Mark 13:1 ¶ And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!
Mark 13:2 And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
Mark 13:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,
Mark 13:4 Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?
“And” – continuing the narrative from the previous chapter…
This is Mark’s version of end time events, better known as The Olivet Discourse, (also recorded in Matthew 24 and Luke 21). The commentary on these accounts in my journal on Matthew notes the comparisons and differences in greater detail than I will in this journal.
As Jesus and His disciples left the temple, they pointed out to Him the great stones used in the buildings. Jesus’ answer must have shocked them. He answered that the time would come when not one stone would be left standing on top of another. In other words, the temple complex would be completely destroyed.
They evidently stopped to rest on the Mount of Olives directly across from the temple. Peter, James, John and Andrew went to talk with Him privately and asked Him when that would happen. They also asked Him to identify the sign that would signal His prophecy would be fulfilled.
We know from history that the legions of Titus fulfilled this prophecy of the temple’s destruction in 70 AD.
David Guzik gives a good summary of events: “It is said that at the fall of Jerusalem, the last surviving Jews of the city fled to the temple, because it was the strongest, most secure building in the city. Roman soldiers surrounded it, and one drunken soldier started a fire that soon engulfed the whole building. Ornate gold detail work in the roof melted down in the cracks between the stone walls of the temple, and to retrieve the gold, the Roman commander ordered that the temple be dismantled stone by stone. The destruction was so complete that today, they have true difficulty learning exactly where the temple was.”
Mark 13:5 ¶ And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you:
Mark 13:6 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
We know from Matthew’s account that the disciples had also asked Him about the signs of His return to establish the kingdom; they seemed to think that the destruction of the temple and the coming of Jesus to establish the kingdom were directly related. It seems that Jesus begins to address His coming to establish the kingdom at this point. He first warns the disciples to be aware and watch out for deceivers and impostors. He told them that many would come in His name claiming to be the Messiah, and they would be successful in deceiving many.
Mark 13:7 And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet.
Mark 13:8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
The LORD next tells the disciples that they will hear of wars and rumors of wars. This should not trouble them, however, because that is to be expected; that is not a sign of the end (of man’s rule and the establishment of Messiah’s according to their expectation). In fact, nation would rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. The Greek indicates “nation” is a reference to ethnicity and Gentile people. “Kingdom” is a reference to people subject to the same ruling authority. So it should not surprise them to see wars among those of different races as well as wars between different countries and/or kingdoms.
Jesus also declared that there would be earthquakes in various places, as well as famines and troubles (disturbances and sedition). Sedition describes when people are incited to rebel against the governing authority. He then compared these things as “the beginnings of sorrows,” a reference to the labor pains associated with childbirth. This seems to indicate that these events will occur with more intensity and frequency as the time for His return approaches.
I think, considering the news of the last decade in particular, one can’t help but recognize that to be an apt description of the state of nations that began with the uprising in Tunisia in 2007 and that continues to this present day.
And consider this quote from www.zerohedge.com website dated 7/15/19 entitled The Number of Global Earthquakes is 3 Times Above Normal: “Within the last 48 hours we have seen large earthquakes going off like firecrackers all along the Ring of Fire. As you will see below, a magnitude 6.1 quake just hit Japan, a magnitude 6.6 quake just hit Australia and a magnitude 7.3 earthquake just hit Indonesia. And of course all of this comes just about a week after southern California was hit by the two largest earthquakes that it has experienced in more than two decades. So is all of this shaking unusual? Within the last seven days, our planet has experienced an average of more than 677 earthquakes of magnitude 1.5 or greater per day. That means that the number of global earthquakes right now is more than 3 times above normal. And the number of very large earthquakes is at a frighteningly high level as well. None of this is “normal.” As I keep warning my readers, we have entered a time of tremendous global instability, and the U.S. is certainly not going to be exempt.”
It’s also interesting to note the comparison to seals 1-4 in chapter six of Revelation, emphasizing that the birth pains will culminate in the judgment to come.
Revelation 6:1–8 “And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. [My note: This is Satan coming to take control of the world, using many false messiahs along the way, eventually indwelling the person of the final Antichrist—the ultimate false messiah.] And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword. And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine. [My note: represents famine] And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see. And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.”
Mark 13:9 But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.
Jesus next warns His followers that they will be delivered up before the courts (the Greek makes specific reference to the Sanhedrin). They will also be beaten by the leaders of the synagogues and brought before Gentile ruling authorities because they have chosen to follow Him. These actions will actually backfire in that they will serve as testimony against their accusers and persecutors come judgment day.
Revelation 20:12 “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.”
Again, history confirms that this was true of the disciples and has continued to be true of the followers of Jesus throughout history and including current times.
Mark 13:10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.
Jesus goes on to declare that the gospel must first be published among all nations. I personally believe this to be a reference to an event recorded in Revelation.
Revelation 14:6 “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people….”
This verse seems to be out of place, but it actually ties the verses before and after it together. The disciples would face persecution because of their declaration of the gospel, so Jesus assures them that the gospel will be preached throughout the world despite how people respond to them.
Mark 13:11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.
Jesus goes on to tell them not to worry about how to answer their accusers. He promised that the Holy Spirit would give them the words to speak to accomplish God’s purpose.
In Luke’s record Jesus makes it clear that He is the one that will give them what to say, yet another declaration that He is one with the Spirit of God.
