Mark 13:26
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Mark 13:26
26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
Chapter Context
Mark 13 is a action-oriented gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of judgment, worship, prayer. Written during the mid first century CE (c. 65-70 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Composed during or just after Nero's persecution when eyewitnesses were disappearing.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-37: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Mark and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Mark 13:26
26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
Analysis
Jesus prophesies His Second Coming: 'And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.' This echoes Daniel 7:13-14, where one 'like the Son of man' receives eternal dominion. The 'clouds' symbolize divine presence (Exodus 13:21, Acts 1:9). 'Great power' (Greek dynamis megalē) contrasts His first coming's humility with Second Coming's triumph. 'Glory' (doxa) refers to visible manifestation of divine majesty. This coming will be unmistakable—universal visibility (13:24-25, Revelation 1:7), cosmic upheaval, and gathering of elect (13:27). Reformed eschatology affirms Christ's bodily return to judge living and dead, establish new heaven and earth, and vindicate His people. This hope motivates endurance during persecution (13:9-13) and watchfulness (13:33-37). The same Jesus who suffered returns glorified.
Historical Context
Context is the Olivet Discourse, delivered on the Mount of Olives as Jesus predicted Jerusalem's destruction (13:1-2, fulfilled AD 70). Disciples asked when this would occur (13:4), and Jesus warned of false Christs, wars, persecution, and tribulation (13:5-23) before His return. The discourse blends near fulfillment (Jerusalem's fall) with far fulfillment (Second Coming), common in prophetic literature. First-century Jewish apocalyptic expectation anticipated divine intervention overthrowing Rome and vindicating Israel. Jesus corrects this: the kingdom comes through suffering before glory, cross before crown. The early church's imminent expectation ('this generation shall not pass,' 13:30) referred to the type of people or fulfilled proleptically in Jerusalem's destruction, while the final consummation awaits Christ's return.
Reflection
- Does the certainty of Christ's glorious return shape your present priorities and endurance under trial?
- How does contrasting Christ's humiliation and exaltation motivate your own cross-bearing?
Word Studies
- Glory: δόξα (Doxa) G1391 - Glory, majesty, splendor
Cross-References
- Glory: Mark 8:38, Matthew 16:27, 24:30, 25:31
- Parallel theme: Mark 14:62, Acts 1:11, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, Revelation 1:7