Mark 13:14-23
D. The Great Tribulation (13:14-23)
13:14-18 Verse 14 marks the middle of the Tribulation Period, the beginning of the
Great Tribulation. We know this by comparing this passage with Daniel
Dan 9:27. At that time, a great abominable idol will be set up in the temple in Jerusalem. Men will be compelled to worship it or be slain. True believers will, of course, refuse.
The setting up of this idolatrous image will signal the beginning of great persecution. Those who read and believe the Bible will know that the time has come to flee from Judea. There will not be time to gather up personal belongings. Pregnant women and nursing mothers will be at a distinct disadvantage. If it happens in winter, that will add further hazards.
13:19 It will be a time of tribulation greater than anything in the past or the future. It is the
Great Tribulation. The Lord Jesus is not speaking here about the general type of tribulation which believers in every age have encountered. This is a period of trouble unique in its intensity.
Notice that the tribulation is primarily Jewish in character. We read of the temple (v. 14, cf.
Mat 24:15) and of Judea (v. 14). It is the time of Jacob's trouble (
Jer 30:7). The church is not in view here. It will have already been taken to heaven before the Day of the Lord begins (
1Th 4:13-18; cf.
1Th 5:1-3).
13:20 The bowls of God's wrath will be poured out on the world in those days. It will be a time of calamity, chaos, and bloodshed. In fact, the slaughter will be so great that God will supernaturally shorten the period of daylight; otherwise
no one would survive.
13:21, 22 The Great Tribulation will again witness the rise of false messiahs. People will be so desperate they will turn to anyone who promises them safety. But believers will know that Christ will not appear quietly or unheralded. Even if these false christs perform supernatural wonders (as they will), the elect will not be deceived. They will realize that these miracles are satanically inspired.
Miracles are not necessarily divine. They represent superhuman departures from the known laws of nature but may represent the work of Satan, angels, or demons. The Man of Sin will be given satanic power to perform miracles (
2Th 2:9).
13:23 So believers should take heed and be forewarned.