Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Mark Ch.13 / 16 Ch.s
MR:13
* The destruction of the temple foretold. (1-4) Christ's
prophetic declaration. (5-13) Christ's prophecy. (14-23) His
prophetic declarations. (24-27) Watchfulness urged. (28-37)
#1-4 See how little Christ values outward pomp, where there is
not real purity of heart. He looks with pity upon the ruin of
precious souls, and weeps over them, but we do not find him look
with pity upon the ruin of a fine house. Let us then be reminded
how needful it is for us to have a more lasting abode in heaven,
and to be prepared for it by the influences of the Holy Spirit,
sought in the earnest use of all the means of grace.
#5-13 Our Lord Jesus, in reply to the disciples' question, does
not so much satisfy their curiosity as direct their consciences.
When many are deceived, we should thereby be awakened to look to
ourselves. And the disciples of Christ, if it be not their own
fault, may enjoy holy security and peace of mind, when all
around is in disorder. But they must take heed that they are not
drawn away from Christ and their duty to him, by the sufferings
they will meet with for his sake. They shall be hated of all
men: trouble enough! Yet the work they were called to should be
carried on and prosper. Though they may be crushed and borne
down, the gospel cannot be. The salvation promised is more than
deliverance from evil, it is everlasting blessedness.
#14-23 The Jews in rebelling against the Romans, and in
persecuting the Christians, hastened their own ruin apace. Here
we have a prediction of that ruin which came upon them within
less than forty years after this. Such destruction and
desolation, that the like cannot be found in any history.
Promises of power to persevere, and cautions against falling
away, well agree with each other. But the more we consider these
things, the more we shall see abundant cause to flee without
delay for refuge to Christ, and to renounce every earthly
object, for the salvation of our souls.
#24-27 The disciples had confounded the destruction of Jerusalem
and the end of the world. This mistake Christ set right, and
showed that the day of Christ's coming, and the day of judgment,
shall be after that tribulation. Here he foretells the final
dissolution of the present frame and fabric of the world. Also,
the visible appearance of the Lord Jesus coming in the clouds,
and the gathering together of all the elect to him.
#28-37 We have the application of this prophetic sermon. As to
the destruction of Jerusalem, expect it to come very shortly. As
to the end of the world, do not inquire when it will come, for
of that day and that hour knoweth no man. Christ, as God, could
not be ignorant of anything; but the Divine wisdom which dwelt
in our Saviour, communicated itself to his human soul according
to the Divine pleasure. As to both, our duty is to watch and
pray. Our Lord Jesus, when he ascended on high, left something
for all his servants to do. We ought to be always upon our
watch, in expectation of his return. This applies to Christ's
coming to us at our death, as well as to the general judgment.
We know not whether our Master will come in the days of youth,
or middle age, or old age; but, as soon as we are born, we begin
to die, and therefore we must expect death. Our great care must
be, that, whenever our Lord comes, he may not find us secure,
indulging in ease and sloth, mindless of our work and duty. He
says to all, Watch, that you may be found in peace, without
spot, and blameless.