Matthew 24:1-14
The Beginning of Birth Pains
Read the passage
1As Jesus left the temple and was walking away, His disciples came up to Him to point out its buildings.
2“Do you see all these things?” He replied. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”
3While Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?”
4Jesus answered, “See to it that no one deceives you.
5For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.
6You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come.
7Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
8All these are the beginning of birth pains.
9Then they will deliver you over to be persecuted and killed, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.
10At that time many will fall away and will betray and hate one another,
11and many false prophets will arise and deceive many.
12Because of the multiplication of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.
13But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.
14And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
Jesus leaves the temple, and his disciples point out its buildings. Jesus tells them that not one stone will be left upon another. Later, on the Mount of Olives, the disciples ask when this will happen and what sign will show his coming and the end of the age.
Jesus warns them not to be led astray. Many will come in his name, claiming to be the Christ, and many will be deceived. They will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but Jesus tells them not to be alarmed; these things must take place, but they are not yet the end.
He speaks of nation rising against nation, famine, earthquakes, persecution, betrayal, hatred, false prophets, and lawlessness. As wickedness increases, the love of most will grow cold. The pressure will be real, but the one who endures to the end will be saved. The gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the world, and then the end will come.
Jesus does not give his disciples a timetable for turning every headline into a prediction. He gives them warnings that protect them from panic, deception, hatred, and spiritual exhaustion. Birth pains are painful, but they are not the same thing as the final birth.
The call to endure is not a command to remain in a dangerous situation without help. Faithful endurance may include fleeing violence, protecting children, seeking refuge, and continuing to bear witness through practical love.
Questions
1 What does Jesus call the beginning of birth pains?
AnswerHe names wars between nations, famines and earthquakes as the beginning of birth pains. These troubles do not mean that the end has already arrived.
2 Why does Jesus name both turmoil and deception?
AnswerHis disciples will face suffering and voices that mislead them about it. They need to recognize both danger and false claims made in His name.
3 How can alertness avoid becoming alarm or cruelty?
AnswerWe can heed Jesus’ warnings without accepting every prediction. His promise of witness to all nations gives us work to continue while we wait.
4 Which fear-producing claim should our household verify carefully?
AnswerThe household can check one fear-producing source, discuss how to verify claims, and choose a steady act of prayer or service instead of panic.
What This Means for Us
Jesus begins His answer about the future by warning against deception. A speaker’s certainty, large following or use of Jesus’ name cannot settle whether a claim is true. Before passing along a frightening prediction, compare it with what Jesus actually says: wars and disasters do not by themselves announce the end.
He also warns that love will grow cold. Constant exposure to betrayal and violence can make us stop caring, even when we still know the right religious words. Staying faithful includes continuing to pray for persecuted believers and helping people whose suffering has become easy to ignore.
The gospel will be preached to all nations. Jesus gives His disciples that assurance while describing fierce opposition. We can support that witness and speak of His kingdom where we are, trusting His promise instead of waiting for the world to become safe.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, keep us alert without making us afraid. Protect us from deception and hatred, strengthen those who suffer, and help our household endure with truth, compassion, and steady hope. Amen.