Have you given much thought to what Jesus predicted? All my life, I’ve heard about end times. When I googled “the end of all things,” I saw all kinds of entries –
- A book title.
- Definition of “the end of all things.”
- A song.
- Movie.
- Cartoons.
- Videos.
- Even the Lord of the Ring – When Sam helps Frodo on a journey of hardship to destroy a ring of evil power in Mount Doom.
But none of these give any definitive help in exploring what life will look like in end times. So, let’s look at what Jesus predicted.
End Times
I’ve heard so many variations about end times. I’m sure you have, too. I suppose first of all, one needs to grapple with – will there even be an end to things? Whatever your opinion on this, it’s a worthy concept to 
spend some time on. But not too much time. Afterall, some people become obsessed with this topic, while others ignore it completely.
Scientific, medical, and culture developments suggest we are progressively moving forward through time. But so far, I’ve not seen or heard credible explanation for end times from those sources. Nevertheless, I’ve heard some pretty weird ideas from less than dependable sources. Additionally, I’ve heard more ideas from churches and religious organizations – some plausible and others not.
With all this tug-and-pull on the topic, I’ve decided my “go-to” resource will always be the Scriptures. Incidentally, I’ve never run across a Scripture that’s not credible. Remarkably, myriads of Jesus followers through centuries of time have also found God’s Word entirely dependable!
What Jesus Predicted
Regarding credibility, Jesus profoundly said. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.” (Mt. 24:35; Mk.13:31; Lk. 21:33)
Notice two substantial points from that short verse:
- There will be some kind of “end.”
- God’s words will never end.
Dependable Predictions
Jesus predicted about end times from Mt. 24:3-8, 10-14, 24-25.
“As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately. ‘Tell us . . . what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?’
Jesus answered: ‘Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, claiming, “I am the Messiah,” and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains . . .
. . . At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come . . .
. . . false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you ahead of time.”
Notice Jesus’ undeniable emphasis: It’s going to happen. “The end will come.” “See, I have told you ahead of time.”
Unpack This Text About End Times
Even though this is not a Scripture Dissection exercise, let’s ask “What Does It Say” about this passage:
The topic comes up because Jesus’ disciples are curious about end times. They ask Jesus questions privately.- Jesus conversationally engages their curiosity. God wants us to interact with Him – about everything. These disciples take that seriously. Do you?
- Jesus’ answers give these disciples what they need in order to live well as they wait for end times.
- Here are things Jesus said would happen –
- Don’t be deceived. Lots of lies and false claims will circulate.
- There will be wars and rumors of wars.
- Nation will rise against nation.
- There will be famines and earthquakes.
- Many will turn from faith.
- There will be hatred and betrayals.
- Love of life will grow cold.
- False claimers will appear.
How Terrible!
Well, that all sounds terrible! Coincidentally, does any of that sound familiar in the world today? Interestingly, early Christians thought the same during their lifetimes several centuries ago.
So, how should we think about this? And where is dependable hope? Any helpful directives?
Thankfully, Jesus gives hope and directives:
- Don’t be alarmed when you see these events. Such things will happen before the end comes. (Strong hint: there will be an end.)
- Anyone who stands firm in God’s ways will be saved in end times. (Strong hint: there is hope.)
- Jesus declares His message of hope must be shared throughout the world. Then the end will come. (Strong hint: will you partner with Him to tell others about this hopeful message?)
- Jesus cares enough to tell His disciples ahead of time what will happen. (Strong hint: “I’m giving you the heads up so you won’t lose hope. Hang in there. I know how this story ends. And I’ve not forgotten you. My loving eye is on you. Plus, I’m going to prepare a fabulous eternal place for you. Then I’ll come and get you to be with Me forever. You’ll never have to think about end times again.)
So, let’s think about this. Jesus gives enough information to function in faith all our lives – in any century. But He doesn’t bog down with details. As He’s in the habit of doing, He trusts all details to His Father. In fact, He continues to trust God with the timing He will return in end times. Apparently, He simply doesn’t know when that will be. Listen to this! “But about that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father .“ (Mt. 24:36; Mk. 13:32).
That’s amazing! We should follow His example!
Jesus Predicted Sufferings
One thing Jesus predicts is suffering. Not God’s fault. Not God’s plan. Remarkably, however, He steps in 
to soften the blow, to take the sting away, to pay the price, and to offer hope for the future. He is the “fall guy” for humanity’s failures. And He rises in every scenario as Victor. Then, He shares that position with those who trust and obey Him.
Jesus doesn’t want people to suffer. He spent His earthly life serving, healing, encouraging, blessing, raising dead people, feeding hungry folks, welcoming outcasts, and so much more.
Suffering is difficult, terrible, and often extremely unfair as it can severely shapes your life and future. As you endure, it seems trivial to say suffering will fade into something lovely someday. When you literally groan inwardly as you suffer, what you need is help and real hope – not theology or philosophy.
Everyone suffers.
- People all over the globe suffer – some in unspeakable ways. Families torn apart. People living in unacceptable conditions. Some are tortured.
- People everywhere suffer individually: aging, disease, crime, shattered stability, discouragement.
- Families, organizations, governments, and nations suffer divisions and deceptions.
- All creation suffers as it’s subjected to disorder, disrepair, decay, and death.
Not God’s Plan
Incidentally, it was never meant to be this way. This is not God’s plan or design. His plan and design is help, to provide refuge, provision, comfort. And peace!
Do you see creation groaning under the stress and strain?
- Storms lash and destroy.
- Flood waters drown and damage.
- Fires snuff out life and lick up resources.
- Earth loses its foothold, crushing and devastating.
- Living things die. Other life plunders and kills.
- Animals search for food even as humans eek out a living.
- Diseases and death.
Yes, we all groan. Surely, this was not the original, glorious plan!
Where Is Jesus In Sufferings?
Jesus, Himself, suffered side by side with people in this difficult life. With no sin in His heart, He took up infirmities, burdens, sufferings, and sins to carry them to the cross – pulling it all away from you. Man of Sorrows.
Jesus also brings hope. Since He knows how things end, He is also Man of Joy.
Through Christ, everything is fulfilled. Completed. A perfect life is now available again through Him: Joy. Hope. Heaven.
1 Thess. 4:16 says, “For the Lord, Himself, will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.”
Jesus Predicted Heaven
We don’t often talk about Heaven, but we should. Heaven helps people keep perspective. Plus, it’s something to look forward to, especially in suffering and difficulties. Heaven nurtures hope.
Phil. 3:20 says, “. . . our citizenship is in Heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ . . .”
Application Thoughts And Questions
- Jesus will help you get through your current situation. Do you trust Him?
- Your application is to believe Him. No matter what. Are you doing that?
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