What does "great tribulation" mean in Matthew 24:21 for today's believers? Setting and Flow of the Conversation • In the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24–25) Jesus answers three intertwined concerns from the disciples: the timing of the destruction of the temple, the sign of His coming, and the close of the age (24:3). • After describing preliminary “birth pains” (vv. 4-14) and the specific trigger of “the abomination of desolation” (v. 15), He warns: “For at that time there will be great tribulation, unmatched from the beginning of the world until now, and never to be seen again.” (Matthew 24:21) Literal Meaning of “Great Tribulation” • Greek: thlipsis megálē — an intense, crushing pressure. • Jesus states it will be unique in all of history and unrepeated (“never to be seen again”), requiring a future, global fulfillment beyond any past calamity. • Linked to “the time of distress” foretold in Daniel 12:1 and “the time of Jacob’s trouble” in Jeremiah 30:7, culminating in the events detailed in Revelation 6–19. Key Characteristics Drawn from Scripture • Duration: The latter half (3½ years) of Daniel’s 70th week (Daniel 9:27; Revelation 11:2-3; 13:5). • Scope: Worldwide upheaval—wars, famines, pestilence, cosmic disturbances (Revelation 6, 8, 16). • Central figure: The man of lawlessness/Antichrist exalted (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4; Revelation 13). • Focus on Israel: Jerusalem surrounded (Luke 21:20), persecution of Jews and tribulation saints (Revelation 12:13-17; 7:14). • Divine purpose: Judgment of rebellion, purification of Israel, and preparation for Christ’s visible return (Zechariah 12:10; Revelation 19:11-16). • Divine limitation: “Unless those days had been cut short, no one would be saved” (Matthew 24:22), underscoring God’s sovereign restraint. Why It Matters to Believers Today • Certainty of Fulfillment – Jesus affirmed it; therefore it will occur exactly as spoken. • Call to Watchfulness – Though the Church lives in every age of trouble (John 16:33), a climax still lies ahead. • Hope of Deliverance – Promises of rescue “from the coming wrath” (1 Thessalonians 1:10) and the “blessed hope” of Christ’s appearing (Titus 2:13) motivate expectation rather than fear. • Motivation for Godly Living – Knowing the severity of judgment spurs holiness (2 Peter 3:11-14) and urgency in evangelism (Jude 22-23). • Assurance of God’s Justice – Evil will not perpetually triumph; the Great Tribulation leads directly to Christ’s righteous reign (Revelation 20:1-6). Practical Responses • Stay Rooted in Scripture – Regularly read prophetic passages (Matthew 24-25; Daniel 7-12; 1 & 2 Thessalonians; Revelation) to shape expectations. • Cultivate Watchful Readiness – Live as those who could meet the Lord at any moment (1 Thessalonians 5:4-6). • Strengthen Fellowship – Encourage one another with the promise of the Lord’s return (1 Thessalonians 4:18; Hebrews 10:25). • Advance the Gospel – Share Christ faithfully; the window for repentance remains open until He comes (2 Peter 3:9). • Rest in God’s Sovereignty – Whatever turbulence precedes that final crisis, God holds history and His people securely (Psalm 46:1-2; Romans 8:38-39). |
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