Luke 21:15 “For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.”
Mark 13:12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.
Mark 13:13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
These verses are some of the saddest verses describing the times that will lead to the return of Jesus as King. Followers of Jesus can expect to be betrayed by parents, siblings, kinfolk, and friends—some even to the point to death. In fact, those who do not accept Jesus will show hatred toward true followers of Jesus. Those who endure (in their faith is implied) to the end (either their death or Jesus’ return) will be saved.
James 1:12 “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”
“temptation” – putting to proof
One would like to think that you could always count on the support of family, but the reality is that you can’t. The family as established by God is becoming a relic of the past, and the bonds that bind becoming weaker and weaker. Divorce is widespread, respect for life is continuing a downward spiral, abortion is rampant, cultural morals are rapidly being replaced by evil practices, etc. Tolerance toward all is supposed to be the standard; however, it is obvious that those of us who hold fast to the truth of the word of God are not included in the “all.” I truly never thought the day would come that I would see immorality embraced and Christians persecuted in America. Well, acceptance of immorality is here, and the persecution of Christians has begun in the court system and the public forum. I pray that the LORD will strengthen me, as well as those I love, in our faith so that we choose to glorify Him whatever the cost.
Mark 13:14a ¶ But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,)
The student of prophecy will recognize this sign as one that occurs in the midst of the 70th week of Daniel, the last 7 years on planet earth before the return of Jesus, more commonly known as the tribulation. Jesus states that the Prophet Daniel foretold this event—the abomination of desolation.
Daniel 12:11 “And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.”
This makes obvious reference to a desecration of the temple, the place of sacrifice, which means that there will be a functioning temple prior to the occurrence of the event being referenced. This abomination would be a thing or person standing where it ought not. “The holy place” and “where it ought not” could reference any part of the temple, the whole of which is considered holy, but more likely refers to the inner sanctum, the holy of holies. There is no indication in history that such an abomination was perpetrated when Titus and his armies came through in 70AD; they were intent on total destruction.
Paul makes it fairly clear in his second letter to the Thessalonians what this abomination will be. It will be when the Antichrist makes the declaration from the temple that he is “God.”
2Thessalonians 2:3-4 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
“let him that readeth understand” - The gospel narratives were written to be read by others. It also indicates to me that the writers were aware that they might not be around at the time this event occurred. The word for readeth was quite interesting: “ajnaginw an-ag-in-oce´-ko; to know again, i.e. (by extension) to read….”
This implies that this message should serve as a reminder of something of which you already have knowledge. The Greek for understand means to exercise the mind in order to comprehend. The statement implies that one should be able to comprehend and take action when the event comes about.
Mark 13:14b …then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:
Mark 13:15 And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house:
Mark 13:16 And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.
Mark 13:17 But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
Mark 13:18 And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.
This part of the message is directed mainly to the Jewish people, but I think would be pertinent to all believers in the area. The immediate danger is to those in Judea, a reference to the southernmost part of Israel. This would make sense, since the sign to flee is the abomination of desolation taking place in the temple in Jerusalem; it marks the point in time when the Antichrist will reveal his true colors as the agent of Satan. I believe it is the time that Satan is thrown out of heaven and indwells the Antichrist then sets out to persecute Israel.
Revelation 12:12-14 “Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.”
The danger is imminent and the response should be immediate and without hesitation. No thought should be given to material possessions. Obviously, being with child would slow a person down and winter weather can make travel more hazardous. Matthew makes the obvious inclusion to his targeted audience (the Jews) regarding the hardship of having to flee on the Sabbath. It would do them well to remember at that time that the law was made for man’s benefit, as David did when he and his men took the shewbread from the temple to eat because they were hungry (an example Jesus used in teaching this truth). (CF Matthew 12, Mark 2, Luke 6)
Mark 2:27 “And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath….”
Mark 13:19 For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.
“in those days” = the time of the desecration of the temple.
Notice again that it is not just one day, but days, which is an indefinite period of time. My study of prophecy indicates that this will happen at the midpoint of the 70th week and is describing the beginning of the time we call the great tribulation, the last half of the 70th week.
The prophet Daniel pinpoints the timing of the breaking of the covenant and the beginning of trouble for Israel—the middle of the week, after the first 3.5 years; and Revelation declares that the remnant of Israel will be protected for the last 3.5 years—1,260 days. I believe this is referencing the protection provided those that are being told to flee.
Daniel 9:27 “And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.”
Revelation 12:6 “And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days….”
Jesus declared that this time of tribulation would be the worst that has or will ever impact planet earth. This cannot be said of the destruction caused by Titus and his armies in 70AD.
These verses echo the prophecy given to Daniel: "There shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time" (12:1).
Mark 13:20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.
“shortened” = koloboo, kol-ob-o´-o; from a derivative of the base of 2849…abridge:—shorten. 2849. (dwarf); properly, to curtail… (or reserve for infliction)
As I meditated on the word shortened, the indication is that it means to curtail—that it references a specific amount of time reserved for infliction. In other words, if God in His omniscience had not determined the specific timeframe with a predetermined end point, the result would have been the elimination of all “flesh” on planet earth. This has not really been a possibility until more recent times with the advent of nuclear technology and the development of biological and chemical warfare.
