The Birth Pains of the End Times: What Jesus Said in Matthew 24
Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the Savior of the world, spoke about the signs of the end times that would precede his glorious return to earth.
He used the analogy of birth pains to describe the events that would happen on the earth in the last days.
In Matthew 24, he answered his disciples’ questions about the signs of his coming and the end of the age. He said:
“Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
All these are the beginning of birth pains.” (Matthew 24:4-8 NIV)
Why did Jesus use the term birth pains to describe these events?
Because, as any mother who has given birth knows, birth pains start out small and not too severe. But as they progress, they become more frequent and intense until the baby is born.
Similarly, Jesus said that these signs would increase in frequency and intensity as the end of the age approaches.
He also said that these are only the beginning of birth pains, implying that there are more severe events to come.
What are some of the signs that Jesus mentioned? He mentioned false messiahs, wars, famines, earthquakes, and persecution.
These are not new phenomena in human history, but they will escalate in magnitude and impact as the end draws near.
For example, according to a report by World Vision, more than 34 million people are at risk of famine in 2021 due to conflict, climate change, and COVID-19.
According to a report by USGS, there were 20 earthquakes with a magnitude of 7 or higher in 2020. According to a report by Open Doors, more than 340 million Christians face high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith in 2021.
Jesus also warned his followers to be alert and ready for his return. He said:
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this:
If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.
So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (Matthew 24:42-44 NIV)
How can we be ready for Jesus’ return? By trusting in him as our Lord and Savior, by living according to his will and commands, by sharing his gospel with others, by loving God and our neighbors, by watching and praying, by looking forward to his coming with hope and joy.
Jesus is coming soon to meet his church in the clouds. This is a very real thing that is going to happen. We know that it is going to happen soon because we see the signs that he gave us.
He has given us signs that we can tell when the end of the days of the Church Age is coming. The end of the days of the Church Age is when Jesus Christ, our Lord and our Savior, the eternal King of the universe, is going to meet his church in the clouds.
Are you ready for his coming? Are you looking forward to seeing him face to face? Are you living for him every day?
If not, now is the time to repent and believe in him. He loves you and wants you to be with him forever.
He died for your sins and rose again to give you eternal life. He is coming soon to take you home.
Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
