5 And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: 6 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 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. 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. 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.
10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations. 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. 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. 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.(Mark 13:5-13 KJV)
Signs of the End of the Age
Our Lord Jesus, in reply to their question, does not aim to satisfy their curiosity but to guide their consciences. He leaves them still in the dark about the times and seasons, which the Father has kept in his own authority, and which were not for them to know. Instead, he gives them the necessary warnings about the events that were soon to happen.
They must be careful not to be deceived by the impostors who would soon arise (Mark 13:5-6): “Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many.” After the Jews rejected the true Christ, many false Christs arose and misled people. Therefore, take heed that you are not among the deceived. When many are led astray, it should make us even more vigilant.
They must also be careful not to be disturbed by the news of wars that would soon alarm them (Mark 13:7-8). Sin has brought wars into the world, and at certain times, the nations are more afflicted with conflict than at others. Christ was born during a time of general peace, but soon after he left the world, wars broke out. “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.”
“But do not be alarmed.” First, “Let it not surprise you—you have been told to expect it. Such things must happen, for God has appointed them to fulfill his purposes, and through the wars of the Jews” (which Josephus describes in detail) “God will punish their wickedness.” Second, “Don’t be terrified, as though your mission is in jeopardy. You are not part of these conflicts and need not fear any harm from them.”
Those who reject the approval of the world need not fear its threats. If we do not seek to rise with those who rise, why should we fear falling with those who fall? Third, “Do not think these wars mark the end of the world. The end is not yet” (Mark 13:7). Other events must happen first to prepare you for the final end. Fourth, “Do not think God has poured out all his wrath in these wars. They are just the beginning of sorrows. Instead of being disturbed, prepare for worse. There will also be earthquakes in various places, burying many in the ruins of their homes, and famines that will starve the poor. There will be troubles and unrest, and no peace for those who come or go. The world will be full of distress, but do not let your hearts be troubled. There may be fighting outside and fear within, but do not fear what they fear.”
The disciples of Christ may enjoy a holy calm and peace of mind, even when everything around them is in chaos, if they do not fail to trust him.
They must also be careful not to turn away from Christ or their duty to him because of the persecution they would face for his sake. Again, he says, “Watch yourselves” (Mark 13:9). Even if they escape the sword of war by staying out of political quarrels, they will be exposed to persecution. Their enemies, though divided among themselves, will unite against Christ’s followers. “Be careful not to deceive yourselves with hopes of worldly prosperity and a temporal kingdom. It is through many hardships that you must enter the kingdom of God. Don’t bring unnecessary trouble on yourselves. Be cautious in what you say and do, for many will be watching.”
Observe what kind of trouble they should expect.
First, they will be hated by all people. Just the thought of being hated is painful to a sensitive soul, and that hatred leads to constant suffering. It was not because they did anything wrong, but because of Christ’s name—they were called by his name, preached in his name, and performed miracles in his name. The world hated them because Christ loved them.
Second, their own relatives would betray them—those they trusted most would turn against them. “They will hand you over,” even family members becoming your accusers. A father may betray his child for being a Christian, overcome by religious zeal, as if the child were a worshiper of false gods (Deuteronomy 13:6-10).
Third, the religious leaders would punish them. “You will be handed over to councils and beaten in synagogues,” receiving thirty-nine lashes as lawbreakers. It is not new for the church’s power to be turned against its most faithful members.
Fourth, governors and kings will use their power against them. Since the Jews lacked the authority to execute them, they would persuade Roman rulers to do so, as they did with Herod against James and Peter. “They will put you to death,” and you must be ready to suffer even unto blood.
Yet they would have comfort amid these severe trials.
First, the work they were called to would succeed despite opposition (Mark 13:10): “The gospel must first be preached to all nations.” Before Jerusalem’s destruction, the message would spread throughout the world, not just to the Jewish nation, but to the Gentiles too. It is a comfort to those who suffer for the gospel that, though they may be struck down, the gospel itself cannot be. It will stand and prevail.
Second, their sufferings would actually advance the gospel. “You will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them” (Mark 13:9). Your arrest will give you the opportunity to preach the gospel to people you otherwise could not reach. Paul’s appearances before Felix, Festus, Agrippa, and Nero were testimonies to them. It will also be a testimony against them if they reject the gospel. The gospel, if received, will justify and save; if rejected, it will condemn on the last day.
Third, when they are brought before rulers for Christ’s sake, they will be specially helped by the Holy Spirit (Mark 13:11): “Don’t worry beforehand about what to say. Don’t be anxious about how to win favor from powerful people. Your cause is just and noble and doesn’t need a carefully prepared speech. Speak whatever is given to you at the moment, and don’t fear the outcome, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” Those whom Christ calls to defend him will be given the words they need. If we are doing Christ’s work, we can depend on the help of his Spirit.
Finally, heaven will more than make up for all their sufferings: “You will face great hardship, but take heart. Your struggle will end, your testimony will be complete, and whoever endures to the end will be saved” (Mark 13:13). Perseverance leads to the crown. This salvation is not just deliverance from trouble, but eternal blessedness—an abundant reward for their faithful service and suffering. All this is also recorded in Matthew 10:17 and following.