God is specifically safeguarding the existence of the remnant of Israel, His chosen people; but I think it also includes a remnant of the whole body of believers on earth at that time, those who were saved as a result of the preaching and testimony of the two prophets/witnesses and the 144,000 Jewish witnesses sealed at the beginning of that period of time. (cf Revelation 7)
Mark 13:21 And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:
Mark 13:22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.
Mark 13:23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.
“then” – During the timeframe after the abomination of desolation, the great tribulation.
This statement is very appropriate at this time, since people are most susceptible to deceit when their need is great and things look hopeless. Anyone who claims to be able to provide deliverance and can back up that claim with signs and wonders will find people eager to follow him. Jesus is emphasizing that they are not to believe anyone claiming to be the Messiah.
Jesus is warning in advance that these false Christs and prophets will be able to do great signs and wonders. The Greek for the word “signs” implies miracles, the supernatural. These signs and wonders will be so convincing that even the “elect,” those that are set apart as belong to God, would be deceived—if that were possible. The obvious implication here is that it will not be possible. I believe that is because the Lord protects His sheep (“...no one can take them out of His hand” John 10:28-29). Still, the Lord reminds them that they are to expect these powerful impostors; they are not to be deceived just because someone can work “miracles.”
Revelation 13:13 “And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men….” [my note: speaking of the false prophet]
2 Thessalonians 2:9 “Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders….” [my note: speaking of the Antichrist]
Mark 13:24 ¶ But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,
Mark 13:25 And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.
Mark 13:26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
“Son of man” = Jesus
Context is clear that this is referencing events after the abomination of desolation during the subsequent great tribulation period, so I think this has to be associated with the vial judgments just preceding the Lord’s visible return as described in Revelation.
Revelation 1:5–7 “And from Jesus Christ….Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him.”
Revelation 19:11–16 “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
Other places in the Old Testament that could tie in to these verses are:
Joel 3:15-16 “The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining. The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake….”
This section of Joel is a reference to the battle of Armageddon.
Isaiah 13:9-13 “Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine….Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the LORD of hosts, and in the day of his fierce anger.”
This chapter in Isaiah is a prophecy concerning the destruction of Babylon, the kingdom of the Antichrist.
Though there are many direct connections in the prophecies given in the scripture, there is no reason to assume that we have been given every piece of the puzzle—just every piece of the puzzle we need to stay strong in the faith and live victoriously as we await His coming.
Mark 13:27 And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.
“he” = the Son of Man, Jesus
“his elect” = primarily a reference to the people of Israel as God’s chosen people,
Trumpets have many uses in the scripture that are distinguished by how the trumpet is blown.
1Corinthians 14:7-8 “And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?”
This “sound” of a trumpet could also reference the voice of God as described in Revelation.
Revelation 1:10-11 “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last….”
It has always been God’s intent to regather all of Israel and that all of Israel should be saved.
Ezekiel 37:11 & 13-14a “Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel….And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves, And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land….”
Romans 11:26 “And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob….”
I believe this promise, this regathering of all Jewish people, will be completely fulfilled when the Lord returns as King and places Israel in the position of prominence among the nations. This is what is being pictured here.
Mark 13:28 ¶ Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:
Mark 13:29 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.
Mark 13:30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.
I know that many prophecy scholars equate the fig tree with Israel; but I personally don’t see this as the primary point being made here, although I do believe that the truth of Israel’s rebirth is the most significant sign regarding the nearness of the second coming of Jesus. The Lord is drawing a word picture here. According to Eerdman’s Dictionary, the first fruit of the fig tree appears in February before the leaves appear in April/June; when the leaves appear, the fruit is usually ripe. When you see the leaves shooting forth on the fig tree, you know that summer is right around the corner. Luke even adds the phrase “and all the trees” since the sprouting of the leaves on the trees in spring are the harbinger of summer soon to come. So, just as the sprouting of leaves is a sign that summer is coming, the emergence of the signs previously discussed are announcing that the kingdom of God is at hand—the return of Jesus to rule as King on planet earth.
Which generation? The one that sees the signs. Once hard labor sets in, the baby is soon to follow. These signs include events that are a part of the 70th week of Daniel, the tribulation period, which is seven years long. The generation that sees these last labor pains will see the fulfillment of the prophecy.
Note: False labor sometimes precedes onset of actual labor. It is similar to actual birth pains, but is premature. Events could happen similar to the birth pains before actual labor begins—but even false labor is a signal of labor soon to commence. Labor pains that produce birth continue to increase in intensity and frequency until birth occurs.
One of the older writers offers another opinion. In his book The Last Times, Joseph Seiss defines as generation as “a race, a class, a family of people,” and the Greek supports his definition. His conclusion: “The plain meaning of the Savior is that the family of Abraham, the Israelitish people, should not pass out of existence as a distinct class or race before all these predictions should be verified.”
I think both opinions are valid.
Mark 13:31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
This verse is self-explanatory. There will be a new heaven and earth, but God’s word is sure and everlasting.
Isaiah 51:6 “Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.”
Isaiah 65:17 “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.”
2Peter 3:13 “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”
Isaiah 40:8 “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”
However, this seems to contradict other verses in scripture.
Isaiah 45:17 “But Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.”
Ephesians 3:21 “Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”
When you look at the Greek for the word “world,” it makes reference to perpetuity and the Messianic period. Peter helps us to understand.
