Mark 13:37

• This passage was first spoken to the disciples (you, see also 13:5), but it is also directed to everyone who hears or reads the Gospel of Mark (everyone).

• Keep watch!: Although 13:32–37 warns believers to be ready, the early church understood this watchfulness as joyful expectation for “the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). Even Greek-speaking Christians in the first century used the Aramaic prayer Marana tha (“Come, Lord,” see 1 Corinthians 16:22; Revelation 22:20). Christians today still “crave His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8).

These verses repeat a basic warning: Be on your guard and stay alert! … Keep watch! The repetition shows that they needed to stay alert (be watchful and ready).

Just as 13:28–31 returns to the theme of 13:5–23 by speaking about the destruction of Jerusalem, 13:32–37 appears to return to the theme of 13:24–27 by speaking about the coming of the Son of Man.

The section begins with a warning against trying to predict the end time (13:32). This is followed by a warning to stay alert because no one knows when the end will come (13:33).

Jesus then tells a parable (a short teaching story) to show the need to be ready for the Lord’s return (13:34). The application of the parable repeats the warning to stay watchful so that believers will not be found unprepared (13:35–36). The section ends with another call to remain watchful (13:37).

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.