The Abomination of Desolation and False Christs: Understand Mark 13:14–23
The previous warnings of Jesus now seem to come to a crescendo, instead of warning that the end is not here yet, he now tells of the time that those in Judea should flee. It starts with the abomination of desolation, perhaps a person, and idol, or something unknown, standing where he shouldn’t be. When it happens though those who are in Judea are to flee, not even going into the house for basic provisions. A great tribulation will come and many will be persecuted. It will be like nothing that has been experienced in history or will happen afterwards. Then will come false Christs who come to deceive believers. Some will be deceived. Yet we are called to remain faithful and believe only in Jesus.
Discussion:
We have previously written about the destruction of the temple and the signs of the end of the age and the temple’s destruction. As we have discussed, this was fulfilled in 70 AD. Now we come to Jesus continued prophecy, but there are several key differences.
First, previously he instructed them that the end is not yet (verse 7), but that first the gospel must be shared with all the nations (verse 10), but now he warns that they are to flee. This is a change of response, where before they were not to be anxious (verse 11) but now they are to flee. There is a marked difference between his previous words and these words. The previous verses seem to bring comfort and peace even when trials and persecution comes, the latter seems to warn to take action.
“But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.”
Mark 13:14 (ESV)
There are four primary theories on the meaning of the “abomination of desolation” but it is first important to understand that Jesus is referring back to the prophecy of Daniel (Daniel 8:13, 11:31, 12:11) (France 2002, 522–523). The four primary theories among those who believe that this prophecy has been fulfilled are as follows:
The entry into the temple by the Zealots during the winter of 67–68 AD (Marcus 2009, 890–891).
ORThe entry into the temple of the Zealot leader Eleazar son of Simon or usurping high priest Phanni (appointed by the Zealots) (Marcus 2009, 890–891).
The order from Judean Prefect Pontius Pilate for Roman solders to enter Jerusalem with their standards with busts of Tiberius Caesar (Evans 2001, 318).
Emperor Caligula’s order to place his image in the temple (Evans 2001, 318).
Titus’ entry into the temple during its destruction in 70 AD (Evans 2001, 319).
However, there are problems with each of these views.
Excluding priests and specifically the Sadducees, would Jews consider a High Priest appointed by the Zealots to be an abomination when the Hasmoneans had done the same thing years earlier? Not only this, but it seems likely that at one point the King had say in the appointment, and still during Jesus time the Romans had a say. So wouldn’t Jews view this appointment as superior to an appointment by a Roman?
Pilot’s order was never carried out, thus it does not meet the requirements of this prophecy (Evans 2001, 319–320).
Nor was Caligula’s order, for he was soon assassinated (Evans 2001, 319–320).
Titus’ entry into the temple occurred when it was already destroyed and on fire, thus, his actions could not be said to be the cause of the desolation (Evans 2001, 319–320).
Thus, we are left with the need for another meaning. Just as we stated that Jesus prophecy refers to the destruction of the temple but also had an “end times” / “last days” paradigm, so too, here I believe the words of Jesus must be seen in this end times structure. He is also referring to the prophecy of Daniel. Thus, Daniel’s prophecy can be said to have been fulfilled around the time of the Maccabeans but it also contained an element of future prophecy. It was a “now and not yet” prophecy. This view helps us with the next part of the prophecy, for it seems not to fit within that timeline.
“Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that it may not happen in winter.”
Mark 13:15–18 (ESV)
This warning is severe. Those in Judea are warned that those who are relaxing on the house top are not to even go in and gather belongings, those who are in the field are to not go in for their cloak. In other words, do not return to your homes. An even greater warning is for those who are pregnant and nursing. Travel during those times was difficult and dangerous, so this warning makes sense. If you add in the prayer that the flight might not be in the winter, then the danger to a pregnant woman or baby is even more extreme (France 2002, 526). These prophetic warnings do not seem to have been fulfilled in 70 AD (Evans 2001, 321). Yet Jesus warned that the tribulation would increase still even more!
“For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days.”