2 Peter 3:12-13 “Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”
The word “new” in the last verse from Peter quoted above states, “new (especially in freshness). I think that because of the decay and wasting away of the heavens and earth caused by the curse of sin, God will destroy the old one by fire and create a new one from its ashes. (At least, that is how I rectify these ideas.) Maybe this will be similar to creation as recorded in Genesis after the time of Satan’s fall and the creation of earth for mankind. (See notes on Genesis 1.) I also think of it in comparison to the transformation of the body of every believer when the LORD changes our corruptible bodies into incorruptible bodies.
There is a verse in Colossians that tells us that God is the glue that holds everything together.
Colossians 1:17 “And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.”
Maybe this is a reference to His letting go for a moment only to speak the word to bring it back together as a “new” creation.
In contrast to the creation as we know it, decaying and perishing and needing to be renewed, the word of God will never pass away. Its truth will stand for all eternity.
Mark 13:32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
What day and hour? The day that Christ will return to earth as King has been the subject. This is a little bit confusing in that once the 70th week of Daniel starts, a specific timeline is given regarding its duration. I think the key is that no one before those who experience the tribulation will have a clue regarding the day or hour. Even those who live through the tribulation will not be able to be specific as to the hour.
The other hard thing to understand is that the Father has information that the Son does not have. Again, I think the answer is found in the fact that the Son at the time of this prophecy is functioning in the human realm through the leadership and revelation of the Spirit. Until He was resurrected to His glorified state, He was just as dependent on revelation through the Spirit as we are now. It is also thought-provoking to know that neither do the angels in heaven know the appointed time. They know the plan and helped reveal it to John. They just don’t know the exact timing.
I found a helpful explanation by Dr. George Madray regarding his commentary on the parallel passage in Matthew:
“The above passage (Matt. 24:36) was certainly true while Christ appeared in human flesh, but it did not pertain to Christ in His post-resurrection/glorified state…nor does it pertain to all people future to the time that it was stated. It is axiomatic, that all will know when it is all over. The words translated there as "no one knows" do not mean "no one will know." Actually, the word in the Greek is eido, which is used in the perfect tense and describes an action which is viewed as past tense. Accordingly, it should be translated as it is in the YLT (Young’s Literal Translation) as "no one hath known." No one having known before Christ’s resurrection in any way precludes everyone from knowing later. Therefore, let us not stumble over one passage, but continue to seek from the prophetic word of God.”
From the perspective of the Old Testament saints, the coming of the Messiah would end up being a two-part process—first as the Suffering Servant and next as Victorious King. That could lend credence to the same type of perspective in the eyes of the New Testament saints—first as Deliverer of the church and next as Victorious King.
Although the Greek for the words day and hour allow for more general time references, it would seem that their use as a unit is significant to a specific day and hour which would include the thought of a specific year.
Mark 13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
“take heed” = behold, beware, perceive
“watch” = to be sleepless; the root word defined sleep as “spiritual torpor” “torpor” = inactivity, insensibility, numbness
“pray” = to God, to supplicate, to entreat, to ask for humbly and earnestly
This is addressing spiritual readiness. We are to be perceptive of what is happening around us—able to recognize the signs given by the Lord. We are to be spiritually alert and not affected by the world’s outlook.
2Peter 3:4 “And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.”
We are to be approaching God with earnestness and eagerness for Jesus to return, even though we don’t know when that will be. We can rest assured that He will return at the perfect time in accordance with the will of the Father.
In context, I know this is talking about Jesus coming to set up His kingdom. But I believe the same truth applies to the rapture. God has appointed a certain time unknown to us. No one will be left out because the timing was off. I always take comfort in this verse from John when thinking about lost loved ones as I yearn for Him to come and take us home to heaven.
John 6:37 “ALL that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”
Mark 13:34 For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.
Mark 13:35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:
Mark 13:36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
Mark 13:37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.
Jesus explains that the time between His first and second comings can be illustrated by a man who is taking a journey; there is no indication of how long he will be gone. Knowing that he will be gone for an indefinite period time, he delegates duties to each of his servants and commands the porter to watch/be vigilant. The porter is the one that controls entrance to his property.
Jesus then makes the application to his audience. You are supposed to stay vigilant and busy at your assigned duties, because you don’t know when I am coming back. It could be at any time of the day or night. Obviously, He is not saying that we are not supposed to sleep; we are to stay diligent with our responsibilities—not being negligent—motivated by the fact that He will return. That constant awareness should make us want to be found doing His will when He returns.
The NIV Commentary provides this insight: “Evening, midnight, rooster crowing, and dawn are the names of the four watches of the night the Romans used.”
Verse 37 is a statement that what is being said to this small group of Jewish believers is applicable to all believers.
Mark 14:1 ¶ After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death.
Mark 14:2 But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people.
I will honestly note up front that I encounter some difficulties trying to synthesize the gospel accounts of these events. I am sure that it is a problem with my understanding and not being able to read it in the original language from a 1st century perspective. The problems all have to do with minor details. The major details are very much in sync and relate eyewitness testimonies that support the primary truth being conveyed.
The wording in Matthew helps clarify the time reference.
Matthew 26:1–2 “And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples, Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.”
After the teaching on the Mount of Olives, Jesus reminded the disciples that Passover was in a couple of days. He also reminded them that He would be betrayed and crucified.
Mark affirms that the chief priests and scribes were plotting how to kill Jesus at the palace of the high priest, Caiphas (according to Matthew). They realized that they could not do it on the Passover without a severe backlash from the people. There would be many there who held Jesus in great esteem as a worker of miracles.
