33 "Take heed , keep on the alert ; for you do not know when the appointed time will come . 34 " It is like a man away on a journey , who upon leaving his house and putting his slaves in charge , assigning to each one his task , also commanded the doorkeeper to stay on the alert . 35 "Therefore , be on the alert -for you do not know when the master of the house is coming , whether in the evening , at midnight , or when the rooster crows , or in the morning - 36 in case he should come suddenly and find you asleep . 37 "What I say to you I say to all , ' Be on the alert !' "
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 13:33-37
Commentary on Mark 13:28-37
(Read Mark 13:28-37)
We have the application of this prophetic sermon. As to the destruction of Jerusalem, expect it to come very shortly. As to the end of the world, do not inquire when it will come, for of that day and that hour knoweth no man. Christ, as God, could not be ignorant of anything; but the Divine wisdom which dwelt in our Saviour, communicated itself to his human soul according to the Divine pleasure. As to both, our duty is to watch and pray. Our Lord Jesus, when he ascended on high, left something for all his servants to do. We ought to be always upon our watch, in expectation of his return. This applies to Christ's coming to us at our death, as well as to the general judgment. We know not whether our Master will come in the days of youth, or middle age, or old age; but, as soon as we are born, we begin to die, and therefore we must expect death. Our great care must be, that, whenever our Lord comes, he may not find us secure, indulging in ease and sloth, mindless of our work and duty. He says to all, Watch, that you may be found in peace, without spot, and blameless.