Mark 13:19–20 (ESV)
This prophecy let’s us know that he is now not speaking of just the destruction of the temple, for who would say that it was worse than the holocaust!? Yet Jesus here is speaking of a persecution that is worse than anything to have ever existed or will exist. This must then be a future persecution, since these prophetic warnings do not seem to have been fulfilled (Evans 2001, 319–320). After this event takes place Jesus explained that there will then be more antichrists.
“And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.”
Mark 13:21–23 (ESV)
When we suffer persecution, when we go through tumultuous times, times of intense suffering, it is easy to look for a person to help and save us. We can see this in politics, during economic problems, and when at war, it is human nature to seek help. However, Jesus warns here that not only will there be false christs, but that there will be those who follow them and proclaim them. These false christs will have the ability to do miracles, signs and wonders, yet this is not the definition of the Messiah.
The warning increases in alarm though, for Jesus explained that not only would they do miracles, but they could possibly lead the elect, those who are saved, astray. I recently watched an interview with a person whom I would best describe as a false prophet of a “UFO religion.” This person explained how he had been healed of a major disease when he was taken by a UFO. In this interview he was speaking about how aliens healed him, they were good, and would reveal themselves, as long you “let them in” or “open yourself” to them. Sadly, this man had been a Christian! This is an example of what Jesus is speaking about here, the possibility of even the elect being deceived. Miracles won’t make me believe in a person, or being, because Christ has warned us that there will be miracles performed by false christs.
We have spoken before of the divine council and the rebellious elohim that chose to rebel against the Most High. They exist in the third heaven and part of the kingdom of this world. Yet we do not submit to them or worship them.
“For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”— yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.”
1 Corinthians 8:5–6 (ESV)
Our Lord, Messiah, and God is Yahweh, the Father, Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit! There is no other worthy of our worship, esteem, or praise. We reject every pretender, whether false gods, false christs, or even aliens, whether real or imagined!
Life Application and Questions to Consider:
How can we apply this to our life today? All the warnings we have read over the last blog posts have made one thing clear, Jesus warned us of coming events in order that we may not be deceived whey they occur. Antichrist will come and claim to be the Messiah. They will do miracles but we are not to worship them or follow them.
Events that feel like the end will happen, wars, earthquakes, and persecution, but they are not to bring us fear and we are not to believe that the end has come. The end comes when the abomination of desolation comes. We truly do not know what this will look like, and I believe there is a reason for that. The Bible says that if the rulers of this world had understood they would not have crucified Christ (1 Corinthians 2:8). So too, I believe, will be the second coming. We will not understand until it happens. Yet I believe that when we see the abomination of desolation take place the Holy Spirit will reveal that it has occurred. Perhaps it will be obvious to all at that time, I do not know. But it will be this event that truly marks the end.
I want to say here, I don’t believe in supposed “prophetic timelines.” I don’t believe we are called to try to predict the end. Jesus said only the Father knows the date, and that means that we can’t know it. We are called to watch and wait and have faith in Jesus. Jesus is our hope, the hope of our future. The world will fall part, but our faith must remain.
This is our take away then, that although the world may fall around us, all things may seem to spin out of control, we are to look to the face of Jesus and hold fast to him! Do not be driven by the world, do not look to the raging storms of life all around, instead, look to Jesus and have faith in him. He will preserve us.
Connections
Matthew 24:15–28
Luke 21:20–24
Outline
The abomination of desolation will be in a place where he shouldn’t be.
This is the warning sign that those in Judea are to flee.
No one is to return to his house for anything but must flee.
A great tribulation will rise up and many will suffer.
False christs will arise to try to deceive.
FAQ for the article
What is the abomination of desolation in Mark 13?
The abomination of desolation in Mark 13:14 refers to Jesus’ use of language drawn from the prophecy of Daniel. Jesus warns that when this event occurs, those in Judea should flee rather than remain in Jerusalem, indicating that the event is connected with severe tribulation and impending judgment.
What does the abomination of desolation refer to?
The precise meaning of the abomination of desolation is debated. Proposed historical interpretations include the Zealot occupation of the Jerusalem Temple in AD 67–68, Roman attempts to place imperial standards or images in Jerusalem, Caligula’s attempted placement of his image in the Temple, and Titus’ entry into the Temple during the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. This article argues that these historical events do not completely explain Jesus’ prophecy and that the passage also contains a future, end-times dimension.
