Mark 13:24

Some of the language the New Testament uses to describe the second coming of Jesus, such as "the trumpet of God" (1 Thessalonians 4:16), may be metaphorical (word pictures rather than literal descriptions). In the Old Testament, cosmic language is also often used metaphorically to describe historical events (see Isaiah 11:1–9; 13:9–11; Jeremiah 4:23–28; Ezekiel 32:1–16). Because of this, some interpreters believe the imagery in Mark 13:24–27 could refer to a past event, such as the destruction of Jerusalem.

However, New Testament writers clearly understood the coming of the Son of Man to mean the future, visible, and personal return of Jesus (see Acts 1:9–11).

But in those days, after that tribulation: Many scholars think this passage uses symbolic or figurative language. They believe the signs in the sky 13:24–25), the coming of the Son of Man (13:26), and the gathering of God’s chosen people (13:27) all point to Jerusalem’s destruction in AD 70. They also believe this event showed that the Son of Man had been proved right.

However, the traditional interpretation is different. It says that the earlier verses refer to the destruction of Jerusalem, but this passage refers to the coming of the Son of Man. This coming, called the parousia (the return of Christ), will happen at the end of history.

This interpretation fits better for several reasons:

1. After the anguish of those days means after the destruction of Jerusalem, not during it, and at that time (literally in those days) could occur at any time after the events of 13:5–23.

2. Several words used in 13:26 are used elsewhere to describe the coming of the Son of Man: glory (8:38), power and clouds (14:62).

3. Because of the early church’s longing and praying for the return of the Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 16:22; Rev 22:20), Mark’s audience would have interpreted Mark 13:26 as the second coming of Jesus, which will bring history as we know it to a close.

The prophets, Jesus, and the Gospel writers described these events as if they were seen together from far away. Because of this, the time between the events is not always clear. No one knows when these things will happen except God himself (13:32). The events of 13:5–23 and 13:24–27 are part of one great act of God. This act includes the coming of the Son of Man, his ministry, death, and resurrection, the judgment of Jerusalem in AD 70, and the Son of Man’s final coming in glory.

This passage brings to a conclusion the section begun at 11:1. Israel did not produce spiritual fruit (11:12–26; 12:38–40). Its leaders were opposed to God's chosen one, the Christ (11:1–11, 27–33; 12:13–17, 18–27). This would result in judgment and the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple.