Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Mark 13:33

"Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is." — Mark 13:33 (ASV)

God’s people must remain on guard because they do not know when God’s appointed time is. The Parousia could occur at any time.

The parable here has in it some of the features of that of the talents (Matthew 25:14–30) and the pounds . Christians have both a privilege and a responsibility, though the parable does not develop these elements. Jesus applies the parable to the disciples. Like a doorkeeper who must watch because he does not know when the owner will return, they too must be on guard. Evening, midnight, rooster crowing, and dawn are the names of the four watches of the night the Romans used. “Suddenly” emphasizes that the Parousia will happen suddenly.