Chapter 13 in Mark’s gospel has led some to an unfortunate belief. Today, we’ll consider this misunderstanding and its simple solution.
Jesus spoke to His disciples, following their amazement with the temple structures (Mark 13:1). Jesus’ response gives us a clue regarding the context of their conversation. “…And Jesus said…“Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left upon another which will not be torn down”(vs. 2). Consider Jesus’ response to His inquisitive disciples.
Returning to the Mount of Olives, Jesus “was sitting opposite the temple…and (they) were questioning Him privately…“Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are going to be fulfilled?” (vs. 3-4). The subject is the temple destruction. Their questions for Jesus relate to that topic. “And Jesus began to say to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. Many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He!’ and will mislead many. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be frightened; those things must take place; but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will also be famines. These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs” (vs. 5-8).
Jesus said, “But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be…, then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains” (vs. 14). If Jesus is teaching His disciples about the end of the entire world, as we know it, how can anyone possibly flee anywhere to escape such finality of life?
Matthew’s gospel account reiterates this same discourse between Jesus and His disciples. “Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short” (Matthew 24:22). Some will survive this catastrophic event, because those days of tribulation will be “cut short.” Is that how you see the ending of the world? Will God reduce the number of those days?
Wait, there’s more to Jesus’ explanation.
Again, Jesus clearly states, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone” (Matthew 24:36). If Jesus is speaking about the final destruction of the world, which not even He knows, how can He be teaching His disciples about what to watch for since not even He knows “the day nor the hour, but the Father alone”? Could there be a different event He speaks of ?
But, wait, there’s more to Jesus’ answer!