Matthew 24:15-28
Fleeing Danger, Refusing Deception
Read the passage
15So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand),
16then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
17Let no one on the housetop come down to retrieve anything from his house.
18And let no one in the field return for his cloak.
19How miserable those days will be for pregnant and nursing mothers!
20Pray that your flight will not occur in the winter or on the Sabbath.
21For at that time there will be great tribulation, unseen from the beginning of the world until now, and never to be seen again.
22If those days had not been cut short, nobody would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short.
23At that time, if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There He is!’ do not believe it.
24For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.
25See, I have told you in advance.
26So if they tell you, ‘There He is, in the wilderness,’ do not go out, or, ‘Here He is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it.
27For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
28Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
Jesus speaks of the “abomination of desolation” foretold by Daniel standing in the holy place and tells those in Judea to flee to the mountains. The warning is urgent: people on rooftops should not go down to retrieve possessions, and people in the field should not turn back for a cloak.
He says woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days and warns the disciples to pray that their flight will not happen in winter or on a Sabbath. Jesus describes a great tribulation unlike anything before it or after it. He also says those days will be cut short for the sake of God’s elect; otherwise nobody would survive.
False christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders, trying to lead the elect astray. Jesus warns them in advance so they will not run after claims that the Christ is in the wilderness or in secret rooms. His coming will not need a rumor to announce it; it will be visible like lightning.
The passage is severe, but its first practical word is protection: flee. Jesus does not tell endangered people to prove faith by staying near destruction. His warning also refuses to romanticize the suffering of pregnant women, nursing mothers, and those who have fewer options in a crisis.
Do not use these verses to identify every modern crisis with certainty or to manipulate fearful people. Read them as a call to reject deception, take danger seriously, and trust that Jesus' return will not depend on secret knowledge.
How We Know
Jesus explicitly directs His hearers to Daniel. Daniel speaks of an abomination associated with the sanctuary and of unparalleled distress followed by deliverance for God’s people. Christians differ over the full timing of these prophecies; the connection Jesus makes and His instructions to flee and resist deception are clear.
Questions
1 What does Jesus tell people to do when severe danger arrives?
AnswerJesus prepares his disciples for severe danger by urging wise flight, warning against deception, and assuring them that his coming will be unmistakable.
2 Why does Jesus mention pregnant women and nursing mothers?
AnswerJesus tells people to flee without returning for possessions and specifically acknowledges the added danger faced by pregnant women and nursing mothers.
3 How does practical flight fit with faithful trust?
AnswerJesus Himself commands flight. Taking His warning seriously is obedience, and His promise to shorten the days of distress shows that His people remain under God’s care.
4 How could our household help those least able to escape danger?
AnswerThe household can discuss a wise safety plan, identify trustworthy sources of information, and practice helping those who would have the hardest time escaping danger.
What This Means for Us
Jesus' command to flee is an important safeguard against spiritualizing endurance. If a person or family is threatened, leaving, seeking shelter, calling for help, and involving authorities may be faithful responses. A warning passage should never be used to trap someone in danger.
The false prophets show why crisis invites manipulation. People who claim secret access to Jesus' presence can gain followers by turning uncertainty into fear. Stay wary of teachers who demand money, secrecy, unquestioned loyalty, or reckless action.
The text also recognizes unequal vulnerability. A crisis that is difficult for one person may be devastating for a pregnant woman, nursing mother, child, elderly neighbor, or disabled person. Love prepares to help the people with the fewest choices.
Ask, “What would wise protection look like if danger came today?” Make one practical preparation, and refuse fear-driven speculation.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, protect people facing danger and give us wisdom to act without panic. Keep us from deception, help us care for the vulnerable, and anchor our hope in your unmistakable return. Amen.