Mark 13:9-13
9 “But be on your guard; for they will hand you over to the courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them.
10 And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations.
11 And when they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you at that time; for you are not the ones speaking, but it is the Holy Spirit.
12 And brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death.
13 And you will be hated by everyone because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.
The First Half of the Great Tribulation
Answer to the second question
Let’s review the context once again. Jesus is responding to the three questions from His disciples: (1) the timing and signs of the temple’s destruction, (2) the timing and signs of Jesus’ second coming, and (3) the timing and signs of the end of the age. In the previous passage, Jesus addressed the third question concerning the “end of the age and its signs.” In today’s passage, He is addressing the second question concerning the “second coming and its signs.” By the way, the answer to the first question concerning the “temple’s destruction and its sign” is recorded only in Luke 21:20-24, with no mention in Matthew nor Mark. According to Luke, the sign of the temple’s destruction is “the surrounding of Jerusalem by enemies.” The disciples of the early church, aware of this prophecy, all evacuated from Jerusalem when the Roman army besieged the city. Before discussing the “second coming and its signs” (the second question), Jesus prophesies about the Great Tribulation. This is because Christ’s earthly return occurs after the Great Tribulation. Today’s passage is a prophecy of the first half of the Great Tribulation.
The first half of the Great Tribulation
(1) Persecution of the saints will occur. This aligns with the prophecy in Revelation 6:9-11. The one persecuting the saints is the one-world religion, known as the religious Babylon (ref. Rev. 17:1-6). (2) A worldwide revival will take place. During this time, the proclamation of the gospel will be carried out by the saved 144,000 Jews (Rev. 7). As a result, many of the Gentiles will be brought to salvation. This is the meaning of the words, “And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations.” (3) Lawlessness will abound, and the love of many will grow cold, even among families. (4) The Jews who endure to the end will be saved. The Lord Jesus fully understood the direction in which history was headed. Even now, Jesus is the sovereign ruler of history. The Biblical prophecies, in broad strokes, assure the victory of the saints and the realization of God’s kingdom. Despite turbulent times, Christians can confidently walk in victory. Let’s continue to walk today looking up to Christ, the King of kings.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, those in Christ will surely be victorious. Help me continue to walk today, praising the Lord Jesus, the ruler of history. I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.