Show Don't Tell: Mark 13:14-23

Instead of saying "Jesus described the tribulation," feel the urgency. "When you see 'the abomination that causes desolation' standing where it does not belong—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains." Mark inserts a parenthetical warning: understand this! Don't go back into your house for anything. Don't go back to get your cloak. "How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers!" Pray it doesn't happen in winter. "Because those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now—and never to be equaled again." If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has shortened them. "If anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Messiah!' or, 'Look, there he is!' do not believe it." False messiahs and false prophets will appear, performing signs and wonders to deceive—if possible—even the elect. "So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time."