“In the ‘little apocalypse’ in Mark’s Gospel, the main emphasis of Jesus’ teaching is not found in a particular programme of events or in signs; the main emphasis is found in Jesus’ repeated summons (repeated seven times in Mark 13) for us to be alert and ready for his coming, since nobody knows when it will take place. “What I say to you,” Jesus concludes in v37, “I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” The date of Jesus’ return remains a secret. Why? So that we will be kept in a state of readiness and full alert!”

Explore Bible notes

“In the ‘little apocalypse’ in Mark’s Gospel, the main emphasis of Jesus’ teaching is not found in a particular programme of events or in signs; the main emphasis is found in Jesus’ repeated summons (repeated seven times in Mark 13) for us to be alert and ready for his coming, since nobody knows when it will take place. “What I say to you,” Jesus concludes in v37, “I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” The date of Jesus’ return remains a secret. Why? So that we will be kept in a state of readiness and full alert!”

Explore Bible notes