14 "But be ready to run for it when you see the monster of desecration set up where it should never be. You who can read, make sure you understand what I'm talking about. If you're living in Judea at the time, run for the hills; 15 if you're working in the yard, don't go back to the house to get anything; 16 if you're out in the field, don't go back to get your coat. 17 Pregnant and nursing mothers will have it especially hard. 18 Hope and pray this won't happen in the middle of winter. 19 "These are going to be hard days - nothing like it from the time God made the world right up to the present. And there'll be nothing like it again. 20 If he let the days of trouble run their course, nobody would make it. But because of God's chosen people, those he personally chose, he has already intervened. 21 "If anyone tries to flag you down, calling out, 'Here's the Messiah!' or points, 'There he is!' don't fall for it. 22 Fake Messiahs and lying preachers are going to pop up everywhere. Their impressive credentials and dazzling performances will pull the wool over the eyes of even those who ought to know better. 23 So watch out. I've given you fair warning.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 13:14-23
Commentary on Mark 13:14-23
(Read Mark 13:14-23)
The Jews in rebelling against the Romans, and in persecuting the Christians, hastened their own ruin apace. Here we have a prediction of that ruin which came upon them within less than forty years after this. Such destruction and desolation, that the like cannot be found in any history. Promises of power to persevere, and cautions against falling away, well agree with each other. But the more we consider these things, the more we shall see abundant cause to flee without delay for refuge to Christ, and to renounce every earthly object, for the salvation of our souls.