Let the reader understand
Why does Mark say, “Let the reader understand” in Mark 13:14?
In Mark 13:14, Jesus states, “When you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains” (ESV). This passage is part of the Olivet Discourse, in which Jesus describes the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and the end times. The admonition to “let the reader understand” is also found in the parallel passage in Matthew 24: “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains” (Matthew 24:15–16).
In Mark 13, Jesus and His disciples are leaving the temple when one of the disciples makes a comment about the magnificent architecture. Jesus responds by predicting the temple’s destruction, prompting the disciples to ask when these things will happen and what signs will lead up to that time (Mark 13:1–4). Jesus then delivers a detailed discourse on the coming trials and tribulations.
Jesus’ reference to “the abomination of desolation” in Mark 13:14 points to a repeated prophecy in the book of Daniel (see Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11). The prophet warned of a future abominable act that will cause desolation in the holy place. This prophecy was partially fulfilled during the second century BC when Antiochus IV Epiphanes desecrated the temple by erecting an altar to Zeus and sacrificing a pig on it. Jesus’ prophecy in Mark 13:14, however, suggests a second fulfillment, which occurred during the Roman attack on Jerusalem in AD 70 when the temple was destroyed. We also anticipate a third and final fulfillment, when the Antichrist sets up his image in a temple yet to be built in Jerusalem.
The destruction of the temple symbolizes the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant that was established by Christ. Hebrews 9:11–12 explains, “When Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption” (ESV). This passage articulates the shift from the physical temple to Jesus Himself as the locus of God’s presence and the means of atonement for sin.
The comment to “let the reader understand” in Mark 13:14 could be taken different ways, depending on whose comment it is. It could be a parenthetical comment, inserted by Mark, to signal his readers that Jesus’ prophecy requires discernment and careful consideration. That is, readers of Mark’s Gospel need to recognize the signs and be vigilant.
Alternatively, the comment to “let the reader understand” could be part of Jesus’ own words. In this case, it would refer not to Jesus’ teaching but to Daniel’s prophecy. In this view, Jesus was saying, “Let the reader of Daniel’s prophecy understand about the abomination of desolation.”
Either way, the call to “understand” highlights the need for spiritual discernment and preparedness. In Mark 13:22–23, Jesus warns, “False christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand” (ESV). The apostle Paul also urged believers to stand firm in the faith and to be alert to the spiritual realities around them (see Ephesians 6:10–18 and 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11).
Also, the call to understand prompts readers to see beyond historical events to the larger eschatological framework. The Olivet Discourse combines near-future events and end-time scenarios, creating a series of prophetic fulfillments that includes both the destruction of Jerusalem and the second coming of Christ. This dual fulfillment is seen in passages like Matthew 24:29–32, where various trials and tribulations precede the coming of the Son of Man.
Mark’s (or Jesus’) parenthetical comment in Mark 13:14 is an exhortation for believers to be discerning, vigilant, and faithful. The reader should understand both the destruction of the temple and the events that will precede the second coming of Christ. Regardless of what transpires, our hope is in Christ, who is a “sure and steadfast anchor of the soul” (Hebrews 6:19, ESV).
