What is the meaning of Mark 13:3-4?

BURKITT: | Mr 13:1-2 | Mr 13:3-4 | Mr 13:5-10 | Mr 13:11-13 | Mr 13:14 | Mr 13:15-18 | Mr 13:19-20 | Mr 13:21-23 | Mr 13v24-27 | Mr 13:28-32 | Mr 13:33-37 |

Reference

3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, 4 Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled? (Mark 13:3-4 KJV)

William Burkitt’s Commentary

A double question is here propounded to our Savioiur by his disciples; namely, When the destruction of Jerusalem shall be? and, What shall be the sign of that destruction? See here, what an itching curiosity there is in the best of men to know futurities; to know things that shall come to pass hereafter; and when that hereafter is to come to pass.

O how happy were we, if as forward to obey the declaration of God’s revealed will, as we are to pry into the hidden counsels of his secret will! Tell us, say the disciples, When shall these things be?