Wars and Rumors of Wars

The recent events surrounding President Trump and Iran undoubtedly led to religious excitement among some. Similar excitement has centered around North Korea, Russia, etc. Whenever a single missile is launched, there are always some Christians who hurriedly declare, “The end is near!” They point to Matthew 24, “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass…” (24:6). They believe what they have witnessed provides a warning that the second coming of Christ is very close at hand. Several predicted “judgment days” have uneventfully come and gone. 

Various denominational doctrines come from a misunderstanding of this chapter. The popular song “Jesus is Coming Soon” also gets it wrong. “Soon” is true in a sense, but the second verse of the song reads, “…When these signs come to pass, nearing the end at last...” Wars and rumors of wars are not a sign for the second coming. 

First, I would challenge you to find a time in recent history when there have not been wars and rumors of wars! Even when our country has relative peace, there are conflicts going on in other parts of the world. 

Second, and more importantly, the first half of Matthew 24 is not describing the second coming of Christ. Rather, it provides signs for the coming destruction of Jerusalem by Rome in A.D. 70. Notice that the conversation of Matthew 24 is prompted by Jesus expressing sadness over Jerusalem (23:37-39) and His specific statement about the temple being destroyed (24:1-2). 

Christ’s disciples asked multiple questions (24:3). The question, “when will these things be?” relates to “not one stone shall be left here upon another” (24:2). The question, “what will be the sign of your coming?” has an entirely different answer. Jesus answers their first question (24:3-35), and then later answers the second (24:36-51). 

Several key elements help us understand this distinction. Fleeing to the mountains (24:16) makes sense only if we are talking about an invading Roman army. Likewise, conditions in winter and caring for young children would make travel more difficult (24:19-20). Notice in this first section Jesus says, “this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place” (24:34). 

The second section begins with, “But of that day and hour no one knows…” (24:36). There will be no signs provided to warn us about the second coming (24:38-39). Christ’s return is compared to the coming of a thief, unannounced and unexpected (24:43; 1 Thess 5:2; 2 Pet 3:10). It is our duty to be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour we do not expect (24:44).