What is the "abomination of desolation" that Jesus mentions?

The phrase "abomination of desolation" points back to what Daniel wrote about a terrible, desolating event tied to God’s house. In this passage it is a clear warning sign that judgment on Jerusalem and its temple is near. Many have seen this as the arrival of foreign armies and their idols in the holy place, or as something that ruins right worship and teaching there. Jesus’ main point is that when His followers see this sign, they should understand that destruction is close and act at once.

Why did Jesus tell those in Judea to flee to the mountains?

Jesus told those in Judea to flee to the mountains because terrible days were coming when Jerusalem would be surrounded and laid waste. The safest response would not be to run into the city but to escape away from it. His words about not going back for belongings show how sudden and dangerous this time would be. Those on housetops or in the fields were to leave everything behind. This warning was a mercy, giving His followers a way of escape when judgment fell on the city.

What does it mean that there will be "great tribulation" unlike any other?

When Jesus speaks of "great tribulation" that has never been before and never will be again, He is describing a time of suffering and distress that is beyond what people would normally expect. In the first sense it points to the horror of Jerusalem’s fall after long years of trouble in the land. This judgment came because of hardened unbelief. At the same time His words reach beyond that event and hint at the kind of deep distress that will mark the last days before His return.

Why does Jesus say the days will be shortened for the elect's sake?

Jesus says that if those days were not shortened, no flesh would be saved, meaning the destruction would sweep everyone away. But God will limit how long the worst of the trouble lasts for the sake of His elect, His chosen people. This shows that even in judgment God is not careless or harsh. He remembers His own, keeps a remnant, and rules over events so that their faith is not wiped out. Their rescue rests on His mercy and choice, not on their own strength.

Who are the "false Christs" and "false prophets" in this passage?

The "false Christs" and "false prophets" are people who claim to speak for God or even claim to be the Messiah, but they are not. Jesus warns that they will do impressive signs and wonders that look very convincing. Their goal is to lead people away from the true Christ, especially in troubled times when people are desperate for help. He tells His followers not to believe anyone who says, "Here is Christ" or "There" in some secret way, because His real coming will be clear and open to all.

How could false signs and wonders almost deceive the elect?

Jesus says these false Christs and prophets will show great signs and wonders, so strong that, if it were possible, they would deceive even the elect. This shows how persuasive and attractive these lies will be. But the words "if it were possible" hint that God will keep His chosen people from finally being led away. They may be troubled or confused for a time, but He guards their faith. The warning still matters, though, because it calls believers to stay awake and test what they see by His words.

Why does Jesus mention pregnant women and nursing mothers in these troubles?

Jesus says, "Woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days," because such women would have a much harder time fleeing quickly. Their condition is not sinful, but it would slow them down and add deep sorrow and fear in a time when speed and endurance were needed. By mentioning them, Jesus shows that He is not cold about human suffering. He sees how different people will be affected and speaks with pity for those who will be in the hardest situations.

Why does Jesus tell His followers to pray their flight is not in winter or on the Sabbath?

Jesus tells them to pray that their escape will not be in winter or on the Sabbath because both would make fleeing much harder. Winter would bring cold, bad roads, and fewer supplies. The Sabbath, as it was kept then, restricted travel and daily work, which could hinder quick movement and cause inner conflict for those trying to obey. By teaching them to pray this way, He encourages them to depend on God’s timing and kindness, even while they themselves must be ready to act.

How should believers today respond to Jesus’ warning about deception?

This passage shows that hard times and spiritual deception often go together. Followers of Jesus should not run after every new claim about Christ or be swayed by impressive signs alone. Instead, they should stay close to what Jesus has already said, remember that His true return will be open and unmistakable, and watch their own hearts. Being ready means both knowing His words and trusting that God will keep His people, while still taking His warnings about false teaching very seriously.

Why is this passage sometimes hard to understand?

These verses are difficult because they seem to speak about both the fall of Jerusalem and the final troubles before Jesus returns. Some readers see the "abomination of desolation" mainly as the Roman armies and the end of the temple. Others think it also points to a future attack on God’s worship. The language about tribulation reaches beyond one event. It helps to see that Jesus can speak about near and far things at once, using the first judgment on Jerusalem as a pattern of what will happen at the end.

Matt.24.15

Matthew 24:15

KJV Jesus

When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)

The Abomination of Desolation

When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)

Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:

Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:

Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.

And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!

But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:

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

And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.

Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Behold, I have told you before.

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.