In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus had pronounced judgment on the temple; that is why in Mark 13, one of the disciples asked Jesus to look at the temple and its buildings...like, how could this ever go away? But Jesus replied, "Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another, that shall not be thrown down."
Later, at the Mount of Olives, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Jesus when these things will happen, and what signs will there be?
THE TRIBULATION
First Jesus told them to beware of those who want to deceive them by claiming to be Him. Also, they will hear about wars and rumors of wars; nation will rise against nation; there will be natural disasters and famines and troubles.
He told them to be watchful because they will be brought before councils, religious rulers, and kings for Jesus' sake, and they will be beaten. "But the gospel must first be preached to all the nations." He said not to worry what to say because the Holy Spirit will give them the words to speak in that moment. And family members will betray one another and may even cause the other to be put to death. Believers will be hated because of Him, but those who persevere to the end shall be saved.
THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION
Daniel spoke of the abomination of desolation, and "when you see it standing where it ought not" (let the reader understand), "then...flee..."
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. 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.
And furthermore,
...the sun will be darkened...the moon will not give its light; the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. 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.
Those who see the beginnings of these signs, that generation will not pass away before all of these things have occured. It will be a short time. And no one knows the hour it will happened -- only the Father in heaven. So watch and pray!
COMMENTARY
These are eschatological events regarding the Great Tribulation period and the second coming of Christ. The disciples could not understand how Jesus could proclaim an end to the temple in Jerusalem, but Jesus told them that these buildings would pass away. As Paul explained in 2 Cor. 4:18, "...the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal."
Mark was not present when Jesus told the four disciples these eschatological prophecies therefore, they told the others, including Mark, who recorded it here for us. In Matthew's gospel, he recorded the three questions asked: When will these things happen; what is the sign of His coming; and what is the sign of the end of the world?
Mark recorded Jesus' answer regarding false Christs. Not the AntiChrist, but antichrists who: DENY Christ's (1) virgin birth, (2) miracles, (3) shedding of blood for sins of the world, (4) bodily resurrection, (5) heavenly ascension, and (6) His second coming. Many antichrists exist today and more are coming.
THE SECOND COMING
The second coming is introduced by the darkening of the sun and moon. Jesus will arrive in the clouds in glory. This is completely different than the rapture -- the immediate snatching away of the church. This is the end of the tribulation period, and all will see.
So watch and be ready...
 |
| credit: A Little Perspective |