28 Take an example from the fig-tree: when its branches become soft and put out their leaves, you see that the summer is near; 29 Even so, when you see these things taking place, you may be certain that he is near, even at the doors. 30 Truly, I say to you, This generation will not come to an end till all these things are complete. 31 Heaven and earth will come to an end, but my words will not come to an end. 32 But of that day or that hour no one has knowledge, not even the angels in heaven, or the Son, but the Father. 33 Take care, keep watch with prayer: for you are not certain when the time will be. 34 It is as when a man who is in another country for a time, having gone away from his house, and given authority to his servants and to everyone his work, gives the porter an order to keep watch. 35 So you are to keep watch: because you are not certain when the master of the house is coming, in the evening, or in the middle of the night, or at the cock's cry, or in the morning; 36 For fear that, coming suddenly, he sees you sleeping. 37 And what I say to you, I say to all, Keep watch.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 13:28-44
Commentary on Mark 13:28-37
(Read Mark 13:28-37)
We have the application of this prophetic sermon. As to the destruction of Jerusalem, expect it to come very shortly. As to the end of the world, do not inquire when it will come, for of that day and that hour knoweth no man. Christ, as God, could not be ignorant of anything; but the Divine wisdom which dwelt in our Saviour, communicated itself to his human soul according to the Divine pleasure. As to both, our duty is to watch and pray. Our Lord Jesus, when he ascended on high, left something for all his servants to do. We ought to be always upon our watch, in expectation of his return. This applies to Christ's coming to us at our death, as well as to the general judgment. We know not whether our Master will come in the days of youth, or middle age, or old age; but, as soon as we are born, we begin to die, and therefore we must expect death. Our great care must be, that, whenever our Lord comes, he may not find us secure, indulging in ease and sloth, mindless of our work and duty. He says to all, Watch, that you may be found in peace, without spot, and blameless.