A Really, Really, Bad Time:

Context:

• Jesus had been talking about wars and rumors of wars.
• He had been talking about earthquakes and famines.
• He described them as only the beginning of the birth pains of the end.
• Now he describes something more severe.

Matthew 24:15-19 “...So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house, and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. And alas for   

Mark 13:14-17 “...But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days!...”

Luke 21:20-24 “...But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled...”

When is it time to flee?

• When you see the abomination of desolation.
• When the armies of the enemy surround Jerusalem.

What is the abomination of desolation?

• Daniel 9:27 “...And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator ...”
• We won’t attempt to explain the prophesy that weaves together the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the age.
• Suffice it to say that the good intentions of God get so severely perverted that a level of tribulation is reached that previously was unimaginable.

What specific instructions are given for this time?

• Flee to the mountains.
• Don’t take the time to gather any of your belongings.
• There’s no turning back.
• The time will be difficult for those who are pregnant or nursing.

Matthew 24:20-22 “...Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short...”

Mark 13:18-20 “...Pray that it may not happen in winter. For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days...”

Is this tribulation a random act?

• “...these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written...”
• This, like all Godly prophesy, will occur as it is written.

Is this tribulation severe?

• People have experienced a lot of tribulation through history.
• This is unlike any other tribulation.
• It has the potential to wipe out all humanity.

Does God care?

• For the sake of the elect he cuts the days short.

Matthew 24:23-28 “...Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather...”

Mark 13:21-23 “...And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand...”

What specific danger does Jesus warn about with respect to the tribulation?

• False christs and false prophets will lead people astray.

Why will people be lead astray?

• There will be great signs and wonders performed

How does Jesus recommend avoiding this problem?

• Be on guard because He has given the proper warning beforehand.