The Coming of the Son of Man in Mark (Part 2)

In Part 1, we attempted to unravel some confusion regarding the Olivet Discourse by looking at the question the disciples asked Jesus in Mark 13 about the Temple's destruction and the signs that will “announce” this event. Here in Part 2, we discuss how we answer those who claim that this passage is about the Messiah's second coming.

Mark 13 is sometimes referred to as a mini-apocalypse, and verses 24-27, draws upon the Old Testament[1], and “…relates, as did those texts in their contexts, not to the collapse of the physical universe and the end of the world but imminent and far-reaching political change, in the context of the predicted destruction of Jerusalem.”[2] Some argue that this passage had an immediate fulfillment at 70 A.D. and then a future fulfillment.

However, Christ made a very definitive link with the events in vv. 5-22 and vv. 24-27 ‘in those days, after that tribulation’ (see also, Matthew’s account where he uses the word ‘immediately).’

It is unlikely that the events 13:14-23 and 24-27 are two events with a significant gap of time between; instead, they are part of the same divine act. In verses 24b and 25, Jesus is quoting from Is 13:10 and 34:4. These two passages deal with the judgment against Babylon and the nations focusing on Edom; Jesus used this language deliberately to predict the imminent disaster.

Still, in the context of Mark 13, Jesus' prophesy is directed towards the Temple and Jerusalem. For Christ to give direction to the disciples for a far-off cosmic event does not make any sense in light of what his hearers would hear and understand in the contexts of Isaiah and Mark 13. This should bring us to the theological understanding that Christ is proclaiming judgment, instituting a new era, the end of Temple worship, and ushering in King Messiah.

Remember, the disciples are not asking about the "end of the world" or the second return of Christ. They are asking about the destruction of the Temple. They are marveling at the Temple, and Jesus tells them it will fall. "Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are going to be fulfilled?" (Mark 13:4) And so he does. When we read phrases like "stars falling (v. 25) and the Son of Man coming on the clouds (v. 26), we must not assign modern views (e.g., the end of the physical world) that would have been foreign to the first hearers of his words. Jesus is using apocalyptic language from Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Daniel. God expresses his indignation via metaphors of cosmic disorder.

By alluding to Isa 13:10; 34:4 (in the Septuagint), Ezekiel 32:7, Joel 2:10, 31; 3:15; and Amos 8:9, Jesus foretells the judgment coming to Jerusalem within a generation.

For Mark, God's judgment is connected with Israel's new-exodus redemption — in Isaiah 13–14, the prophet anticipates the inclusion of aliens (read Gentiles), and Jesus alludes to angels gathering together His elect from the four winds, which means that the gospel will be proclaimed to the known world.

So, what does Christ mean when he says, ‘they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory?’ In Part 3, we will cover the gathering of the elect from the four corners of the earth.

[1] See chart from G K. Beale, Handbook on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament: Exegesis and Interpretation (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2012), 84-85.

[2] R. T.  France, Jesus and the Old Testament: His Application of Old Testament Passages to Himself and His Mission. Vancouver, British Columbia: Regent College Publishing, 1998, 500.