15 “Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place—[ k ] let the [ l ]reader understand— 16 then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains. 17 [ m ]Whoever is on the [ n ] housetop must not go down to get things out of his house. 18 And [ o ] whoever is in the field must not turn back to get his cloak.
19 But woe to those women who are pregnant, and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 Moreover, pray that [ p ]when you flee, it will not be in the winter, or on a Sabbath. 21 For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will again. 22 And if those days had not been cut short, no [ q ]life would have been saved; but for the sake of the [ r ]elect those days will be cut short.
Matthew 24:15-22 (NASB) 中文
End times
Jesus has started His description of when these end times things will happen and what the signs are leading up to them. In the last passages He’s encouraged His disciples (including us) to not be misled and to endure to the end.
Abomination of Desolation
What in the world is this? “Essentially, the abomination of desolation speaks of the ultimate desecration of a Jewish temple, the establishment of an idolatrous image in the holy place itself, which will inevitably result in the judgment of God. It is the abomination that brings desolation.” (enduringword.com)
As Jesus says, Daniel mentions it in his book, in Daniel 11:31. As to when it occurs, many teachers think it happens in the middle of the 7-year tribulation period. This would be right after Antichrist breaks his covenant with the Jews, claims to be God and desecrates the temple. Some believe it occurred in 70 AD when Rome ransacked Jerusalem and set up an idol in the temple and offered a pig sacrifice. But the details Jesus describes here that surround that event don’t quite match.
The comment, “let the reader understand”, is referring to the reader of Daniel. Jesus is shedding light on this passage in Daniel.
Get outta Dodge
What Jesus is describing is indeed terrible and horrific. Revelations gives much more detail of the plagues, destruction, wars, famines, and decimation. It will occur across the globe but here Jesus describes the impact on Jerusalem, on the Jews living there at the time.
Like no other
As we’ve mentioned previously, tribulation and trials have occurred and continue to occur in the world. However, at this end time it will be much worse – like no other. And, like birth pains, they will get gradually worse.
The time is “cut short”. This is not by accident. All this is planned and is known by the Father. There are no surprises. The way I understand this is there will be tribulation, but it won’t go on “forever” or even “a long time”. God will show mercy to those living on the earth – those who chose to follow Him.
RЯeflection
- The same reflections from the previous passage again apply here. Take a look by clicking the link.
