Mark 13:1-37 King James Bible KJV
Sign of The End Times, The Abomination of Desolation, the Coming of the Son of Man
Mark 13:1-37 King James Bible KJV. Mark 13 is often referred to as the Olivet Discourse, where Jesus speaks to His disciples about future events, including the destruction of the Temple, the end of the age, and His second coming. This chapter contains prophetic language and addresses the theme of eschatology (the study of end times). This chapter offers a calling for both alertness and endurance. Jesus prepares His disciples for difficult times ahead but assures them of His ultimate victory and return. The chapter conveys the necessity of remaining faithful, not being led astray, and always being ready for Christ’s second coming, which will happen unexpectedly.
Key Themes and Meanings in Mark 13:
* Tribulation and Perseverance: Jesus forewarns His disciples of impending hardships, including natural disasters, wars, and persecution. He teaches them not to lose heart, but to endure faithfully. The Christian life involves perseverance amid adversity.
* False Prophets and Deception: Jesus emphasizes the danger of false messiahs and prophets who will attempt to lead people astray. His followers are called to be discerning and to rely on His word as the ultimate truth.
* The Second Coming: Jesus’ return is depicted as a cosmic event, characterized by glory and power. Unlike His first coming in humility, His second coming will be a public, triumphant event that no one will be able to ignore.
* Imminence and Watchfulness: While the exact time of Christ’s return is unknown, Jesus teaches that His followers must live in a constant state of readiness. The lesson of the fig tree and the warning to stay awake underscore the importance of spiritual vigilance.
Mark 13:1-37 King James Bible KJV
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Prediction of the Destruction of the Temple – verses 1-2
As Jesus and His disciples leave the Temple, one disciple marvels at the beauty of the building. Jesus then predicts that the Temple will be completely destroyed. Jesus’ prediction came true in 70 AD when the Romans destroyed the Temple. This marks the end of the old sacrificial system, symbolizing a transition in God’s relationship with humanity through Christ, who is now the center of worship.
Signs of the End Times – verses 3-13
Peter, James, John, and Andrew privately ask Jesus when the destruction of the Temple will happen and what the signs will be of these events. Jesus is warning His disciples not to be deceived by false prophets or panic due to troubling global events. These things will happen, but they are signs leading up to the end, not the end itself. He calls them to endure in faith despite persecution and suffering.
Key Signs Jesus Mentions:
* False messiahs will come, leading many astray (verse 6).
* Wars and rumors of wars, but the end is not yet (verse 7).
* Earthquakes, famines, and troubles will arise—these are “the beginning of the birth pains” (verse 8).
* Persecution of believers (verse 9), betrayal even by family members (verse 12), and hatred toward Christians because of Christ’s name (verse 13).
The Abomination of Desolation – verses 14-23
Jesus speaks of a future event known as the “abomination of desolation,” a reference to Daniel’s prophecy (Daniel 9:27), and warns people to flee when it occurs. This likely refers to a specific moment of extreme desecration in the Temple or in Jerusalem, possibly tied to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. Jesus advises swift flight and urges vigilance in the face of false claims of His return, as deceivers will attempt to mislead even the elect.
The Coming of the Son of Man – verses 24-27
After the tribulation, cosmic disturbances will occur, such as the sun being darkened and the stars falling. Then, the Son of Man (Jesus) will come in the clouds with power and glory. Jesus’ second coming is depicted in apocalyptic imagery, emphasizing that His return will be unmistakable, majestic, and visible to all. He will gather His elect from the ends of the earth, signifying the final judgment and salvation of the faithful.
The Lesson of the Fig Tree – verses 28-31
Jesus uses the fig tree as a metaphor, teaching that just as its budding signals summer is near, so the signs He has described signal that His coming is near. The fig tree serves as a reminder that believers should be observant and discerning of the times. Jesus assures His disciples that His words will come to pass, even though heaven and earth will pass away.
No One Knows the Day or Hour – verses 32-37
Jesus explicitly states that no one, not even the angels or the Son, knows the exact day or hour of His return—only the Father knows. The unpredictability of the end times emphasizes the need for constant readiness and watchfulness. Jesus urges His disciples to stay alert, comparing them to servants waiting for their master to return, not knowing when that will be. This teaching calls for a life of faithfulness, preparation, and vigilance.
Mark 13:1-37 King James Bible KJV
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!
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.
3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,
4 Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?
5 And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you:
6 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
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.
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.
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.
10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.
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.
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.
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.
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 Judæa flee to the mountains:
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:
16 And let him that is in the field not turn back
again for to take up his garment.
17 But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
18 And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.
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.
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.
21 And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:
22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.
23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.
24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,
25 And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.
26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
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.
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:
29 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.
30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.
31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
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.
33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
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.
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:
36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.