Mark 13:14-37

13:14 | Jesus referred to an event prophesied centuries before (Dan. 9:27), in which a future pagan ruler would make “desolate” the temple through an abomination of some kind. The apostle Paul apparently describes this event (2 Thess. 2:3-10), which will occur at the middle of the seven years of tribulation predicted by Daniel, inaugurating the most horrific period in human history,

13:19-20 | Conditions will grow so terrible during the Great Tribulation that all life on earth would be wiped out if not for God’s intervention. But in His love for His people, God will forcibly end the suffering and bring His kingdom into full existence.

13:21-23 | Once more, deception is named as one of the chief characteristics of the Great Tribulation. The deception will include not only words that sound plausible but also impressive signs and wonders from false prophets (2 Thess. 2:9-11; 2 Pet. 3:17).

13:24-31 | Just as summer arrives in Israel soon after the fig tree starts to blossom, so Jesus will return at the very end of the Great Tribulation. In power and glory, to set up His millennial kingdom – His 1,000-year reign on a restored earth. Verse 27 should not be confused with the Rapture, the catching up of the saints that will occur before the Tribulation begins (1 Thess. 4:13-18).

13:32-37 | The Lord did not say things such as this to prompt speculation on when He might return. The Christian’s responsibility is to remain watchful, pure, and ready (1 Thess. 5:6; 2 Pet. 1:10-11).