Mark 13:14-23

Contemporary English Version

The Horrible Thing

(Matthew 24.15-21; Luke 21.20-24)

^14 (A) Someday you will see that “Horrible Thing” where it should not be.^[a] Everyone who reads this must try to understand! If you are living in Judea at that time, run to the mountains. ^15 (B) If you are on the roof^[b] of your house, don't go inside to get anything. ¹⁶ If you are out in the field, don't go back for your coat. ¹⁷ It will be an awful time for women who are expecting babies or nursing young children. ¹⁸ Pray that it won't happen in winter.^{[c] 19 (C)} This will be the worst time of suffering since God created the world, and nothing this terrible will ever happen again. ²⁰ If the Lord doesn't make the time shorter, no one will be left alive. But because of his chosen and special ones, he will make the time shorter.

²¹ If someone should say, “Here is the Messiah!” or “There he is!” don't believe it. ²² False messiahs and false prophets will come and work miracles and signs. They will even try to fool God's chosen ones. ²³ But be on your guard! That's why I am telling you these things now.