Signs of the End
You 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. Matthew 24:6 · Berean Standard Bible
You'll hear about wars and threats of wars, Jesus says, but don't panic. These things have to happen, but they don't mean the end of the world is here yet.
Jesus is managing their expectations. Bad things will happen in the world, but that doesn't mean everything is falling apart. Stay calm and trust God.
Jesus speaks reassuringly, helping His followers keep their heads when the world around them seems chaotic.
It's like a parent calming a scared child during a storm: the thunder is real, but you're going to be okay. Jesus wants you steady, not panicked.
Jesus describes 'wars and rumors of wars' (polemous kai akoas polemōn) but commands: 'see to it that you are not alarmed' (mē throeisthe). The passive verb throeō means 'to be disturbed or frightened.' These events are necessary (dei) but are not yet the end (telos).
The Roman Empire experienced significant military conflicts in the decades before 70 AD, including civil wars during the Year of Four Emperors (69 AD). Jesus calibrates expectations: turmoil does not equal the end.
Jesus provides both information and pastoral comfort, warning against panic-driven eschatological speculation.
Jesus tells His followers not to panic when they hear about wars. Conflict is inevitable but it doesn't mean the end has arrived. He distinguishes between birth pains and the actual birth.
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.
Read all of Matthew 24 — The disciples ask when the end will come. Jesus answers with wars, earthquakes, and a warning: stay awake, because no one knows the hour.
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