Mark 13:28-31
Summary for Mark 13:28-31: 13:28-31 a This passage contains the lesson (literally parable) of the fig tree (13:28-30 b) and two sayings (13:30-31 c). It is closely tied to 13:4-23 d by the words all these things (13:4 e) and the expression when you see (13:29 f; cp. 13:14 g).13:29 h his return (literally he/it is near): The Greek has no explicit subject, so the choice between “he is near” or “it is near” depends on whether 13:29-30 i refers to 13:4-23 j or to 13:24-27 k. The NLT text understands it as referring to the return of the Son of Man. Because words in 13:4 l are echoed in 13:29 m and 30 n (see study note on 13:28-31), others interpret it as referring to the destruction of Jerusalem. Just as the sprouting of the fig tree is a herald of summer, the desolating sacrilege (13:14 o) would be a harbinger of Jerusalem’s destruction.
13:30 p This generation was to witness the fulfillment of these events. That generation did witness the destruction of Jerusalem. Those, however, who hold that all these things refers to the coming of the Son of Man have to interpret this generation as meaning something other than “people alive at this time.” It could refer to the continued existence of the Jewish people, the whole human race, the Christian community, or the last generation of the end time.
13:31 q Jesus personally guaranteed what he had said. My words include specifically what Jesus said in the whole discourse of Mark 13:1-37 r. Mark’s readers would have understood this as guaranteeing the truth of all Jesus’ teachings known to them (Luke 1:2 s). Like the Old Testament Scriptures (see Isa 40:8 t), Jesus’ words are eternal. His teachings are more abiding than the fundamental elements of creation. The basic elements of creation will pass away (see also Ps 102:25-26 u; Isa 40:6-8 v; 51:6 w; Matt 5:18 x; Luke 16:17 y; 2 Pet 3:7 z, 10 aa; Rev 20:11 ab), but Jesus’ words will never disappear.
Copyright information for
TNotes