Mark 13 Devotional
by Pastor Mark Hudson
This is a rather difficult passage to be dogmatic about. So here are some observations about the text that may help you understand this passage. First the questions of the disciples sets the context. “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” Jesus response in v. 2 is directed to the temple and then in v. 3, Mark writes that he sat . . . “opposite the temple.” This context should not be dismissed but used as a control as we seek to comprehend this section.
Second, there is considerable debate about what kind of literature this is. R.T France says that “to describe Mark 13 as apocalyptic is misleading” p. 498 in his commentary on Mark. Walter Wessel (EBC) writes, “The discourse is patently apocalyptic in nature” p. 742. This is why William Lane writes, “In the Gospel of Mark there is no passage more problematic that the prophetic discourse of Jesus on the destruction of the temple” p. 444. So, if that is true, we need to allow for different ways that others will understand this text.
Here are a few other considerations. As Wessel observes, “the entire chapter is filled with exhortations and admonition. There are nineteen imperatives in vv. 5-37. Regarding the exhortations or the “ parenetic framework” as Lane calls this chapter p. 445, there are many exhortations to be alert, stay awake, etc. In other words, there is a mixture of what some call apocalyptic features with exhortations like take care (vs. 5, 9, 23, 33) Lane p. 445.
I understand that much of what Christ is talking about happened as a result of the destruction of the temple in 70 AD. Many think the abomination of desolation in v. 14 refers to Antiochus IV Epiphanes who in 168 BC erected a small altar dedicated to Zeus over the Jewish altar and sacrificed a pig as the ultimate desecration. It may be that is the abomination but there is one abomination even later. Setting aside the plans Caligula had for to set up an image of himself in the temple in 40 AD, there are events even closer to the destruction of the temple.
Josephus, a non-Biblical historian, writes about a group of Zealots in November 67 to the spring of 68 where the Zealots occupied the temple, committed murder and allowed criminals to walk around in the holy of holies (War IV. iii. 10 and War IV v. 4). It was so bad that “the retired high priest Ananus, with tears, lamented: It would have been far better for me to have died before I had seen the house of God laden with such abominations . . . . War IV.iii. 10).
Like every Christian since these words were spoken, we want to know exactly what Christ is referring to and when these things will take place. Most of us assume these are events yet to take place. Yet in v. 30, “Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place,” seems to refer to the destruction of the temple. The temple and its beauty is what occasioned the discussion in the first place.
What we are left with is not so much an exact time but exhortations to watch: “Be on guard, keep awake” v. 33. Then in v. 35, “Therefore stay awake” and finally the end of the chapter, “And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.” There are many ways to fall asleep or be drowsy in a spiritual sense. We can be tempted in the same way that non-believers are. But I wonder for us if our comfortable, safe, relatively wealthy life is all the devil needs to keep us drowsy.
I am not tempted much by drugs or alcohol (but I am tempted by many other things) so those things may not dull my (or your) spirituality. But what dulls your spirit? What keeps you occupied? This life with all its pleasures can be enough. If spiritually our senses can be dulled by football, work, our families, why should the spiritual forces tempt us with drink? You need to know what gets you off your game. It may be bitterness, jealousy, anger, lust, or other hidden (at least you think you keep them hidden) sins that pushes your trajectory away from the Kingdom, away from Christ. Oh, what danger that imperils your soul. What is it that makes you stumble? And where will you be in 15 years if you keep it up? That sin may be like the nose of a camel once in the warm tent that eventually pushes out the sleeping master until the camel has destroyed the tent leaving the master in the cold night air. Are you winning this battle or are you like the Lions (sorry Lions’ fans) who are good for 3 quarters and lose it in the 4th quarter? Are you even in the game or have you been sidelined years ago?
Father, I barely recognize that there is a spiritual battle at times. I am so at home in this world. I need to be invigorated by your Spirit to fight for my spiritual survival. I admit I am coasting, paying lip service to my faith. Help me to be on fire for you. I once was on fire when I felt genuine joy. I feel empty because the world can’t satisfy my deepest yearnings. Although I know that, I keep going back to a dry well and leaving thirsty. Pour your life into my parched soul. Revive me so that I am alive in Christ. Save me from my slipping, unsteady self and plant me fully in your Kingdom, alive, awake, and ready to deny myself, pick up my cross and follow you. I ask this for Christ’s sake and your glory. Amen.