Guzik notes: “Every male Jew who lived within 15 miles of Jerusalem had to come to Jerusalem for Passover, but many more came from great distances - including Galilee.”
Mark 14:3 And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.
Mark 14:4 And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made?
Mark 14:5 For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.
It seems that they had returned to Bethany to the house of Simon the leper, probably in whose house they were staying. Mary, Martha and Lazarus were among those having dinner with them there that evening. As you read the different accounts, it seems likely that Simon was the father of these special friends of Jesus. Maybe Jesus had developed His friendship with the family after healing Simon of his leprosy.
John 12:1–6 “Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein….”
As they were having dinner, Mary brought an alabaster vase (from the Greek) of spikenard, a very expensive perfume, and broke it open and poured the oil on the head of Jesus.
Mary’s actions displeased some of those present because they thought it was wasteful. They knew that the perfume could have been sold for more than 300 pence (about a year’s wages) and the money given to the poor, so they began to complain. John tells us that Judas was one of the chief complainers. He emphasizes that Judas was their treasurer, but he was also a thief; he was not at all concerned about the poor.
I loved Spurgeon’s quote concerning this scripture: “Is anything wasted which is all for Jesus? It might rather seem as if all would be wasted which was not given to him."
Judas is a prime example of those who profess faith in Jesus for the purpose of profit. It provides a perfect platform to prey on people’s emotions to raise money for charitable service, the bulk of which is used to their own personal benefit.
Mark 14:6 And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me.
Mark 14:7 For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always.
Mark 14:8 She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.
Mark 14:9 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.
Jesus intervened on Mary’s behalf. He told the complainers to leave her alone because she had done a good thing for Him. He told them that they would always have the poor around to whom they could show kindness; however, He would not always be around. Jesus declared that Mary had actually anointed His body for burial. He then said that wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, her actions would also be shared as a testimony to her love for Him.
I liked this comment by Ironside on the phrase “She hath done what she could” in verse 8: “There can be no higher commendation than this. All cannot do great things for Christ, but it is well if each one does what he can as unto the Lord Himself.”
Courson: “Too often I focus on what I can’t do instead of seeing what I can do. Mary did what she could. And Jesus commends her.”
Mark 14:10 And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them.
Mark 14:11 And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.
Luke provides one more important bit of information at this point.
Luke 22:2–3 “And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people. Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.”
Satan took possession of one of the disciples, Judas Iscariot. He then went and met with the chief priests and captains as to how to betray Jesus. They were more than happy to have his help and promised to pay him.
Matthew tells us that the promised payment was 30 pieces of silver (the cost of a slave).
Matthew 26:14–15 “Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.”
From that moment on Judas was on the lookout for the opportune time to make good on his deal. That Judas would accept a bribe for his services should not surprise us since we know that he was the treasurer for the group and a thief.
It should be noted that Satan could only enter Judas because he was a willing vessel. How anyone could spend all that close time of teaching and opportunity for fellowship with the Savior and not have his heart impacted by the love of Jesus is beyond understanding. Anyone that does not look to Jesus in faith is subject to possession by evil spirits. Christians are blessed to know that we are sealed and secure in Jesus with the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit; this protects us from such demonic possession. The disciples did not benefit from the indwelling Spirit until after the resurrection.
Ephesians 1:12–14 “That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”
Mark 14:12 ¶ And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover?
Matthew 26:17 “Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?”
Luke 22:7–8 “Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed. And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.”
John 13:1 “Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.”
These verses represent the discrepancy in the gospel accounts that are most puzzling regarding the last supper Jesus ate with His disciples.
John carefully notes that this meal was not the Passover meal.
John 13:1 “Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.”
John further declares that Pilate delivered Jesus over to the people for crucifixion on the Preparation Day for Passover.
John 19:14 “Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, and about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews, “Behold your King!””
According to Josephus, the priests began slaying the paschal lambs at the temple at 3:00pm—the same time that Jesus, our Passover lamb, died on the cross. I have read many commentaries regarding whether the last supper was a Passover meal and regarding Jesus’ being in the tomb three days and three nights. I am not a scholar, but I do believe the Spirit is consistent in presenting the types of Christ in scripture. Christ was definitely our Passover lamb as declared by Paul.
1 Corinthians 5:7 “Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:”
I believe He was crucified on the day of preparation for the Passover meal that would be held that evening (the Jews reckon a day from evening to evening). Beyond that I am not willing to argue. I also know that God doesn’t contradict Himself, and that He will make everything clear by and by.
Mark 14:13 And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him.
Mark 14:14 And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?
Mark 14:15 And he will shew you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us.
Mark 14:16 And his disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.
Jesus sent two of the disciples ahead to the city to make ready for their last meal together. He told them that they would meet a man carrying a pitcher of water; they were to follow him; the house that he entered was the place. They were to tell the master of the house that “The Teacher” wanted to know where the guest room was in which He could eat the Passover with His disciples. The man would show them to a room that was furnished and ready, and they were to get the meal ready.
Had Jesus made prior plans with the master of the house? Was it a man that He knew would readily receive and accommodate Him? I don’t know. The directions He gave the disciples certainly involved a prophetic revelation concerning the man they would encounter that would lead them to the right house.
Mark 14:17 And in the evening he cometh with the twelve.
Mark 14:18 And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.
Mark 14:19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I?
