Do Christians go through the tribulation? A Biblical Guide
Short answer: In Matthew 24:21-22, Jesus speaks of an unprecedented period of great suffering that will occur before the end. He emphasizes that if these days were not shortened, no one would be saved. However, because of God's mercy and the need to preserve His chosen people, those days will be cut short. This passage underscores both the severity of future trials and the divine protection extended to believers.
Jesus Warns About Great Suffering
In Matthew 24:21-22, Jesus warns His disciples about a time of immense suffering that will come upon the world. He says, "For then there will be great suffering, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever will be." This declaration indicates an unprecedented level of hardship and despair unlike anything previously experienced in human history. Such suffering is not only physical but also spiritual, affecting both individuals and societies. Jesus' words are part of a larger discourse on eschatology, where He outlines signs that precede the end of the age.
The context surrounding this passage begins with Jesus leaving the temple after His disciples show Him its grandeur (Matthew 24:1). In response to their awe at the temple's beauty, He predicts its complete destruction. This sets the stage for a broader discussion about the signs that will precede the end of the age and His return. The disciples ask specifically about the timing of these events and Jesus' coming, prompting Him to address them in detail (Matthew 24:3). In this context, the warning about great suffering serves as part of the sequence of trials that must occur before the final days.
The mention of 'great suffering' is not an isolated statement but fits into a pattern of increasing tribulation. Earlier in the passage, Jesus speaks of wars, rumors of war, and other disturbances (Matthew 24:6-7), which are described as the beginning of birth pains. This language suggests that the trials increase in intensity over time, leading to the severe suffering He describes here. The focus is not only on the nature of these sufferings but also on their timing, Jesus makes it clear that they will occur before His return and the establishment of His kingdom.
This warning from Jesus is significant because it highlights both the severity of future trials and God's intervention to shorten those days for the sake of His chosen ones. The passage does not provide a specific timeline or date for these events but instead emphasizes their inevitability as part of the divine plan. This context reinforces that suffering, while intense, will be limited by God's mercy in order to preserve those who are faithful.
The Severity of Future Trials
Jesus describes a time of great suffering with such intensity that it has not occurred since the beginning of the world. This level of distress is unparalleled, indicating an unprecedented scale of hardship and chaos. Such suffering may include physical persecution, spiritual trials, economic collapse, or even natural disasters on a catastrophic level. The language used by Jesus suggests that this period will be so severe that it would be impossible for any human being to endure without divine intervention.
The reference to 'great suffering' is not merely metaphorical but implies real and tangible hardship. In the context of Matthew 24, which includes warnings about wars, famine, and persecution (Matthew 24:6-9), this statement fits into a pattern of increasing trials that lead up to Jesus' return. The severity described here seems to be the climax of these tribulations before the final events leading to His coming. It is important to note that while Jesus speaks about suffering in general terms, He does not specify whether it will occur during one particular event or across multiple phases.
This passage stands out because it emphasizes an intensity and scope of suffering that goes beyond what has been seen historically. The comparison with 'the beginning of the world' suggests a level of devastation so profound that even the most catastrophic events in human history would be minor by contrast. This serves to emphasize both the gravity of these trials and the necessity for believers to remain faithful through them. It is not just about enduring pain but also about maintaining spiritual integrity during times of extreme difficulty.
Jesus' warning about great suffering underscores the reality that hardship will come as part of God's plan, even if it seems overwhelming at first glance. However, He does not leave His disciples in despair, for this passage immediately follows with a note of divine mercy, those days will be shortened. This indicates that while suffering is inevitable, its duration and impact are under the control of God. The emphasis here is on both the severity of the trials and the assurance that they will not last indefinitely.
Divine Mercy in Shortening Suffering
Jesus explains that if these days had not been shortened, no one would have been saved. This statement highlights a divine intervention that limits the duration of suffering for God's chosen people. The term 'chosen ones' refers to those who remain faithful and endure through these trials, pointing to an ultimate purpose in preserving them. The implication is that without this shortening, the full weight of tribulation would have destroyed all humanity, leaving no one alive to witness or participate in the final events leading up to Jesus' return.
