Mark 13:29

He is near: The Greek text has no clear subject, so the choice between he is near or it is near depends on whether 13:29–30 refers to 13:4–23 or 13:24–27. The Berean Standard Bible understands it as referring to the return of the Son of Man.

Since some words in 13:4 appear again in 13:29 and 30 (see study note on 13:28–31), others interpret it as referring to the destruction of Jerusalem. Just as the first leaves of a fig tree signal summer, "the abomination of desolation" (13:14) would signal Jerusalem’s destruction.

This passage contains the lesson (literally parable) of the fig tree (13:28–30) and two sayings (13:30–31). It is closely connected to 13:4–23 by the words "these things" in 13:4 and "when you see" in 13:29 (compare 13:14).

This passage brings to a conclusion the section begun at 11:1. Israel did not produce spiritual fruit (11:12–26; 12:38–40). Its leaders were opposed to God's chosen one, the Christ (11:1–11, 27–33; 12:13–17, 18–27). This would result in judgment and the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple.