Mark 13:24-37

New International Reader's Version

²⁴ “So in those days there will be terrible suffering. After that, Scripture says,

²⁶ “At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds. He will come with great power and glory. ²⁷ He will send his angels. He will gather his chosen people from all four directions. He will bring them from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.

²⁸ “Learn a lesson from the fig tree. As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. ²⁹ In the same way, when you see these things happening, you know that the end is near. It is right at the door. ³⁰ What I’m about to tell you is true. The people living now will certainly not pass away until all those things have happened. ³¹ Heaven and earth will pass away. But my words will never pass away.

The Day and Hour Are Not Known

³² “But no one knows about that day or hour. Not even the angels in heaven know. The Son does not know. Only the Father knows. ³³ Keep watch! Stay awake! You do not know when that time will come. ³⁴ It’s like a man going away. He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge. Each one is given a task to do. He tells the one at the door to keep watch.

³⁵ “So keep watch! You do not know when the owner of the house will come back. It may be in the evening or at midnight. It may be when the rooster crows or at dawn. ³⁶ He may come suddenly. So do not let him find you sleeping. ³⁷ What I say to you, I say to everyone. ‘Watch!’ ”