Advent Season · First Sunday of Advent · Year B
Mark 13:33-37
Signs of the End of the Age
November 29, 2026
Overview & Insights
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (Mark 13:31)
The extensive discourse of chapter 13, known as the Olivet Discourse, develops the basic theme in passion week thus far: the fruitlessness (fig tree) and guilt (clearing of the temple) of the Jewish leadership, leading to the curse upon the nation and the impending judgment. In 11:12–20 the “why” of judgment was presented; now the “what” of judgment occurs: the destruction of the temple and the land. It provides a transition from the conflict between Jesus and the leaders (11:27–12:40) to the final events of passion week on Thursday and Friday (chaps. 14–15). Structure After the introductory section (the discourse flows out of the two questions in v. 4) there are three major sections of the discourse: the prophecy of the destruction (vv. 5–23), the parousia and gathering of the elect (vv. 24–27), and the need for watchfulness in light of the unknown time of the end (vv. 28–37).
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Commentary
Commentary on Mark 13:24-37 - Working Preacher Working Preacher
Luther Seminary's RCL commentary on the Advent 1 Gospel, unpacking Jesus's call to stay awake for the coming of the Son of Man.
Mark 13:24-37 - Center for Excellence in Preaching Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed preaching commentary that frames Advent as an active, vigilant kind of waiting.
Enduring Word Bible Commentary Mark Chapter 13 Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse-by-verse study of Mark 13 and the Olivet Discourse.
Mark 13 Commentary | Precept Austin Precept Austin
In-depth verse commentary with cross-references and word studies on Mark 13.
Mark 13:33 Commentaries BibleHub
Parallel classic commentaries on Mark 13:33-37 gathered on one page.
The First Sunday in Advent, Year B Catholic Productions · Brant Pitre
Dr. Brant Pitre's Catholic walk-through of the Advent 1 readings, including the Mark 13 command to watch.
You Can't Save Yourself - Word on Fire Sermon Word on Fire · Bishop Barron
Bishop Barron's Advent 1 homily on getting back to basics as the liturgical year begins.
First Sunday of Advent, Cycle B | Loyola Press Loyola Press · Sunday Connection
Catholic Sunday Connection with reflection questions and family prayer for the Advent 1 readings.
Background & Word Study
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
Why does Advent begin with the end of the age?
Mark 13 turns the church's eyes to Christ's return before it turns to his birth: the Son of Man will come on the clouds, and so the watchword of the season is “Stay awake.” Advent waits for both comings at once.
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