Mark 13:24-27
- After the end-time distress has hit the earth, the universe will also be “shaken”. No one will be able to miss the return of Jesus (Acts 1:1, Revelation 1:7).
- When Jesus returns, disciples from all peoples and nations will be gathered together.
Mark 13:28-29
- We cannot say that we are living in the end times just because there may be a lot of war and earthquakes, but when we see the “abomination of desolation”, then we can know that Jesus is coming back soon.
Mark 13:30
- The generation that will experience the “abomination of desolation” will also experience the return of Jesus.
- The generation that will experience the suffering of the end times can also trust and rely on Jesus’ words that the suffering will be short and thus be encouraged to persevere and not give up.
Mark 13:31-33
- Heaven and earth as we know it now will perish and there will be a new heaven and a new earth instead (2 Peter 3:7-13).
- That even the Son does not know when he will return to earth should be a good reminder not to speculate on possible dates for Jesus’ return or the end of the world.
- Since none of us can know when Jesus will return, we should always live as if he will return soon. Always ready!
- Just as the first Christians watched and were ready when the Roman armies approached Jerusalem and therefore obeyed Jesus’ words to flee to the mountains, so today’s Christians should watch and be ready when we see “the abomination of desolation”.
Mark 13:34-35
- The “man” in this parable symbolizes Jesus, the “house” symbolizes the church, the “servants” symbolize the disciples, and the “gatekeeper” symbolizes pastors and those who work in the church.
- The church belongs to Jesus, but he entrusts his house to his disciples.
- Every disciple has a task to perform.
- The pastor or minister has a special responsibility to ensure that the disciples are always ready for the return of Jesus.