How is the abomination of desolation connected to Daniel?
Jesus’ reference to the “abomination of desolation” points back to Daniel 8:13, Daniel 11:31, and Daniel 12:11. Daniel describes an act of desecration associated with severe persecution and tribulation, and Jesus applies this prophetic language to his own teaching about the destruction of the Temple and future events.
Was the abomination of desolation fulfilled in AD 70?
The destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in AD 70 is closely connected to Jesus’ prophecy in Mark 13. However, this article argues that AD 70 does not completely fulfill every element of Mark 13:14–23. The warning about unprecedented tribulation, the flight from Judea, and the appearance of false christs suggests that Jesus’ prophecy also points beyond the events of AD 70.
What happened to the Temple in AD 70?
The Second Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed by Roman forces during the Jewish War in AD 70. The destruction occurred under the Roman commander Titus, who later became emperor. The article argues that Titus’ entry into the Temple cannot by itself explain the “abomination of desolation,” because the Temple was already being destroyed and burned when Titus entered it.
Did Pontius Pilate place Roman standards in the Temple?
Pontius Pilate reportedly attempted to introduce Roman standards bearing imperial imagery into Jerusalem, but the attempt was abandoned after Jewish opposition. Because the action was not ultimately carried out, this interpretation does not fully correspond with Jesus’ warning concerning the abomination of desolation.
Did Caligula place an image of himself in the Jewish Temple?
Emperor Caligula ordered that an image of himself be placed in the Temple at Jerusalem, but the order was never successfully carried out. Caligula’s assassination in AD 41 ended the immediate threat, which is one reason this event does not completely satisfy the description in Mark 13.
Was the abomination of desolation caused by the Zealots?
One proposed interpretation connects the abomination of desolation with the Zealot takeover of the Temple during the Jewish revolt in AD 67–68. Some scholars have suggested that the appointment of a high priest by the Zealots may have constituted the desecration Jesus described. However, questions remain about whether such an appointment would necessarily have been regarded as an “abomination,” particularly given earlier Jewish practices involving politically influenced high-priestly appointments.
Does Mark 13 describe only the destruction of Jerusalem?
Mark 13 clearly contains prophecy concerning the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple, but the passage appears to extend beyond AD 70. Jesus describes a period of tribulation unlike anything that had occurred previously, followed by warnings about false christs and false prophets. This creates an important distinction between the historical destruction of Jerusalem and the broader end-times framework of Jesus’ prophecy.
What does Jesus mean when he tells people to flee to the mountains?
Jesus commands those in Judea to flee immediately when they see the abomination of desolation. His instructions not to return home for possessions emphasize the urgency and seriousness of the coming danger. The warning concerning pregnant women, nursing mothers, and winter travel further emphasizes how difficult this flight will be.
Why does Jesus warn people not to go back for their belongings?
The instruction not to return for possessions communicates the urgency of the situation. Jesus describes circumstances in which delaying to retrieve clothing or household possessions could put someone in serious danger. The command emphasizes that immediate escape is more important than material possessions.
What does Mark 13:19 mean by “such tribulation”?
Mark 13:19 describes a period of suffering more severe than anything previously experienced or that will occur afterward. The language suggests an extraordinary period of persecution and tribulation. This is one of the reasons the passage is often understood as having an eschatological or end-times dimension beyond the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.
What does Jesus say about false christs and false prophets?
Jesus warns that false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders. Their purpose will be to deceive people and, if possible, even the elect. Christians are therefore instructed to remain alert and not assume that supernatural signs automatically prove that someone is the true Messiah.
Can miracles prove that someone is the Messiah?
According to Jesus’ warning in Mark 13:21–23, miracles and supernatural signs are not sufficient evidence that someone is the true Christ. False christs and false prophets can perform signs and wonders. Christians must therefore evaluate claims about the Messiah according to the teaching of Jesus rather than simply accepting supernatural experiences as proof.
Can Christians be deceived by false prophets?
Jesus gives a particularly serious warning about deception, saying that false christs and false prophets will attempt to lead people astray, even potentially the elect. The passage teaches Christians to remain spiritually alert, especially during periods of persecution, crisis, political instability, war, or social upheaval.