Mark 14:20 And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish.
Mark 14:21 The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.
That evening Jesus and His twelve disciples gathered in the room for their meal. Jesus suddenly told them that one of them would betray Him. This made the disciples sad. They all began to ask Him, “Is it I?” I guess they were thinking that the betrayal would be unwitting, something not planned. He answered that it was the one that dipped with Him in the dish.
John’s narrative indicates that this thought must have been especially troubling to John and Peter because they asked Jesus more privately who it was. To them He gave a more specific answer.
John 13:23–27 “Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake. He then lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it? Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.”
Jesus identified Judas Iscariot as the betrayer by giving him the sop. After he had received the sop from Jesus, Satan once again took possession of him. Jesus made sure that Judas knew that He knew what he was going to do and told him to go.
Jesus then made a very sobering statement (my paraphrase): “All will happen as I have told you and as foretold in scripture. How horrible it will be for the man that betrays Me. It would have been better for him had he never been born.”
John also makes the point that it was night. It was dark in more ways than one and would seem to get darker still as time went on. They were about to lose the light of the Savior’s presence. Men often choose to do their evil in the dark of night. They don’t want others to know them for who they truly are. They think that they can hide their actions from God.
John 3:19 “…men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”
Mark 14:22 And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body.
Mark 14:23 And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it.
Mark 14:24 And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.
While they were eating, Jesus took the bread and gave thanks for it. He broke it into pieces and gave to each one, telling them to eat it and declaring it to represent His body. He then took the cup and gave thanks, then passed it around for each one to drink from. He declared it to represent His blood that would be shed for many.
This is the event that provides the basis for our observance of the Lord’s Supper, also called Communion. It stood out to me as I read the different accounts that Jesus did not command this observance to be continued. The instruction that this was to be observed on a regular basis in the church came through Paul.
1 Corinthians 11:23–30 “For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.”
It’s quite clear that the Savior used the bread and wine to picture the sacrifice that He was going to make to provide for our salvation. It obviously was not His actual flesh and blood. Jesus often made similar types of statements to picture spiritual truths.
John 6:51 “I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”
John 10:7–9 “Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep….I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”
John 15:1–2 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.”
The purpose for continuing this observance is to remind us of the sacrificial provision Jesus made for the remission of sins, the suffering He endured to provide for our salvation as we look forward to His return.
Jesus also revealed to the disciples that He was instituting a new covenant—a covenant that was foretold by Jeremiah.
Matthew 26:28 “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”
Jeremiah 31:31–33 “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.”
This covenant would supersede the old covenant as established through Moses. Sadly, Israel will not embrace this new covenant as a whole until Jesus returns to set up His kingdom on earth.
The fact that the instruction for this observance was given to the church through Paul shows that it was intended for all people that choose to follow Jesus in faith.
Mark 14:25 Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.
Mark 14:26 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
Jesus declared that He would no more drink of the fruit of the vine until He is able to drink it again with them (according to Matthew) in the kingdom of God.
After this, they ended the supper by singing a hymn before heading to the Mount of Olives.
Mark 14:27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.
Mark 14:28 But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.
Jesus talked to the disciples as they walked. John tells us much more detail about their conversation (see my journal for John 14-17).
Mark tells us that Jesus warned the disciples that they would all be caused to stumble in their faith because of what was going to happen to Him that night. The scripture actually foretold this.
Zechariah 13:7 “…smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.”
Jesus tried again to encourage them by telling them that He would be raised to life again and go ahead of them to Galilee.
Mark 14:29 But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.
Mark 14:30 And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.
Mark 14:31 But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.
Good old Peter, ever quick with an answer from his heart, immediately declared that he would never stumble in his faith. Jesus told him that before the night was over, he would deny Him three times. Peter insisted that even to the point of death, he would never deny Jesus. The rest of the disciples declared that they would do the same.
Luke tells us a bit more about this event.
Luke 22:31–32 “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.”
Satan had singled Peter out for testing and had been given permission (is implied), similar to what had happened to Job. Jesus assures Peter that He has prayed for his faith to stay strong. What a truth to cling to!
The Savior then encourages Peter to strengthen others in their faith once he emerged from the testing a changed man—much stronger in faith.
That thought reminded me of something Paul wrote to the Corinthians.
2 Corinthians 1:3–6 “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.”
I believe that is one of the Lord’s intended purposes for any trial He allows in our lives—for our faith to be strengthened and that we in turn strengthen others through what we have learned by experience.
I am also reminded of truth from the book of Hebrews; Jesus prays for us just as surely as He prayed for Peter.
Hebrews 7:25 “Wherefore He [Jesus] is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.”
Because of the signs of the times that surround us and the general moral decay of world culture, I am already praying for God’s empowerment to be able to stand strong in the face of persecution—no matter how terrifying it may become. I am also praying the same for my precious family. If Peter could deny the LORD so readily after spending intimate time with Him in person for three years, how vulnerable are we! I would never have believed as we started our family that this would ever have to be a prayer on my lips as a citizen of the United States of America. Oh how I wish that the person who completes the bride of Christ would accept Jesus as Savior so we can go home! I take great comfort in knowing that we have the supernatural empowerment of the Holy Spirit indwelling us—something Peter was not yet privileged to possess during his time of temptation.
Mark 14:32 ¶ And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.
Mark 14:33 And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;
Mark 14:34 And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.
