Have you ever heard (or maybe you have said), “Wow! Christmas really snuck up on me this year.” I have heard many people say that over the years. Here is the funny thing. Christmas Day is the SAME DAY EVERY YEAR. I actually went onto Google and double checked this week. I found a site that showed me the date, and day of the week we have celebrated Christmas in the past, and one that showed the scheduled day and date for the next six years. Guess what? Still December 25.
What’s my point? If people can be caught off guard with the arrival of a major holiday that has the same date every year, how can people expect to be ready for the return of Christ which will be at an unknown day or hour?
In the passage today, Jesus provides insights into what will happen in the lifetime of some of the disciples as well as, I believe, at the end of time. I say, “in my opinion,” because some debate exists over the interpretation of these verses – do they all reflect the days leading up to and just after 70 AD when the temple fell? Certainly, some of the verses must be interpreted in that manner, but I believe Jesus is speaking of both the near and distant future in this passage.
In the previous two weeks, I have reviewed verses which specifically relate to the signs leading toward, and culminating with, the destruction of the temple. But today, Jesus uses terms, especially in verses 24-27, which are direct allusions (not illusions!) to Old Testament texts that speak of the day of the Lord. (e.g. Jer. 3:16, 18; 31:33; Joel 2:28; Zech. 8:2. Regarding On the heavenly phenomena, one needs to compare Isa. 13:10; 34:4; Ezek. 32:7–8; Amos 8:9. Furthermore, signs in the heavens are commonly associated in the OT with the Day of the Lord (Isa. 13:10; 34:4; Ezek. 32:7–8; Joel 2:10, 31; 3:15; cf. Rev. 6:12–14; 8:12). (1)
So, what does Jesus say, and how are we to understand these words which represent the last extended teaching of Jesus in the gospel, as recorded by Mark?
I Will Return (24-27)
In verses 24-27, Jesus begins with, “But in those days.” He is obviously transitioning to another thought. That thought continues in some ways because He mentions tribulation which has been a part of the discussion in the preceding verses (14-23), and the “beginning of the birth pains” (v. 8) certainly represents that a time of trial is at hand.
Now, in 24-27, Jesus is beginning to speak beyond the immediate time period. Of course, His disciples did not know that then, but because He has not yet returned, the “those days after that tribulation” is a time that has yet to truly be fulfilled. This is a challenge with understanding prophecy. Let me provide an analogy to a mountain range.
When viewing a mountain range from a distance, we see the mountains and all of their beauty. And from a distance the mountains look very close to one another. But when we get to the top of the first mountain, we begin to realize the next mountain isn’t as close as it appeared. Many times, we find a great distance between the mountains.
The same is true for prophecy. A prophet can be defined simply as one who tells the truth. The prophet tells the truth of what is to come, but often does so without knowing the timing of the truth. It is as if looking at a mountain range from a distance. The truth will happen, but not always in the time span expected. The difference is that unseen valleys must first be traveled, and in the prophet’s case, the valley is time.
So, the disciples heard Jesus tell of what was to come almost immediately (5-13), what would come soon (14-23), and then a mixture of the soon (before this generation passes, v. 30) and near the end of time (Son of Man returns, v. 26).
We could spend a good amount of time unpacking the ideas about the sun, the moon, and the stars, but I have covered the details of this previously in a study on Revelation. Let me just say that while I do believe a literal aspect to this will happen, I also fully realize the metaphorical understanding that these terms were also used to describe various leaders – especially those in government. Without mistake, human government will one-day fail, when King Jesus returns, but again, I do believe the cosmos will undergo some radical changes as well. Revelation 21.22 says that one day, in the new heaven, we will not need a sun or a moon, because of the light which emanates from God!
What must be mentioned, however, is that the Son of Man clearly points to Jesus (see 2.28, 8.31, and 14.62 where Jesus is clearly referring to Himself). In Mark 13.26, Jesus says the Son of Man will return one day on the clouds in power and glory. God’s power was on display as the cloud by day leading the Israelites through the wilderness for their first 40 years. 40 years from the time Jesus said this, Israel would disappear. But God’s power, and God’s glory remain – and they will be on full display through the person of Jesus when He returns. And the angels of God will take their orders from Him – going into every part of the world to find those who belong to Jesus. No one will be forgotten. No child of God will be left behind. And Jesus will begin His eternal reign.
