Mark 13:33 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.

NIV: Be on guard! Be alert ! You do not know when that time will come.

NASB: Watch out, stay alert; for you do not know when the appointed time is.

CSB: "Watch! Be alert! For you don’t know when the time is coming.

NLT: And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert !

KJV: Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

NKJV: Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.

"Awake" is from the Greek root word agrupneo and literally means to stay awake, but figuratively means to be attentive and ready. Although Jesus does say to pay attention to the signs that the end times are coming (Mark 13:28–29), He isn't saying that we should spend all our time and effort in determining when that will be. We can't know when He will return (Mark 13:32).

Jesus is warning that there is not time for a leisurely faith. Paul says, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:15–16). Like the faithful servants (Mark 13:34–36) or the bridal party waiting for the groom (Matthew 25:1–13), we can't treat Jesus' delay as permission to act ungodly (Matthew 24:48–51).

Luke gives more specifics as to why end-times believers should be on guard. In the hardships of the tribulation, many will be "weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life" (Luke 21:34). "Dissipation" is from the Greek root word kraipale, and basically means buzzed from wine. In the horrors of the tribulation, seeking solace in mind-altering chemicals will be a natural response, but that is not an option for Christ-followers (Ephesians 5:18).

Christ-followers in the tribulation, and really of all times, also need to value God's plan over whatever earthly comforts are available. Many Christ-followers will be martyred (Revelation 6:9–11). Famine will wrack the world. Only those who follow the Antichrist will find it easy to obtain supplies (Revelation 13:16–17). But the wealth and comforts of those who follow the Antichrist will not last (Revelation 18).

Jesus also wants His tribulation followers to survive, if they can. He exhorts believers to "stay awake at all times, praying that [they] may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man" (Luke 21:36). It will be easier for believers to survive the tribulation if their minds are sharp. Jesus will heal the land at the end of the seven years of tribulation. Survival is much more important than the momentary blessings of chemical escapism—i.e. drug use—or even physical comfort. But even more important than being able to survive the tribulation is being able to stand before Christ with the legacy of unwavering faith.

Mark 13:32–37 continues Jesus talking about the end times by relating the fact that not even He knows when He will return: only God does. This does not mean that Jesus is not God. It merely means that in His incarnate form, the Son has ''emptied himself'' (Philippians 2:7) of God's omniscience and omnipotence. Like a weightlifter who only uses a portion of his strength at times, God incarnate can limit expressing His omnipotence. This is a message for us that we should not believe those who claim to know when Jesus is returning. This warning is also found in Luke 21:34–36 while Matthew gives this warning along with the parable of the ten virgins and the parable of the talents in Matthew 24:42–25:30.

Days before the crucifixion, the disciples praise the glory of the temple. When Jesus tells them the temple will be destroyed, they ask for signs of that coming destruction and of His return (Matthew 24:3). Jesus answers their second question with information crucial for believers in the end times, and any time. Tribulation Christians will face horrifying hardships and violence, as may believers of any era, but they must remember that the hardships will not last. Jesus will return so quickly, any attempt to live by the world's rules will be futile.

The Gospel of Mark emphasizes both Jesus' servanthood and His role as the promised Messiah: the Son of God. This is done through a concise, action-packed style. Mark provides relatively few details, instead focusing on actions and simple statements. This relates to the Gospel's authorship, which is believed to be based on the memories of the apostle Peter. These include many of Jesus' miracles, in contrast to other Gospels which include many more of Jesus' teachings and parables. Mark also makes frequent mention of Jesus' ministry being misunderstood by others.