· 13:7-8: We discussed these “signs” in a couple of posts recently. They are called “the beginning of sorrows.” Our understanding is that these are events that describe the time between Jesus’ ascension and His return. We have also noted the similarities between this passage and Rev. 6, the breaking of the first six seals of the book that reveals the conclusion of God’s plan called “the Mystery of God.”
· 13:9-13: This passage reveals additional aspects to the time prior to Jesus’ return (“the end”). First, the gospel will be preached to all the nations. But at the same time, those who are given the task to preach the gospel will be hated by all men and persecuted, even by their own family members. Again, as we have said, I believe in v9 and 11 Jesus is addressing the disciples with whom He is speaking. “Watch out for yourselves.” “When they arrest you and deliver you up.” But in v12-13 it is different. They will “cause them to be put to death.”
What about v13, you might ask? He indicates this continues until “the end” (v13). Does this refer to the end of the lives of those who preach the gospel? I won’t argue against that view. But I do believe it makes more sense that He is speaking of “the end” as when He returns. Matthew’s account reads, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” In Mark’s account, v7 (“the end is not yet”) is best understood as when Christ returns. Even in Luke’s account, where the good doctor emphasizes 70AD, his reference in 21:9 (“But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately”) it seems Jesus is speaking of the still-future time of the end.
Either way, being faithful to the end is an issue to steadfastness or faithfulness. I am reminded of Hab. 2:4, quoted twice in the NT: Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by His faith. The Hebrew term for “faith” has this idea of being steadfast. The first use of the word is in Ex. 17:1-2, where Aaron and Hur supported Moses as he interceded for Israel at war against Amalek. They stood, one on each side, and Moses hands were “steady.” That is the same word.
How is Hab. 2:4 used in the NT? In Rom. 1:16-17 Paul speaks of the gospel in which God’s righteousness is revealed “from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith.’” The faith that brings us into a right relationship with God is a steadfast faith. In Heb. 10:37-38 the writer says, For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him. That speaks of the endurance until Christ returns to take us to the place He has prepared for us. However you interpret Mark 13:13, we are called to endure until such time as God completes His work in and through us to the worldwide preaching of the gospel. May we be steadfast!
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