‏ Mark 13

* The destruction of the temple foretold. (1-4) Christ's

prophetic declaration. (5-13) Christ's prophecy. (14-23) His

prophetic declarations. (24-27) Watchfulness urged. (28-37)

1-4 See how little Christ values outward pomp, where there is

not real purity of heart. He looks with pity upon the ruin of

precious souls, and weeps over them, but we do not find him look

with pity upon the ruin of a fine house. Let us then be reminded

how needful it is for us to have a more lasting abode in heaven,

and to be prepared for it by the influences of the Holy Spirit,

sought in the earnest use of all the means of grace. 5-13 Our Lord Jesus, in reply to the disciples' question, does

not so much satisfy their curiosity as direct their consciences.

When many are deceived, we should thereby be awakened to look to

ourselves. And the disciples of Christ, if it be not their own

fault, may enjoy holy security and peace of mind, when all

around is in disorder. But they must take heed that they are not

drawn away from Christ and their duty to him, by the sufferings

they will meet with for his sake. They shall be hated of all

men: trouble enough! Yet the work they were called to should be

carried on and prosper. Though they may be crushed and borne

down, the gospel cannot be. The salvation promised is more than

deliverance from evil, it is everlasting blessedness. 14-23 The Jews in rebelling against the Romans, and in

persecuting the Christians, hastened their own ruin apace. Here

we have a prediction of that ruin which came upon them within

less than forty years after this. Such destruction and

desolation, that the like cannot be found in any history.

Promises of power to persevere, and cautions against falling

away, well agree with each other. But the more we consider these

things, the more we shall see abundant cause to flee without

delay for refuge to Christ, and to renounce every earthly

object, for the salvation of our souls. 24-27 The disciples had confounded the destruction of Jerusalem

and the end of the world. This mistake Christ set right, and

showed that the day of Christ's coming, and the day of judgment,

shall be after that tribulation. Here he foretells the final

dissolution of the present frame and fabric of the world. Also,

the visible appearance of the Lord Jesus coming in the clouds,

and the gathering together of all the elect to him. 28-37 We have the application of this prophetic sermon. As to

the destruction of Jerusalem, expect it to come very shortly. As

to the end of the world, do not inquire when it will come, for

of that day and that hour knoweth no man. Christ, as God, could

not be ignorant of anything; but the Divine wisdom which dwelt

in our Saviour, communicated itself to his human soul according

to the Divine pleasure. As to both, our duty is to watch and

pray. Our Lord Jesus, when he ascended on high, left something

for all his servants to do. We ought to be always upon our

watch, in expectation of his return. This applies to Christ's

coming to us at our death, as well as to the general judgment.

We know not whether our Master will come in the days of youth,

or middle age, or old age; but, as soon as we are born, we begin

to die, and therefore we must expect death. Our great care must

be, that, whenever our Lord comes, he may not find us secure,

indulging in ease and sloth, mindless of our work and duty. He

says to all, Watch, that you may be found in peace, without

spot, and blameless.