This divine mercy is not a contradiction to the suffering described earlier but rather a continuation of it. Jesus has already warned about wars and persecution (Matthew 24:6-9), which are part of the 'birth pains' that precede His coming. The shortening of these days can be seen as an extension of this same divine plan, where God intervenes to protect those who remain faithful while allowing suffering to continue for a limited time. This mercy is not arbitrary but serves a greater purpose in preserving those who are called by God.
The reference to 'the chosen ones' brings into focus the idea that God has a specific group of people He intends to preserve through these trials. This does not imply that others will be left behind without hope, but rather that those who remain faithful and endure will ultimately see the fulfillment of God's promises. The mercy described here is thus not just about reducing suffering for its own sake but about ensuring that His chosen people are present at the time of Jesus' return.
This divine intervention also reflects a broader theme in Scripture where God provides protection and deliverance to those who remain faithful even during times of great trial. In passages like Psalm 27:5, which says, 'In the hiding place of the Most High I will dwell; I shall be safe from the storm around me,' we see similar themes of divine preservation. The shortening of suffering in Matthew 24:22 can therefore be understood as part of a larger pattern where God intervenes to protect those who remain faithful, even when the world seems on the brink of destruction.
Jesus' Emphasis on Divine Timing
In Matthew 24:21-22, Jesus emphasizes that no one can predict or control the timing of these great sufferings. He does not provide a specific date or event when this will occur but instead points to an inevitable sequence of events leading up to His return. This aligns with other parts of the passage where Jesus speaks about signs and warnings (Matthew 24:3-5), indicating that the tribulations will come as part of a larger divine plan rather than randomly occurring throughout history.
Jesus' warning is not only about suffering but also about the unpredictability of when it will happen. He tells His disciples, 'But no one knows of that day and hour, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only' (Matthew 24:36). This underscores a key theological principle, that the timing of Jesus' return is known only to God. The suffering described in Matthew 24:21-22 will occur at a time unknown to humans and must be endured with faith in God's sovereignty.
Despite this unpredictability, Jesus does not leave His disciples without guidance or reassurance. He provides them with signs that indicate the approach of these trials (Matthew 24:5-7), which serve as spiritual markers for believers to watch for. These signs are part of a larger pattern of increasing tribulation and persecution before His return, reinforcing the idea that suffering will come in waves leading up to the final events.
The emphasis on divine timing in Matthew 24:21-22 is crucial because it reminds believers not to focus solely on the suffering itself but also on God's control over when such trials occur. This aligns with other teachings where Jesus encourages vigilance and readiness for His return (Matthew 24:36-51). While the exact timing remains unknown, the assurance that God is in control provides comfort and encouragement to those who remain faithful.
The Role of Faithfulness Amid Suffering
In Matthew 24:21-22, Jesus' warning about great suffering is not meant to instill fear but rather to highlight the importance of faithfulness in the face of trials. He emphasizes that if these days had been prolonged, no one would have survived, but because God intervenes, those who are chosen will be preserved. This underscores a central theme: that faith and endurance are essential for believers during times of tribulation.
The passage also draws attention to the need for vigilance and spiritual readiness, as seen in other parts of Matthew 24 where Jesus encourages His disciples to remain alert (Matthew 24:36-51). This connects with broader teachings about perseverance and faithfulness throughout Scripture. For example, in Hebrews 10:35-36, believers are encouraged not to lose heart but to endure because their reward is great. Similarly, in James 1:2-4, suffering is described as a means of producing endurance, which ultimately leads to spiritual maturity.
The mention of 'the chosen ones' reinforces the idea that God has a specific group He intends to preserve through these trials. This does not imply that others will be left behind without hope but rather that those who remain faithful and endure will witness the fulfillment of divine promises. The emphasis on faithfulness is clear in passages like 1 Peter 5:6-7, where believers are called to 'humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God' so that He may lift them up at the right time.