My Word is Sure (28-31)
In the next section, Jesus switches back to the present. Again, the disciples did not know if Jesus was talking about current events or those which still have not occurred. Returning to our mountain metaphor, they were looking at the mountains from a distance. They could see the range, but could know the distance between individual mountains. In this case, the distance was near.
Jesus says that a sign of the temple’s end will be like that of a fig tree which became tender to touch as the sap rose into the trunk each year. If you recall, in Mark 11, Jesus destroyed a fig tree because it was not bearing fruit. That tree served its purpose as an example of the temple which was not bearing spiritual fruit. Here, Jesus shows that the timing of the coming destruction of the temple could be determined by watching a fig tree. He then states that it will happen within a generation.
Biblically, a generation is about 40 years. Most scholars believe Jesus died around 30 BC. The temple was destroyed in 70 AD – one generation later. And certainly, some of the people would have still been living – for instance, we know the apostle John, who was with Jesus during this discussion (v. 3) was still alive at the end of the century.
Now, I must point out that many take this statement to mean a different generation – one that is alive today. I have been guilty of that teaching as well. But as I have studied this further, I have concluded Jesus must be referring to the generation of His day. A part of the challenge in understanding comes from is one word in verse 29. It is a word that is not in the original Greek so translators have to supply a pronoun. The word in the ESV, NASB, HCSB and other translations is “he” is near. The KJV, NIV, and some others translate “it” is near. The problem is that an antecedent is hard to determine.
- If what is near is Jesus return, then He is near.
- If what is near is the destruction of the temple, then “it” is near.
Mark does not give us a complete understanding UNLESS his use of the words “these things” is to be our clue. Look back to verse 4. This teaching starts after the disciples ask about the timing of “these things.” In verse 29, Jesus uses “these things” (Greek, tauta panta). Jesus could also be talking about the destruction because of the phrase “at the very gates.” This could be language to convey that the Roman army would come through the gates of Jerusalem during the siege. And, indeed, that is what happened.
But, let me guide us to look at the parallel passage in Matthew 24. In verse 3, the disciples ask, about the timing of the destruction of the temple AND the end of the age. Matthew records considerably more of Jesus teaching during this exchange. For that reason, I believe Jesus answer includes both the short-term implications for the temple, and the long-term timing of His return.
Either way, what we must take from these verses is not the timing per se. Rather, our focus is to be on the truth that what Jesus says will happen. And what Jesus says is absolutely astounding. He says that His words will outlast heaven and earth.
Think about that! Who could make such a bold claim? I can’t because a) I know most will forget these words by the end of the day and b) I do not know how long earth will last and c) I have no authority on how long heaven will remain. But Jesus does. Jesus can make the claim not because He is the Son of Man, but because He is the Son of God. Jesus was present at Creation. Jesus will return at the end. And as the Alpha and Omega, He was, and is, and shall be forevermore. Thus, His words, and His Word, will stand, because He is the Living Word (John 1.1).
Be Ready (32-37)
Jesus concludes this teaching with a command He has already said many times in this chapter – “Be Ready!” He has said something similar in verses 5, 7, 9, 23, and now in 33, 35, and 37. He tells a parable about a master who leave his bondservants in charge. The parable contains an unusual aspect in that a hint is given that the master seems to be returning at night. In ancient times, very few traveled at night – especially from town to town – because of the dangers involved. Reggie covered the idea of the four watches of the night here, so let me focus on the doorkeeper. The doorkeeper was the individual entrusted to make sure no one entered who wasn’t expected. He also was to track who had left in order to anticipate their return. Needless to say, the doorkeeper position was especially important and was one of great responsibility. Thus, to be asleep at the door was an offense against the master. If a master returned – no matter the time – and the doorkeeper was asleep, the servant would be severely punished.
