Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Mark 13:37

"And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch." — Mark 13:37 (ASV)

The key word of the discourse, right from the beginning (v.5), was the imperative “Watch.” Now at the end it is repeated once more, but this time it is no longer addressed only to the four disciples but to “everyone.” In this way Jesus shows his concern not only for the disciples but for the whole community —all his followers for whom he was about to die—and his message is “Watch!” VII. The Passion and Resurrection Narrative (14:1–16:8 [9–20]) The conflict of Jesus with the religious leaders, which in Mark’s gospel begins as early as 3:1, reaches its climax in the passion narrative and is followed by the triumph of the Resurrection on Easter morning. Since these events constitute the heart of the Christian Gospel (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:1–4), they seem to have been the first part of the story of Jesus to be written down and circulated as a continuous whole. Mark likely has incorporated this narrative into his gospel with little editorial revision.

The importance of the passion and resurrection of our Lord for the early church is evidenced by the relatively large amount of space the narrative takes in each of the Gospels and especially in Mark. Out of Mark’s 661 verses, 128 are devoted to the passion and resurrection story, and a total of 242 are devoted to Jesus’ last week (from the Triumphal Entry to the Resurrection). These events formed the basis of the church’s witness and worship—the lifeblood of early Christianity. The witnessing church proclaimed a crucified and living Savior, and the worshiping church reflected on the meaning of these events for its inner life.

This section in Mark’s gospel plays on two basic themes: suffering and triumph. The suffering of Jesus is highlighted by (1) his betrayal and denial (by Judas, Peter, and all the disciples); (2) his trial before the Sanhedrin and Pilate, with its injustice and mockery; and (3) his crucifixion with its brutality and shame. The triumph of Jesus comes through his glorious resurrection on the third day after his crucifixion.