What is the meaning of Mark 13:4? Tell us “Tell us” reveals the disciples’ trust that Jesus has the answers and their eagerness to receive them. • The same posture appears in Matthew 24:3, where the disciples come privately, underscoring that revelation is given to those who earnestly seek (Jeremiah 33:3). • Jesus consistently welcomes sincere inquiry—see John 16:13 where He promises the Spirit will “guide you into all truth.” • By approaching Christ rather than speculating among themselves, the disciples model Proverbs 3:5-6, trusting the Lord to make the path straight. When will these things happen? Their first concern is timing. “These things” points back to Jesus’ prediction of the temple’s destruction (Mark 13:2). • Acts 1:7 records Jesus later clarifying that “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set,” reminding us that exact schedules rest in God’s sovereign hands (Deuteronomy 29:29). • Yet Jesus does provide a broad timeline: Luke 21:24 notes Jerusalem’s fall and the ensuing “times of the Gentiles,” placing the temple judgment in AD 70 and looking ahead to His return. • 2 Peter 3:9 reassures believers that any perceived delay is mercy, allowing more to come to repentance. And what will be the sign The disciples next seek observable evidence. Jesus answers with multiple signs rather than one single indicator (Mark 13:5-23). • He mentions false christs (v. 6), wars and rumors of wars (v. 7), earthquakes and famines (v. 8)—all echoing Isaiah 19:2 and Revelation 6:1-8. • Verses 10-11 add the worldwide proclamation of the gospel; compare Matthew 24:14 and Colossians 1:23. • The “abomination of desolation” in v. 14 recalls Daniel 9:27 and foreshadows the antichrist’s future desecration (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). That they are about to be fulfilled? The disciples desire certainty that events are imminent. Jesus answers by distinguishing near-term and end-time fulfillments. • Near-term: Luke 21:20-24 pinpoints Jerusalem “surrounded by armies,” a sign the first-century believers heeded, escaping before Rome’s siege. • Long-term: Mark 13:24-27 speaks of cosmic upheaval and the Son of Man coming “with great power and glory,” paralleling Revelation 19:11-16. • Jesus urges watchfulness rather than date-setting (Mark 13:33-37), echoing 1 Thessalonians 5:2-6: though the day comes “like a thief,” believers are to stay alert, living in faith and obedience. summary Mark 13:4 captures the disciples’ heartfelt plea for clarity on God’s prophetic timetable. Jesus responds by affirming that (1) the destruction of the temple is sure, (2) history will unfold amid mounting birth pains, (3) unmistakable signs will herald His return, and (4) God alone fixes the exact moment. For believers today, the verse invites the same posture: seek Christ, trust His Word, stay alert, and live faithfully in anticipation of prophecies that will be fulfilled just as literally and surely as He declared. |
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