The broader scope of these verses talks about the unknown hour of the master’s return. Jesus is that Master. Many have a problem with the idea that Jesus says that not even the Son knows the exact time. First, this could be described as a part of the humanity of Jesus. Could Jesus, in human form, be all-knowing? I don’t know. But I think we can look at this in another way. I don’t think He cared in the way we do.
Remember, the disciples wanted to know when “these things” would happen. Jesus says, when the Father says it is time, then it is time. I mentioned this two weeks ago, but it must be restated here: Jesus wants our focus to be on Him, not on the signs of the times.
As we wait for Jesus to return, we must be awake. We must remain ready. It should be noticed that in just over a day, these words would mean something very different as the disciples were napping and unprepared as Jesus prayed, and was then arrested, in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Like the disciples, we must realize that we will go through trials and tribulation. Will we remain ready? Will we keep watch? Will we be busy doing the Master’s business until He returns?
CONCLUSION
In March of 1942, Douglas MacArthur was directed by President Roosevelt to leave the Philippines. MacArthur had just helped spare the Philippines from falling to the Japanese. When he arrived in Australia, he discovered he would not be able to send the help he desired to send to the 90,000 troops he had left behind. It was then, that MacArthur gave the press one of the most famous catchphrases in American history, “I shall return.”
MacArthur’s statement was meant to bring hope to the troops. But a month later, the Japanese defeated the troops on the Bataan Peninsula with 70,000 captured. One month later, Corregidor (the fortress) fell to the Japanese and another 15,000 American and Filipino troops were captured. Meanwhile, MacArthur was not to be found, as he was leading the fighting elsewhere in the Pacific. But, he frequently reminded the press of his promise to return.
Finally, 2 ½ years later, in October of 1944, after MacArthur stepped onto the beach, a radio broadcast sent MacArthur’s words to the people, “People of the Philippines, I have returned!” Most who might have had some hope from his initial promise were no longer to be found. Hope had been lost. The time had come and gone and the man had broken a promise. But he hadn’t. The conditions had to be right. Admiral Nimitz had to lend support. The decision to return was not MacArthur’s alone. But once the timing was right, he returned, and the people of the Philippines were saved.
75 years later, MacArthur is still hailed as a hero by many for fulfilling his vow to return. What about Jesus? He has said He will return. He has said it will happen soon. Many today are like the people of the Philippines, however, because the expectations of the timing are not what was expected. But Jesus has provided insight to His return that MacArthur could not. Jesus has said that His followers must wait, and endure, because many challenges await. He has promised these challenges. He has promised a time of tribulation. It is only after this time that Jesus will return. But we can have hope because Jesus also promised to return to rescue those that follow Him. And His command in the meantime is to “Be Ready.”
Be ready. Be ready! That seems so simple, and yet the statement is quite profound. Consider how we prepare for guests to come to our house. Consider how much time many people plan and prepare for various events – large or small. Shouldn’t we take the time to prepare, and then stay ready, for the King?
JOURNEY: That is why our JOURNEY letter for the week is: Y – You.
The choice is up to you! Do you trust that Jesus will return? Are you ready for that moment? We will not have time to prepare after He comes…we must be ready beforehand. We are to stay ready. We are to remain awake. We are to be ready not for the return of an earthly general, but for the return of our heavenly King.
OPPORTUNITY: Get your life ready. Then help others to be ready too.
REMEMBRANCE: “I am coming soon.” Three times in Revelation 22, Jesus makes this statement. The word translated as “soon” can also mean quickly. We may not know when Jesus will return, but when He does, it will be swift, and we will not have time to prepare then. We must get ready, and stay ready. Always.
NEXT STEP(S):
Live in a constant state of readiness. That does not mean we try to predict when things will happen, or sell all we have and go wait on top of a mountain. It means we live our lives, each day, like it could be our last, making a difference for Jesus as we wait for Him to return.
1. Witherington, B., III. (2001). The Gospel of Mark: a socio-rhetorical commentary (p. 347). Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
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