When the Son of Man comes, he will gather his chosen people. These are those who believe in him and follow him. His chosen people come from all over the world and from the farthest parts of the earth and heaven (see Zechariah 2:6; see Deuteronomy 13:7; 30:4; Isaiah 42:10; 62:11). This hope is expressed frequently in the Old Testament (for example, Psalm 107:2–3; Isaiah 11:11–16; 27:12–13; 43:5–13; 49:12; 60:1–9; Jeremiah 31:10).
For Mark’s audience, this passage would have encouraged them to endure and remain faithful despite the persecutions foretold in Mark 13:9–13. The coming of the Son of Man will also bring judgment on the unrighteous (see 8:38; 13:32–37; Matthew 13:41–43; 24:36–51; 25:1–12, 31–46).