Mark 13

Christ (false claimants warned against)

Christ — the Anointed One, the Messiah

For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. Mark 13:6

Jesus warns that impostors will claim His name and title. Only the true Christ is to be followed.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in Matthew 24:5 — Matthew's account of the same warning
• a parallel account in Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:6 — The restored text of the same warning

Hated for His name’s sake

But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. Mark 13:9–13

Jesus tells His disciples they will suffer because they carry His name. Those who stay true to Him to the end will be saved.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in Matthew 24:9-13 — Matthew's account of the same prophecy
• a parallel account in Luke 21:12-19 — Luke's account of the same prophecy

Christ (false Christs warned against)

Christ — the Anointed One, the Messiah

And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not: Mark 13:21–22

Before the Lord returns, some will point to false Christs. His true coming will not be hidden in a corner. It will be seen by all (v. 26).

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in Matthew 24:23-24 — Matthew's account of the same warning
• a parallel account in Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:22 — The restored text: false Christs and false prophets shall arise

Son of Man coming in the clouds

Son of Man — Son of the Man of Holiness, God the Father (Moses 6:57)

But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, Mark 13:24–27

Jesus prophesies His Second Coming in glory, after signs in the sun, moon, and stars. When He comes He will gather His faithful people from everywhere.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to Daniel 7:13-14 — Daniel's vision of one like the Son of man coming with the clouds of heaven
• a parallel account in Matthew 24:29-31 — Matthew's account of the same prophecy
• the same event in Acts 1:11 — Angels promise Jesus will come again as He ascended
• the same event in D&C 45:44 — The Lord: they shall see me in the clouds of heaven, clothed with power and great glory

Jesus Christ, whose words never pass away

Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. Mark 13:31

Jesus claims a power only God has: His words last longer than heaven and earth. The Lord says nearly the same thing in the Doctrine and Covenants.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in Matthew 24:35 — Matthew's account of the same saying
• alluded to by D&C 1:38 — Though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away

The Son (distinct from the Father)

But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Mark 13:32

Jesus calls Himself 'the Son' and speaks of the Father as a separate being who knows the hour of the Second Coming. This supports the Restoration teaching that the Father and the Son are two distinct persons.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in Matthew 24:36 — Matthew's account of the same saying
• alluded to by D&C 49:7 — The hour and the day no man knoweth, neither the angels in heaven

Master of the house who returns suddenly

For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Mark 13:34–36

In this short parable Jesus is the master who leaves His servants in charge and will come back without warning. His disciples are to stay awake and faithful.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in Matthew 24:42-44 — Matthew's account of the same charge to watch