The Destruction of the Temple
Mark 13, verse 1. Then as He went out of the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, “Teacher, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here! ” Mark 13, verse 2. And Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”
The Beginning of Sorrows
Mark 13, verse 3. Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Him privately, Mark 13, verse 4. “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?” Mark 13, verse 5. And Jesus, answering them, began to say: “Take heed that no one deceives you. Mark 13, verse 6. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He, ’ and will deceive many. Mark 13, verse 7. But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. Mark 13, verse 8. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. Mark 13, verse 9. “But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them. Mark 13, verse 10. And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations. Mark 13, verse 11. But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. Mark 13, verse 12. Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. Mark 13, verse 13. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
Tribulation in Jerusalem
Mark 13, verse 14. “So when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not” (let the reader understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Mark 13, verse 15. Let him who is on the housetop not go down into the house, nor enter to take anything out of his house. Mark 13, verse 16. And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. Mark 13, verse 17. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! Mark 13, verse 18. And pray that your flight may not be in winter. Mark 13, verse 19. For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be. Mark 13, verse 20. And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake, whom He chose, He shortened the days. Mark 13, verse 21. “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘Look, He is there!’ do not believe it. Mark 13, verse 22. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. Mark 13, verse 23. But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand.
The Coming of the Son of Man
Mark 13, verse 24. “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; Mark 13, verse 25. the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Mark 13, verse 26. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. Mark 13, verse 27. And then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven.
When Will He Return?
Mark 13, verse 28. “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. Mark 13, verse 29. So you also, when you see these things happening, know that it is near—at the doors! Mark 13, verse 30. Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. Mark 13, verse 31. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. Mark 13, verse 32. “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Mark 13, verse 33. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. Mark 13, verse 34. It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. Mark 13, verse 35. Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning— Mark 13, verse 36. lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. Mark 13, verse 37. And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!”