Mark 13:4

13:4 “Tell us, when will these things ¹  happen? And what will be the sign that all these things are about to take place?”

Mark 13:7

13:7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come. ² 

Mark 13:19

13:19 For in those days there will be suffering ³  unlike anything that has happened ⁴  from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, or ever will happen.

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¹ sn Both references to these things are plural, so more than the temple’s destruction is in view. The question may presuppose that such a catastrophe signals the end.

² tn Grk “it is not yet the end.”

³ tn Traditionally, “tribulation.”

⁴ sn Suffering unlike anything that has happened. Some refer this event to the destruction of Jerusalem in a.d. 70. While the events of a.d. 70 may reflect somewhat the comments Jesus makes here, the reference to the scope and severity of this judgment strongly suggest that much more is in view. Most likely Jesus is referring to the great end-time judgment on Jerusalem in the great tribulation.