Jesus concluded this discourse as He began it with a final call to watchfulness (Gr. gregoreite, Mark 13:34-35). "You" may refer to the four disciples who asked Jesus the initial question ( Mark 13:3-4), or it may refer to all the Twelve who sat before Him. "All" could refer to all the disciples present or to all disciples including those not present. In any case, the point is clear. What Jesus taught here is something every disciple of His needs to apply. We all need to be alert in view of the Lord"s return, like the doorkeeper in Jesus" parable ( Mark 13:34-36). [source][source][source]
The previous parable of the fig tree ( Mark 13:28-32) taught that disciples need to recognize the signs that the time of the Lord"s return is drawing near. This parable of the doorkeeper ( Mark 13:33-37) clarified that they would not be able to tell exactly when He would return at His Second Coming. Even though Daniel"s prophecy specified the length of the Tribulation as seven years ( Daniel 9:24-27), the exact day and hour of Christ"s return remains unknown (cf. Matthew 24:50). [source][source][source]
The outstanding emphasis in Mark"s account of this discourse is clear. Disciples need to take heed (Gr. blepo, to be aware, to observe, to discern; Mark 13:5; Mark 13:9; Mark 13:23; Mark 13:33), to be vigilant (Gr. agrupneo, to be awake, to watch; Mark 13:33), and to be watchful (Gr. gregoreo, to be awake, attentive, vigilant, and circumspect; Mark 13:33; Mark 13:35; Mark 13:37). [source][source][source]
Context Summary
Mark 13:14-37 - "watch!"
The fall of Jerusalem, Mark 13:14-23. This abomination had been predicted by Daniel, Daniel 9:27, Josephus says that the Romans brought their standards into the Temple, and offered sacrifices to them, and proclaimed Titus emperor. Probably there is to be a yet further fulfillment of these significant words. Houses in the East are, for the most part, provided with staircases outside the wall, so that the occupants, seeing the approach of danger, could flee without going through their homes, Mark 13:15. The ungodly owe more than they realize to the elect who dwell among them, Mark 13:20. Let us not be deceived by the appearance of false doctrines or teachers; there are also false Christs, Mark 13:22.
The second advent, Mark 13:24-27. These signs may refer to the disorganization of political rule, or to literal convulsions of the elements. The ministry of angels was very real to Jesus, and their function in the future ages is clearly defined. As Enoch was translated before the deluge, so will the saints be gathered before the final sorrows, 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17. It would seem as if Christ's coming is to bring summer to our world. This generation may refer to the fact that the Jewish people would remain as a distinct people. Our Lord had so emptied Himself, that in His human nature He knew not the hour, and was content to know only as the Father told Him. He has now resumed the glory of the knowledge which He had before all worlds. Have we each one found our work? Let us watch! [source]
Chapter Summary: Mark 13
1Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple; 9the persecutions for the gospel; 10that the gospel must be preached to all nations; 14that great calamities shall happen to the Jews; 24and the manner of his coming to judgment; 32the hour whereof being known to none, every man is to watch and pray
Greek Commentary for Mark 13:37
Watch [γρηγορειτε] Be on the watch. Present imperative of a verb made on the second perfect, εγρηγορα egrēgora to be awake. Stay awake till the Lord comes. [source]
Watch [] The closing and summary word is the stronger word of Mark 13:35: Be awake and on guard. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Mark 13:37
Luke 12:41Peter said [Ειπεν δε ο Πετρος] This whole paragraph from verse 22-40 had been addressed directly to the disciples. Hence it is not surprising to find Peter putting in a question. This incident confirms also the impression that Luke is giving actual historical data in the environment of these discourses. He is certain that the Twelve are meant, but he desires to know if others are included, for he had spoken to the multitude in Luke 12:13-21. Recall Mark 13:37. This interruption is somewhat like that on the Mount of Transfiguration (Luke 9:33) and is characteristic of Peter. Was it the magnificent promise in Luke 12:37 that stirred Peter‘s impulsiveness? It is certainly more than a literary device of Luke. Peter‘s question draws out a parabolic reply by Jesus (Luke 12:42). [source]
Greek Commentary for Mark 13:37
Be on the watch. Present imperative of a verb made on the second perfect, εγρηγορα egrēgora to be awake. Stay awake till the Lord comes. [source]
The closing and summary word is the stronger word of Mark 13:35: Be awake and on guard. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Mark 13:37
This whole paragraph from verse 22-40 had been addressed directly to the disciples. Hence it is not surprising to find Peter putting in a question. This incident confirms also the impression that Luke is giving actual historical data in the environment of these discourses. He is certain that the Twelve are meant, but he desires to know if others are included, for he had spoken to the multitude in Luke 12:13-21. Recall Mark 13:37. This interruption is somewhat like that on the Mount of Transfiguration (Luke 9:33) and is characteristic of Peter. Was it the magnificent promise in Luke 12:37 that stirred Peter‘s impulsiveness? It is certainly more than a literary device of Luke. Peter‘s question draws out a parabolic reply by Jesus (Luke 12:42). [source]