This chapter records the Olivet discourse, prompted by questions
following Jesus' prediction of the destruction of the temple (1-2). It
involves the destruction of Jerusalem which occurred in 70 A.D., though
many also see intertwining references to the Second Coming of Christ
(3-37).
- What are the main points of this chapter?
- The destruction of the temple foretold - Mk 13:1-2
- The sign when things would soon occur - Mk 13:3-23
- Events after the tribulation in those days - Mk 13:24-27
- The need to be prepared and productive - Mk 13:28-37
- What questions were prompted by Jesus' prediction? (3-4)
- "When will these things be? What will be the sign...?"
- What did Jesus say would not be the sign? (5-13)
- False christs, wars, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, persecution,
lawlessness
- What would happen before the "end" would come? (10)
- The gospel preached in all the world (cf. Mk 16:15; Ro 10:16-18;
Col 1:23)
- What would be the sign for those in Judea to flee? (14-15; cf. Lk
21:20-21)
- The abomination of desolation (Jerusalem surrounded by armies)
- What would happen after the tribulation of those days? (24-27)
- Cataclysmic events involving celestial bodies (sun, moon, stars)
- The Son of Man, coming on clouds of heaven, gathering the elect
- Where else is such language used to describe judgment upon a nation?
- Against Babylon, Egypt, Edom, Assyria - cf. Isa 13:6-13; 19:1-2;
34:4-6; Nah 1:1-5
- What would not pass away before these things would be fulfilled? (30)
- The generation of people when Jesus lived on the earth
- Why did Jesus stress the importance of watching and praying? (32-37)
- No one knows the day or hour
- The Son of Man will come unexpectedly