The lion of St Mark

THE GOSPEL OF MARK

The Mount of Olives: Mk 13,3-4

In 13,3 we are told that Jesus is sitting on the Mount of Olives. As too does Matthew, but not Luke. Compare therefore 13,-4 with Mt 24,3. See how Mark is quite distinctive in these verses.

Jesus made his entry into Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, 11,1. Note again the importance of this location, Zech 14,4. See as well Ezekiel 11,23.

Comparison with Matthew will have shown the emphasis in Mark about where Jesus is sitting. For the significance of sitting see 4,1 and Mt 5,1 but also 14,62.

Again, only Mark names the four disciples. What is their significance? See 1,16-20 and also 9,2.

In verse 4, we have the two questions by the disciples we have noted already, "when?" and "what?".
Note another signicant difference with Matthew in this verse.

Look now at my response.

What are the Signs?: Mk 13,5-23

Overview

Read again this first part, 13,5-23. As we noted in the overview, these verses consider the "what?" question of the disciples in verse 4.

Look for the various sections within these verses, noting the various changes of topic. Much can be seen as general description. Consider then how one section of these verses speaks rather of personal experiences ("you") rather than providing a general description. What word introduces this "you" section?

From this look at the arrangement of these verses, can you discern a pattern? A guide would be 2,1-3,6.

Then take a look at response.

Background Reading

A good way to prepare for reading this chapter in detail is to explore some of the passages from the Old Testament on which it draws, either as background or as quotations.

The book of Daniel is the most important background for this chapter. The important passages are: Dan 7,8-27; 8,9-26; 9,24-27 and 11,21-12,13. This is a lot of reading but it is as well to be familiar with these passages as we read the speech.

Some editions of the NRSV with the Apocrypha include 2 Esdras. This book is not part of our OT but it is one of a number of important writings between the Old and New Testaments. 2 Esdras 8,63-9,6 is the passage relevant to our reading of the speech.

The day of the Lord is a common theme in the Old Testament which has echoes in this chapter. See for example Joel 2,2.10; Amos 5,18; 8,9.

From the New Testament, read 2 Thessalonians 2,1-12.

We are now prepared for our reading the first part of the speech, 13,5-23: what are the signs?