert for his return. Jesus applied this to His followers by saying – Therefore, be on the alert—for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the evening, at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning (Mk.13:35). Will Jesus find us waiting and ready? (Lk.18:8).