Eventually, they came to a place called Gethsemane, a garden across the brook Cedron according to John; it was on the lower part of the Mount of Olives. Jesus asked the disciples to sit awhile as He went apart to pray. He took Peter, James and John with him a bit further and told them that His soul was in great sorrow in expectation of His death. He asked them to wait there and watch for Him.
Mark 14:35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.
Mark 14:36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.
Jesus went a bit further and fell on the ground, praying to His Father and asking that this hour of suffering might pass if possible (without affecting the purpose of His death is implied). This is the man Jesus dreading the suffering to come. Even worse than the physical suffering was the fact that the fellowship between Him and His Father would be broken for the first time ever as He takes on the sins of the world.
2 Corinthians 5:21 “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
He recognizes, however, that with His Father all things are possible. He expresses His desire for the cup of suffering to be removed, but yields Himself to the Father’s will. That is the constant caveat to my prayers—yet Your will be done, Father.
Mark 14:37 And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?
Mark 14:38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.
Mark 14:39 And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words.
Mark 14:40 And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.
Jesus returned to the three and found them sleeping. He awakened Peter and questioned why he was asleep. He asked him if he couldn’t watch with him just one hour. He encouraged Peter to watch and pray that he would not fall into sin. He told Peter that though he was strong in the spirit, he was weak in the flesh.
I liked the following comment by David Guzik: “Jesus found victory at the cross by succeeding in the struggle in Gethsemane. Peter - just like us - failed in later temptation because he failed to watch and pray. The spiritual battle is often won or lost before the crisis comes.”
The Savior returned once again to repeat His prayer to the Father. Once again when He returned, the disciples were sleeping because they were so tired. They were at a loss for words that He found them so again.
Mark 14:41 And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
Mark 14:42 Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.
Jesus went back to pray for yet a third time. I think it is at this point that Luke provides further information.
Luke 22:43–44 “And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”
I think Jesus is so disturbed at the thought of being separated from His Father for any amount of time as He bore our sins, that it caused Him to sweat “great drops of blood.” Though the Father’s will required that Jesus drink the cup before Him, it was the Father’s heart to send an angel from heaven to strengthen His Son.
I think it is important to notice that Jesus was sincerely persistent with His prayers. Though He is repeating the prayer, it is not with “vain repetition” that was warned against in chapter 6.
Matthew 6:7 “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.”
Jesus is praying with heartfelt intensity for deliverance from suffering, but His overriding desire is to do the Father’s will. He is the perfect model for us to follow in our own prayer lives.
After the third session of prayer, Jesus returned and told them to go ahead and sleep a little while they could because the time was upon them that He would be betrayed. After a while, He awakened them and told them that the betrayer was coming.
Mark 14:43 ¶ And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.
Mark 14:44 And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.
Mark 14:45 And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.
John tells us that Judas knew where they would be because it was a place that they often went.
John 18:2 “And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.”
While Jesus was yet speaking, Judas showed up leading a group of soldiers that were under the authority of the temple leaders and were carrying swords and clubs. Judas had told the soldiers that the one they wanted would be the one he greeted with a kiss. They were to take Him away safely. As soon as he saw Jesus, he greeted the Savior with a kiss.
Guzik provides more insight with this quote from Lane: “In addition to the Temple police, who were Levites, the Sanhedrin had at its disposal auxiliary police or servants of the court who were assigned the task of maintaining public order beyond the Temple precincts. They were authorized to make arrests, lead accused persons to the court, guard prisoners, and carry out sentences imposed by the court. The arresting army in Gethsemane must have consisted of armed court attendants of this kind.”
Mark 14:46 And they laid their hands on him, and took him.
Mark 14:47 And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
The soldiers took hold of Jesus to take Him away. One of the disciples standing near Him drew his sword and cut of the ear of a servant to the high priest.
This event is recorded in all four gospels, but only John identifies Peter as the perpetrator and the servant as a man named Malchus.
John 18:10 “Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.”
Only Luke, the beloved physician, tells us that Jesus healed the man’s ear.
Luke 22:51 “And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.”
Matthew tells us a bit more.
Matthew 26:52–54 “Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?”
Jesus immediately told Peter to put away his sword unless he wanted to die by the sword. He reminded Peter that He could pray to His Father, and He would send twelve legions of angels to fight on His behalf. If he did that, however, the scriptures that foretold His death would not be fulfilled. From Jesus’ perspective, that could never be. This was necessary to accomplishing the whole purpose for which He came to earth.
Mark 14:48 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me?
Mark 14:49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled.
Mark 14:50 And they all forsook him, and fled.
Jesus addresses the group by asking why they were armed like they were out to capture a thief, a dangerous criminal. He pointed out that He had been teaching in the temple every day, and they had not tried to arrest Him. Then He goes on to answer His own question; I liked the way Luke expresses it.
Luke 22:53 “When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”
The NLT phrased it a bit more clearly, “But this is your moment, the time when the power of darkness reigns.” (I would say, “is allowed to reign.”)
Mark 14:51 And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him:
Mark 14:52 And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.
I’ve often heard it taught that this is Mark’s one mention of himself in this gospel. If so, one can’t help but wonder when he appeared on the scene. Some commentators suggest that the last supper was in Mark’s home, a future meeting place of the believers, so he may have just followed Jesus and the disciples when they left. Not provable, but plausible.
Acts 12:12 “And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.”
