Mark 13:14-18
Jesus was telling His disciples that the mystery of the end will be kindled with the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be, which will usher so much blasphemy, urgency, and difficulty.
Ushered with So Much Blasphemy
“But when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION standing where it should not be (let the reader understand), then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains. —Mark 13:14
“Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.—2 Thess 2:3-4
Mark 13:14 and 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 closely depict a blasphemous antichrist who at some future time will unleash severe tribulation on the people of God, which will usher the return of the Lord. The mystery “abomination of desolation standing where it should not be” admonished Christians to watchfully and faithfully stand on their guard knowing that there is no perfect sign and time for Christ return.
Ushered with So Much Urgency
“The one who is on the housetop must not go down, or go in to get anything out of his house; 16and the one who is in the field must not turn back to get his coat. —Mark 13:15, 16
Jesus said that when the end is now at hand, the sudden uprising of such event will pose so great danger and the time to flee without delay is the only best way. Like a burning building, gathering up possessions is no longer worth an option.
Ushered with So Much Difficulty
“But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 18“But pray that it may not happen in the winter. —Mark 13:17, 18
This end time event is distressful with very limited shelter, little food, and difficult escape if it happens in winter. Jesus’ purpose in predicting the disaster is not to reveal the time of the end but to prepare the disciples from the deceiving appeal of the many false teachers.