BEFORE THE DESTRUCTION, CHRIST FIRST SHOWS THE WAY OF ESCAPE

Luke 21:20-24 (ESV)
“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near.
Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written.
Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress upon the land and wrath against this people.
They will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.”

Although the city of Jerusalem rejected Christ—even to the point of His crucifixion—He did not cease to warn them of the impending calamities. More than just warning, He provided a way to escape. This reveals the profound love of Christ: He desires not the destruction of the people but their salvation.

Christ foresaw that Jerusalem would be surrounded by Roman armies, ultimately leading to its destruction by fire. Those inside the city would suffer terribly: some killed, some taken captive, others dispersed among nations (Luke 21:20-24).

Luke 19:41-44 (ESV)
“And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, ‘Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.
For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade against you and surround you and hem you in on every side.
They will dash you to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.’”

Even with this grim prediction, Christ did not leave them without guidance. He instructed that when the armies surrounded Jerusalem, it would be the signal for the inhabitants to flee:

Those in the mountains (remote places) should take refuge there.

Those in the city should seek safety outside the city.

Those in fields or business ventures should leave their possessions behind and escape.

This prophecy came true roughly 33 years after Christ’s ascension. To illustrate the brevity of time, imagine if Christ had prophesied today (2020) that armies would appear in Tanzania, and the warning had been given in 1987. Those who heeded the warning would have prepared in advance.

Those who listened and obeyed Christ’s words escaped the siege of Jerusalem in 66–70 AD. They abandoned their homes, fields, and businesses, understanding that spiritual life was more precious than earthly possessions. Conversely, those who dismissed Christ’s warning stayed in the city, trusting that Rome would eventually leave. In 70 AD, Jerusalem faced its historic destruction: the inhabitants were slaughtered, survivors enslaved or scattered, and the Second Temple utterly destroyed (Matthew 24:1-2; Luke 21:20-24).

Why did Jesus give this warning?
Christ’s caution serves as a type and example of the ultimate Great Tribulation. Some assume that every Christian must experience the Great Tribulation. Scripture, however, indicates two groups in the Church:

The obedient, faithful believers: Those who live in alignment with Christ’s Word are granted escape through what is known as the Rapture.

The negligent or indifferent: Those who live carelessly, prioritizing earthly comforts over spiritual vigilance, will face tribulation without escape.

Mark 13:32-37 (ESV)
“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.
It is like a man going on a journey, leaving his house and giving authority to his servants, each with his work, and commanding the doorkeeper to stay awake.
Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning—lest he come suddenly and find you asleep.
And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”

The day of the Rapture remains unknown, yet signs of the times have been revealed: global unrest, wars, natural disasters, and pandemics like COVID-19. These events signal that the “harvest” period—the time for God’s people to be gathered—is near.

Beloved, do not be caught unprepared. Consider: if the saints are taken in the Rapture while you remain unprepared, you will face the Great Tribulation on Earth. Mere outward religiosity—wearing certain clothes, makeup, or performing rituals—cannot save a soul. True salvation requires confession, repentance, and alignment with Christ.

This is not a time to cling to worldly things, for the age is ending. It is a time to treasure the words of Jesus as recorded in the Holy Scriptures.

Revelation 1:3 (ESV)
“Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.”

May the Lord bless you and guide you to remain vigilant and faithful.

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