Biblical Signs of the End Times: Understanding Jesus’ Teachings in Luke 21

The Warning Against Spiritual Deception

We continue our daily reflections on the signs that precede the Second Coming of Christ, as outlined in Luke 21 and Matthew 24. The first sign Jesus describes is a time of spiritual deception, which many believe we are currently experiencing. The second warning involves individuals claiming to be the Messiah or Christ. We must be cautious not to be deceived by this figure, who will promise many worldly benefits to lure people into destruction. Jesus pointed out that this is just an early sign, alongside wars and upheavals.

Nation Against Nation: Wars and Global Upheaval

⁹And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.” ¹⁰Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom (Luke 21:9-10).

Deception, false leaders, wars, and revolutions act as early warning signs. Jesus warned that nations would rise against each other and kingdoms against kingdoms (v. 10). The First World War resulted in 31,508,200 deaths, while the Second World War caused 52,199,262 fatalities. These two wars alone claimed the lives of over eighty-three million people in the Twentieth Century, not counting numerous other conflicts among nations. More recently, leaders have developed more effective methods of population control, and the global population now stands at 8 billion.

Famines and Pestilences: More Than Just Natural Disasters

Revelation 6:5-8 shows that many will die at the opening of the third seal due to famines and plagues. This writer believes that we are not yet (March 2026) at the first seal, let alone the third. The Gospel writer Luke also mentions famines and pestilences:

There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places, along with fearful sights and great signs from heaven (Luke 21:11).

Evil men can easily create and manipulate famines and pestilences to spread fear and control people. During such times, frightening events and remarkable signs from heaven will occur. Luke also mentions pestilences, with the Greek word "loymos" meaning a deadly epidemic. The author believes that the events of 2020-21 were allowed by God to awaken us, focus our attention, and direct our hearts toward higher, divine realities instead of earthly concerns.

The Analogy of Birth Pains: Why Frequency Matters

Jesus shared additional signs meant to wake us from spiritual sleep. He said the signs of the times resemble the beginning of a mother's labor contractions.

⁷“Nation 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” (Matthew 24:7-8).

What do you think the Lord means by using the analogy of a woman in labor? (v. 8) When a pregnant woman begins to experience labor, the pain isn't intense, and the contractions happen several minutes apart. As she gets closer to giving birth, the contractions become more frequent, and the pain increases significantly. By using this analogy, Jesus suggests that as the world nears the end of the age, wars, revolutions, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes will become more frequent and severe. Just as a woman's contractions grow more painful, so too will the levels of pain, anguish, sickness, and death. Matthew also records Jesus saying:

If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened (Matthew 24:22).

Finding Peace in the Midst of Tribulation

The time of distress or tribulation will be cut short by the appearance of our Lord Jesus. He will come for the elect, those who belong to Him. What does all this mean for you and me? It is time to ensure that we have a relationship with Christ so that when He comes, our hearts will be attuned to His. We are living in incredible days, and believers in Christ need not be afraid. We should look forward to the time when the Lord returns. Confidence and peace belong to all believers in Christ, and they understand that Jesus alone holds all world events and our lives in His hands.

The birth pains analogy reminds us that we aren't in control of the "delivery date" of the new Kingdom. Practice surrendering your anxiety about the future to the Lord. Look at the news through the lens of Scripture, not the other way around. If the news causes panic, "sift" it through Luke 21:9: "Do not be terrified." Ask yourself: Am I reacting with fear or with faith? Remind yourself of Luke 21:28: "When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." Keith Thomas

Continue Your Journey…

To keep up with our daily meditations on the Second Coming of Christ, consider bookmarking the link below for all our free 3-minute Bible meditations in English:

https://www.groupbiblestudy.com/devotionals

Also, there are 23 studies in the Book of Revelation and 10 in The End Times. 

YouTube video teachings at: https://www.youtube.com/@keiththomas7/videos