Mark 13:5-8

2. Warnings against deceptions 13:5-8 (Matthew 24:4-8; Luke 21:8-11)

Jesus first answered the disciples’ second question about the sign of the end of the present age. He did so negatively by warning them of false signs (Mark 13:5-13). Then He gave them positive information about the event that will signal great tribulation followed by His second coming (Mark 13:14-27). Finally Jesus answered their first question about the destruction of Jerusalem with a parable (Mark 13:28-32). The central part of this revelation is eschatological (Mark 13:14-27) flanked by moral exhortations. Mark 13:5-37 contain 19 imperative verbs in the Greek text. This discourse is a good example of the practical nature of biblical prophecy.

"The conditions associated with the impending local crisis of Jerusalem’s fall foreshadow those connected with the worldwide end-time crisis. Thus Jesus’ words, relevant to His first disciples, remain so for all disciples who face similar conditions throughout this Age." [Note: Grassmick, p. 167.]