This young man wasn’t the only one that fled the scene; so did the disciples.
Matthew 26:56 “But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.”
This fulfills a prophecy of Zechariah as well as the words of Jesus.
Zechariah 13:7 “Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.”
Matthew 26:31 “Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.”
Mark 14:53 ¶ And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes.
Mark 14:54 And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.
They took Jesus to the high priest who was in the company of the chief priests, elders and scribe; and Peter followed at a distance.
John tells us a bit more.
John 18: 15-16 “And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.”
John was from a prominent family and was known by the high priest; some commentators suggest that he was related. It was through his intervention that Peter was able to enter the palace grounds. Once inside, he began to mingle among the temple servants who were getting warm by the fire.
Mark 14:55 And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none.
Mark 14:56 For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together.
Mark 14:57 And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying,
Mark 14:58 We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.
Mark 14:59 But neither so did their witness agree together.
Though the chief priests, elders and all the council sought witnesses that would provide accusations to justify putting Jesus to death, they could find none. Many false witnesses stepped forward, but evidently their testimony wasn’t even acceptable to those intent on killing Jesus. Finally, two false witnesses came forward declaring that Jesus had stated that He could destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days; even so, their testimony did not fully agree.
Technically, the witnesses were testifying correctly—but out of context—as explained by John.
John 2:19–21 “Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body.”
David Guzik notes the following concerning the illegalities associated with the judicial treatment of Jesus:
According to Jewish law, criminal cases could not be tried during the Passover season.
According to Jewish law, only an acquittal could be issued on the day of the trial. Guilty verdicts had to wait one night to allow for feelings of mercy to rise.
According to Jewish law, all evidence had to be guaranteed by two witnesses, who were separately examined and could not have contact with each other.
According to Jewish law, false witness was punishable by death. Nothing was done to the many false witnesses in Jesus' trial.
According to Jewish law, a trial always began by bringing forth evidence for the innocence of the accused, before the evidence of guilt was offered. This was not the practice here.
Mark 14:60 And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
Mark 14:61 But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?
Mark 14:62 And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Finally, Caiphas decided to take control. He stood up and asked Jesus why He did not answer His accusers. Jesus maintained His silence. The high priest then asked Him point blank if He was the “Christ, the Son of the Blessed.”
Jesus answered, “I am.” This not only answered their question, but also declared Him as the great “I AM,” the name that God gave Moses to call Him. He added that they would see the Son of man (referencing Himself) sitting on the right hand of power (of God the Father is implied) and coming in the clouds of heaven. This seems to be a reference to the words recorded by Daniel.
Daniel 7:13–14 “I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.”
Mark 14:63 Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses?
Mark 14:64 Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death.
Mark 14:65 And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.
Caiphas tore his clothes at the words of Jesus because he judged them as blasphemous and basically declared that they needed no further witnesses. He accused Jesus of blasphemy and asked the council if they did not agree. They all agreed with the high priest and pronounced Jesus guilty of death. Some began to spit on Him. Others covered His face proceeding to hit and slap Him, then they mocked Him by telling Him to prove Himself and prophesy. I assume they wanted Him to identify His tormentors.
Mark 14:66 ¶ And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:
Mark 14:67 And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth.
Mark 14:68 But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew.
Mark 14:69 And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them.
Mark 14:70 And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto.
Mark 14:71 But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak.
Mark 14:72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.
Meanwhile, back to Peter…
One girl began to look at Peter more closely and asked Peter if he was one of the companions of Jesus of Nazareth. Peter denied that he was, even acting like he didn’t understand why she would think so (1st denial and first crowing of the cock). A little later another maid identified him as one of Jesus’ followers; again, Peter denied it (denial #2). A little later another person confidently identified Peter as one of Jesus’ followers and even noted that his speech identified him as a Galilaean. This time, Peter cursed and swore in denial of this last accusation (denial #3).
While Peter was yet speaking, the rooster crowed. According to Luke, at that moment Jesus turned and looked at Peter, and he immediately remembered what Jesus had told him. I think that look was full of love and compassion—not condemnation. Peter was ashamed and heartbroken once he realized the awful truth of what he’d done, and he wept bitterly.
Peter’s response in a situation in which he felt his life might be in danger certainly gives one food for thought. Could I stand firm in my faith at such a time; I pray often that if that time ever comes, the LORD would strengthen me as well as those I love who love Jesus to do just that to His honor and glory.
Chuck Smith made a valid observation (in my words). Peter chose to follow at a distance. Any time we try to follow Jesus at a distance without total commitment, we are asking for trouble. Peter wasn’t just at a distance; he was warming himself at the enemy’s fire.
I liked Ironside’s thoughts comparing the actions of Judas and Peter: “The difference between apostasy and backsliding is illustrated clearly in the records concerning Judas and Simon Peter. Apostasy is a complete rejection of the truth and hence of Him who came to proclaim it and who is Himself the way, the truth, and the life. One may profess faith in Christ and give outward adherence to His teaching without ever being born again. In the hour of severe temptation such a one may apostatize, completely repudiating all he once professed to believe. For the apostate there is no promise of restoration. Backsliding, on the other hand, is a lowering of one’s spiritual experience until in the hour of testing there is no strength to stand and so failure may come in to mar one’s testimony….Peter was a backslider. Though he fell into grievous sin, he soon realized his wretched plight and returned in deep penitence to the Lord he had denied.”