What is an antichrist according to this passage?
In the context of Mark 13, Jesus warns about false christs and false prophets who claim authority and attempt to deceive others. The broader New Testament uses the term “antichrist” in several contexts, but the central warning here is against anyone who falsely claims messianic authority or leads people away from Jesus Christ.
Why does Jesus warn Christians about deception during the end times?
Jesus warns about deception because periods of suffering and uncertainty can cause people to search for someone who promises rescue, stability, or answers. False messiahs can exploit that desire. Jesus therefore tells his followers beforehand so they will remain faithful rather than being deceived when these events occur.
What does 1 Corinthians 8:5–6 teach about false gods?
1 Corinthians 8:5–6 acknowledges the existence of many beings described as “gods” and “lords,” while affirming that Christians recognize one God, the Father, and one Lord, Jesus Christ. The passage reinforces the Christian commitment to worship God alone rather than giving allegiance to competing spiritual powers.
How should Christians respond to claims about aliens, UFOs, or supernatural beings?
Christians should not automatically interpret supernatural or unexplained experiences as evidence that another being deserves worship or religious allegiance. Mark 13 warns that impressive signs can be associated with deception. Regardless of whether an extraordinary experience is explained naturally, spiritually, or otherwise, Christians are called to remain faithful to Jesus Christ rather than following a new messiah or spiritual authority.
Does the Bible teach that Christians should predict the date of the end?
No. Jesus repeatedly emphasizes watchfulness rather than date-setting. The purpose of biblical prophecy is not to enable Christians to calculate the exact date of the Second Coming but to prepare them to remain faithful, alert, and undeceived.
What is the main lesson of Mark 13:14–23 for Christians today?
The central lesson is to remain faithful to Jesus when the world becomes unstable. Christians should not be controlled by fear, political upheaval, wars, disasters, persecution, supernatural claims, or false messiahs. Jesus warns his followers about these things so they can recognize deception and continue trusting him.
What should Christians do when world events seem to indicate the end is near?
Christians should remain watchful without becoming obsessed with prophetic speculation. Wars, earthquakes, persecution, political instability, and other crises should not automatically be interpreted as proof that the end has arrived. Jesus calls his followers to faithfulness, discernment, perseverance, and confidence in him.
Why does Jesus tell his followers about future suffering beforehand?
Jesus tells his followers about future events so they will not be surprised or deceived when suffering comes. Prophecy therefore serves a pastoral purpose: it prepares Christians to endure persecution, recognize false claims, and maintain their faith in Christ.
Is the abomination of desolation a “now and not yet” prophecy?
One possible interpretation is that the prophecy has both historical and future dimensions. Daniel’s prophecies were associated with historical events in the Maccabean period, while Jesus applies the same prophetic language to events surrounding Jerusalem and a future period of tribulation. This creates a “now and not yet” framework in which an earlier fulfillment points toward a later and greater fulfillment.
What is the Christian response to the end times according to Mark 13?
The Christian response is not fear or prophetic date-setting but faithful perseverance. Christians are called to watch, remain spiritually alert, reject false christs and false prophets, and keep their hope centered on Jesus Christ regardless of what happens in the world.
References-
R. T. France, The Gospel of Mark: A Commentary on the Greek Text, New International Greek Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press, 2002), 522–523.
Joel Marcus, Mark 8–16: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary, vol. 27A, Anchor Yale Bible (New Haven; London: Yale University Press, 2009), 890–891.
Ibid
Craig A. Evans, Mark 8:27–16:20, vol. 34B, Word Biblical Commentary (Dallas: Word, Incorporated, 2001), 318.
Ibid
Craig A. Evans, Mark 8:27–16:20, vol. 34B, Word Biblical Commentary (Dallas: Word, Incorporated, 2001), 319.
R. T. France, The Gospel of Mark: A Commentary on the Greek Text, New International Greek Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press, 2002), 526.
Craig A. Evans, Mark 8:27–16:20, vol. 34B, Word Biblical Commentary (Dallas: Word, Incorporated, 2001), 321.
Ibid, 319–320.
