Affliction like this world has never seen or will ever see again

Matthew 24:16-21

Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains Let them who are on the housetops not come down to take anything out of their houses Neither let them who are in the fields return back to take their clothes And woe to those who are with child and to them that nurse babies in those days And pray that your flight be not in the winter neither on the sabbath day For then shall be great affliction such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time no nor ever shall be again

Comments: ^{Matthew 24:16-21} Fleeing in winter will understandably be dangerous due to weather exposure, and Jesus warned people not to waste time packing supplies to take with them. He specifically warned people who were away from home when the time came, not to return home for clothes ^{Matthew 24:17-18}. But why did Jesus warn people to pray their flight would not take place on a Sabbath day? One possibility is that unlike ancient peoples who would flee on foot, modern citizens of Israel use vehicles that need gasoline. They will need full tanks of gas with the ability to refuel as needed. Even today, due to religious laws, most businesses in Jerusalem are closed on Sabbath days. During the time of the birth pangs—which includes the Time of Jacob’s trouble—with temple worship restored, Israel will be even more religious than it is now, likely with many more businesses closed on Sabbath days, including gas stations. If the coup ^{Matthew 24:15} takes place on a Sabbath day, many of those attempting to flee will be trapped in the cities.

And try to imagine fleeing in such haste with nursing babies. Only a few extra diapers? The clothes on its back? Only a bottle or two? What if the mother doesn’t breastfeed? Many people will die in the fleeing. Many people will be trapped in the cities because they will do just the opposite of what Jesus warned them not to do, they will rush home and start packing, … and then it will be too late.

For then shall be great tribulation such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time. No nor ever shall be again.

Jocelyn Andersen is the author of several non-fiction books, including, Redemption: Bible Prophecy Simplified, a Study of HOPE.

Note from the editor: I read my Bible every day, always picking up today where I left off yesterday. I call this my “on-track” Bible reading. I have been doing this for over 44 years. It was the best advice I was ever given, and it changed my life. If you are not presently doing the same, I invite you to join me. How much you read on a daily basis isn’t important. It only matters that you read, feeding your spirit with a prayerful dose of the living and powerful Word of God.

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Read more about this commentary HERE.