Jesus' teaching here aligns with other parts of Scripture that emphasize perseverance and trust in God during difficult times. In Matthew 24:13, He says, 'But he who endures to the end will be saved,' reinforcing the importance of endurance as a key factor in being preserved through tribulation. This theme is echoed throughout the Bible, where faithfulness is often portrayed as the defining characteristic of those who are ultimately rewarded by God.
Hope and Divine Protection
In Matthew 24:21-22, Jesus' warning about great suffering does not end in despair but instead points to divine protection for His chosen people. This theme of hope is central to the passage and reflects a broader biblical pattern where God intervenes to preserve those who remain faithful even during times of immense trial. The assurance that 'those days will be shortened' (Matthew 24:22) brings comfort to believers, emphasizing that suffering, while severe, will not last forever.
This divine protection is not only about physical survival but also about spiritual preservation. Jesus' words suggest that the chosen ones are those who endure through these trials and remain faithful in their commitment to Him. This aligns with other parts of Scripture where faithfulness is emphasized as a key factor in being preserved by God (e.g., 1 Peter 5:6-7, James 1:2-4). The promise that suffering will be shortened reinforces the idea that believers are not left without hope or divine assistance during times of great difficulty.
The passage also highlights the importance of maintaining spiritual integrity in the face of hardship. Jesus' warning about false prophets and deceptive signs (Matthew 24:4-5, 23-24) suggests that faithfulness is essential for recognizing true guidance from God amid deception. This reinforces the idea that divine protection extends beyond physical survival to include spiritual discernment and endurance.
Ultimately, this passage brings a message of hope in the midst of suffering. Jesus' words about shortening the days serve as an assurance that God's mercy and intervention are active even during times of great tribulation. For believers, this offers encouragement to remain faithful, knowing that their perseverance will be rewarded with divine protection and ultimately with His return.
For more on this passage, see Matthew 24 Bible Study.
For more on this passage, see Matthew 23 Bible Study.
For more on this passage, see Matthew 25 Bible Study.
For more on this passage, see Matthew 26 Bible Study.
Biblical fidelity check
The passage in Matthew 24:21-22 must be read carefully because it deals with highly sensitive theological themes involving suffering, divine intervention, and the timing of Jesus' return. One interpretive risk is misreading the severity of suffering as a literal prediction for future events or taking it as an absolute guarantee that all trials will end quickly. However, what remains central is the emphasis on God's sovereignty and mercy in shortening those days for His chosen ones. This does not mean that suffering itself is absent from Scripture but rather that its duration and impact are under divine control. Another potential misinterpretation could be viewing the 'chosen ones' as a specific group set apart for special treatment, which misses the broader context of spiritual endurance emphasized throughout Matthew 24. The central truth remains that God's plan includes both tribulation and mercy, with suffering ultimately serving a greater purpose in preserving faithfulness among His people.
Frequently asked questions
What does Jesus mean by 'great suffering' in Matthew 24:21-22?
In Matthew 24:21-22, Jesus refers to a time of unprecedented suffering that will occur before the end. He emphasizes that this level of hardship has not been seen since the beginning of the world and will never be again. This is part of a larger context where Jesus outlines signs and tribulations that precede His return. The passage suggests intense physical, spiritual, and societal trials but also highlights divine mercy in shortening these days for God's chosen people.
Why does Jesus say 'those days will be shortened'?
Jesus states that the days of great suffering will be shortened to ensure that His chosen ones are preserved. This indicates a divine intervention where God limits the duration of these trials for the sake of those who remain faithful. The shortening is not arbitrary but serves a purpose in protecting believers and allowing them to endure until Jesus' return.
What does this passage teach about faithfulness?
Matthew 24:21-22 emphasizes the importance of endurance and faithfulness during times of suffering. Jesus encourages His disciples to remain steadfast, knowing that God's mercy will shorten these trials for those who are faithful. The passage reinforces that perseverance through tribulation is essential for being saved and ultimately seeing the fulfillment of divine promises.
