Today we read a passage in which Jesus speaks to the disciples about what is coming, about what awaits them and their descendants. This speech...
Today we read a passage in which Jesus speaks to the disciples about what is coming, about what awaits them and their descendants. This speech of Jesus is the longest one in Mark. Let us listen to it more attentively: what prompted the conversation? what can be said about the disciples' attitude toward Jerusalem and its temple?
Jesus' own words can be divided into three parts: about the destruction of Jerusalem, about His return and the end of this world, and two parables. The intersection of these themes can seem unexpected, but prophecy is not a chronological account of the future. It is, rather, various images of it, so that in the destruction of Jerusalem one can also see the end of this world.
It is interesting to trace whether the disciples' initial curiosity receives an answer. It appears that a direct answer sounds only at the very end of the chapter: in the parable of the fig tree He speaks about signs. But about the exact time it is said that it is hidden from everyone except the Father. And if He himself is what matters to us, then we must keep watch, like the doorkeeper in the second parable. This final summons will help us hear all the other words of Jesus as well, which seem to stand apart from the disciples' question: He is addressing each of us personally.
If Jesus does not answer the disciples' question before verse 28, then what is He speaking about in verses 5-27? What stands out is how often Jesus addresses them directly. Jesus is concerned not so much with the future itself as with people, His disciples, in that future. Jesus makes them understand that what they need most in this life is God and His guidance, something that is especially visible "against the background" of the end.
When reading this chapter, a natural feeling often arises: although one would very much not want to take part in the events described, there is one thing to be glad about. If all this does happen, then (vv. 19-20 and vv. 24-27) Jesus will return and save His chosen ones. He is God and Savior.
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2:9 It plainly appears, from these instances, that the Lord knoweth, hath both wisdom and power and will, to deliver the godly out of all temptations, and to punish the ungodly.
2:10 Chiefly them that walk after the flesh - Corrupt nature; particularly in the lust of uncleanness. And despise government - The authority of their governors.Dignities - Persons in authority.
2:11 Whereas angels - When they appear before the Lord, Job 1:6, Job 2:1, to give an account of what they haveseen and done on the earth.
2:12 Savage as brute beasts - Several of which in the present disordered state of the world, seem born to be taken and destroyed.
2:13 They count it pleasure to riot in the day time - They glory in doing it in the face of the sun. They arespots in themselves, blemishes to any church. Sporting themselves with their own deceivings - Making a jest of those whom they deceive and even jesting while they are deceiving their own souls.
2:15 The way of Balaam the son of Bosor - So the Chaldeans pronounced what the Jews termed Beor; namely, the way of covetousness. Who loved - Earnestly desired, though he did not dare to take, the reward of unrighteousness - The money which Balak would have given him for cursing Israel.
2:16 The beast - Though naturally dumb.
2:17 Fountains and clouds promise water: so do these promise, but do not perform.
2:18 They ensnare in the desires of the flesh - Allowing them to gratify some unholy desire. Those who were before entirely escaped from the spirit, custom, and company of them that live in error - In sin.
2:19 While they promise them liberty - From needless restraints and scruples; from the bondage of the law.Themselves are slaves of corruption - Even sin, the vilest of all bondage.
2:20 For if after they - Who are thus ensnared. Have escaped the pollutions of the world - The sins which pollute all who know not God. Through the knowledge of Christ - That is, through faith in him, Pe2 1:3.They are again entangled therein, and overcome, their last state is worse than the first - More inexcusable, and causing a greater damnation.
2:21 The commandment - The whole law of God, once not only delivered to their ears, but written in their hearts.
2:22 The dog, the sow - Such are all men in the sight of God before they receive his grace, and after they have made shipwreck of the faith. Pro 26:11.