Mark 13:19-23 19For in those days there will be such suffering as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now and never will be. 20And if the Lord had not shortened the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. 21And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. 22For false christs and false prophets will arise and give signs and wonders, to mislead, if possible, the elect. 23But you watch; I have told you all things beforehand.
Jesus adds more insights in these verses on the topic of the great suffering that will take place at the time of the “abomination that causes desolation.” The question that has plagued every generation of Christians of these events in those days. The key indicator in the cost is that this will be just before the return of the Son of Man mentioned in verse 26. At some point in this passage the time shifts from the destruction of the Jerusalem temple in AD 70 to the last days before Jesus returns. If we accept that Jesus’ prophecy will be fulfilled at two levels, one completed in the first century as symbolic of what will take place at the end of time, then the difficulty is worked out. That means that this passage may give a warning about the last days.
Every generation of Christians, someplace in the world, has undergone great suffering and persecution. Many believers today are experiencing great tribulation for their faith. Jesus’ description of the suffering as the worse of any time in creation makes it stand out from anything in the past. This will be a unique time period that should be evident to those who know the prophecies of the Bible. Paul writes in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 about a similar idea of the “man of lawlessness” setting himself up in the temple of God as a god. There will be signs to believers that the end is near, and so all should be prepared both for the suffering and for the return of Jesus.
God in his grace will take care of his people and shorten the time period. Another question of this passage is the identity of the elect. Jesus’ word echo the prophecy in Daniel 12:1 and a time of “great tribulation.” In Daniel’s prophecy, God will save his people, those who believe and trust in him. The elect are those who put their faith in Jesus. God may not save them from all the suffering but will ultimately save from condemnation those “who endure to the end.”
Another significant sign for believers will be the rise of false messiahs and prophets who claim to be Jesus or speak his words. These counterfeits will even be able to perform signs and wonders that will impress and deceive people. People are gullible and easily convinced when they see a miracle of some type. Pharoah’s magicians could perform impressive feats, but their duplicity was evident when Moses and the true power of the Almighty God appeared. All Christians must heed and note carefully Jesus’ warning is verses 22-23. Impressive speakers arise from time to time and create large followings. Some of them claim special revelations and healing powers. Our generation has seen many of such people all over the world who have led astray millions of people. Those who know God’s word (the reader of verse 14) should be able to recognize people like this because they know the truth and the One who is the Truth. Jesus did not give every detail of the end times but gave us enough to be prepared. Our faith is stretched in times of suffering, but great “tribulation” can also allow our faith to grow stronger and our hope to be firmer as we await the coming of Jesus.
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