B-Side - Mark 13:14-23
v14...
"But when you see the abomination of desolation..." Matthew's account specifically links this to the prophet Daniel.
Daniel connections: Dan 9:27 (covenant for one week, half the week sacrifices end, desolator comes), Dan 11:31 (profaning the temple, setting up the abomination), Dan 12:11 (sacrifices taken away, abomination set up = 1,290 days). The point: whatever this abominable thing is, it brings desolation/destruction. So when it's set up, RUN!
Historical context: During the 400 years between Malachi and Matthew (intertestamental period), 1 Maccabees 1 records a "desolating sacrilege." People were put to death for circumcising babies or keeping the law; they hung infants from their mothers' necks. Many Jews chose to die rather than be defiled. This history foreshadows what Jesus is saying. There will also be a final abomination in Revelation.
v15-16...
Don't go down to get anything from your house or the field. Like Lot's family, go immediately. Just run. Don't look back.
v17-18...
Alas for pregnant women and nursing mothers! Pray it doesn't happen in winter. It's going to be an incredibly difficult time.
Fascinating connection: What if the "abominable thing" that happens is Christ crucified? If that is the abomination that brings the desolation (the final destruction of Jerusalem)... Matthew 24:28 makes perfect sense: "Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather."
The Greek word for vulture is actually Eagle. The Roman legionary standard was an Eagle! Jesus was killed (God slaughtered outside the city)—this abominable act brings God's judgment. In 70 AD, Rome (the Eagle) gathered and destroyed the temple and city.
Luke 21:20-24 makes this plain: "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know its desolation has come near." This is clearly connected to 70 AD. Jerusalem is trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. (Note: You can't fit this exclusively to the return of the Lord to a faithful Jewish people; the timeline in Luke points to the Gentile conquering).
v19...
"Tribulation as has not been from the beginning..." (Matthew calls it "great tribulation").
This phrase only occurs twice in the NT: here and Revelation 7:14.
The emphasis isn't just on the Jewish people inside Jerusalem; it's pointing to the severe persecution of the church around 70 AD (under Nero) and ultimately pointing to the great tribulation in Revelation. The slaughter of the church will be brutal and unrivaled.
v20...
The Lord will cut the days short. If He didn't, no human would be saved.
He shortens the days for the sake of the "elect." This word is only used here in Mark's gospel, implying God is calling a future people to Himself.
v21-23...
Don't believe people pointing to false christs!
False christs and prophets will do signs and wonders to try and lead astray the elect (if it were possible).
Jesus says: Be on guard. I've warned you beforehand!