Israel Centeno

today reading 11|17/ 2024

This passage from the Gospel of Mark (13:13-37) is often referred to as part of the Olivet Discourse, a section where Jesus predicts the coming tribulations and the ultimate triumph at His return. It is simultaneously apocalyptic and exhortative, blending prophecy with moral instruction. There are a number of significant themes and layers here that deserve deeper examination, particularly in terms of fidelity, vigilance, and the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan.

Perseverance and Endurance

In verse 13, Jesus warns His disciples, “You will be hated by all for the sake of My name.” This underscores a perennial reality for the Church: fidelity to Christ will often bring antagonism. The world, marred by sin, will resist the truth of Christ who is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Christian disciples are called to endurance in the face of opposition: “whoever will have persevered unto the end, the same will be saved.” This echoes other teachings of Jesus, where ultimate salvation is tied not simply to belief but to a lifelong commitment to stand firm under trials (cf. Matthew 24:13).

The Abomination of Desolation

In verses 14-18, we encounter the mysterious phrase: “the abomination of desolation, standing where it ought not to be.” This is a reference likely drawn from the Book of Daniel (cf. Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11) and was historically associated with sacrilegious acts in the Jerusalem temple—specifically the desecration of the temple by Antiochus IV Epiphanes around 167 BC. However, Jesus here may be speaking prophetically of events that were still to come for His listeners, particularly the destruction of the Temple in AD 70 by the Romans.

Jesus’ instructions—”let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains”—were often interpreted as a practical warning for early Christians. When the Roman siege of Jerusalem began, many of the believers took this literally and indeed fled to the mountains, avoiding the horrific destruction that befell the city.

Tribulation and the Shortening of Days

The intensity of the coming tribulation is highlighted in verses 19-20, which emphasizes a period of unprecedented suffering: “For those days shall have such tribulations as have not been since the beginning of the creation that God founded.” Jesus forewarns His followers of hardships that go beyond what ordinary history has seen. Yet, amidst this catastrophic vision, there is divine mercy: “Unless the Lord had shortened the days, no flesh would be saved. But, for the sake of the elect, … He has shortened the days.” This speaks to God’s providential care even in times of great trial, a reassurance that His chosen ones will not be abandoned, no matter how dark the situation may become.

The Danger of False Prophets

Jesus’ warning against false prophets—”false Christs and false prophets will rise up” (vv. 21-22)—applies not only to His immediate context but to the entire history of the Church. Throughout time, individuals and ideologies have arisen, claiming to represent some “better” or “new” version of Christ or the gospel, often accompanied by deceptive signs. Jesus’ command here is simple: “Do not believe it.” True Christian hope is never to be found in spectacular signs or new messianic figures, but in the faith handed down from the apostles.

Christ’s Return in Glory

One of the most powerful aspects of this passage is the vivid description of the return of the Son of Man: “They shall see the Son of man arriving on the clouds, with great power and glory” (v. 26). This calls to mind the prophecy from Daniel 7:13-14, where “one like a son of man” comes before God to receive dominion. This glorious return will mark the final victory of Christ, and He will send out His angels to gather the elect from the four winds (v. 27). Here, the imagery is eschatological: it points to the end of time, the consummation of God’s plan, and the fulfillment of Christ’s victory over sin, death, and evil. We must be reminded that Christ’s ultimate return is an event filled with hope, not fear, for those who remain faithful.

The Fig Tree and the Call to Discernment

Jesus then provides a parable about a fig tree (vv. 28-29). As a fig tree’s sprouting foliage signals the coming of summer, the unfolding tribulations and signs He describes signal the nearness of His return. However, the point is not to incite speculation about when precisely this will happen. Indeed, Jesus further explains, no one knows the day or the hour—not even the angels, but only the Father (v. 32). This reinforces the necessity of constant vigilance.

The Necessity of Watchfulness

The concluding exhortation of this passage focuses on watchfulness: “Take heed, be vigilant, and pray” (v. 33). This call is not merely a literal instruction to stay awake but a spiritual directive to live in a constant state of readiness for the Lord’s return. Jesus likens the situation to a master going on a journey and giving his staff authority over the house (v. 34). If they fall asleep—i.e., become spiritually lax—they risk being unprepared when the master returns.

This theme of vigilance resonates with many other parts of the Gospel (Matthew 25, for example, with the Parable of the Ten Virgins). Christians are called to live in a state of readiness, maintaining fidelity to the Master’s mission, mindful that He will return unexpectedly (Mark 13:36).

Conclusion

In this passage, Jesus prepares His disciples—and through them, all of us—for a dual reality: the inevitable trials of life in this world and the glorious hope of His return. He warns of persecutions, tribulations, and the temptations of false prophets. However, the overall message is one of hope. Despite the darkness of the current age—a darkness that includes tribulation and even the appearance of catastrophe—God remains in control. The Lord has “shortened the days” for the sake of His chosen ones, and the Son of Man will indeed return in glory.

In the meantime, vigilance, discernment, and faithfulness are required of all who follow Christ. As Christians, we must remain ever watchful, continually renewing our lives in prayer, and waiting in joyful expectation of Christ’s triumphant return. Heaven and earth may pass away, but His words will not pass away (v. 31).

Thus, faith and hope in God’s promise will guide us through tribulations, sustaining our trust in His final and glorious return.