Making Sense of Jesus’ Warnings About Troubled Times
The phrase “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom” comes from Jesus’ words in the Bible, especially in Matthew 24:7. If you read it today, it sounds eerily familiar—wars, unrest, natural disasters. But Jesus said these things weren’t just random troubles; they were signs that bigger changes were coming, often called the “beginning of sorrows” or “birth pains.”
What Does the Bible Say?
· Matthew 24:7: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.”
· Luke 21:10-11: “Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.”
· Revelation 6:4: The vision of a red horse, whose rider was given power to “take peace from the earth,” leading people to turn on each other and bringing a time of violence.
What Does It Mean?
· A Prophetic Warning: Many Christians see these phrases as warnings that tough times—wars, disasters, disease—are signs of the end times. Not just local conflicts, but worldwide upheaval.
· “Birth Pains” or The Beginning of Sorrows: Just like labor pains before a birth, these troubling events are seen as the start of something greater, not the end in itself.
· The Context: Jesus didn’t say these things to scare people, but to prepare them. He wanted his followers to know that hard times were coming, but also to encourage them to stay calm and not jump to conclusions; these troubles don’t mean the world’s end is happening immediately.
Why Did Jesus Say This?
When Jesus’ disciples asked about the future, He didn’t give them a date for the end of the world. Instead, He described signs to watch for—wars, disasters, and false teachers—so they’d be ready, not worried. His message was to stay alert, trust in God, and keep doing good, even when life gets tough.
Jesus also pointed out that these prophecies weren’t just for His disciples in their time: they reached ahead to the destruction of Jerusalem, the spread of Christianity, and even to the final judgment. Most importantly, He said that the gospel (the good news) would be shared everywhere before the end comes.
How Should We Respond?
· Be Cautious: Jesus warned about false teachers—people who might lead others astray during troubled times.
· Stay Calm: Even when the world seems out of control, we’re encouraged not to live in fear, but to trust in God’s bigger plan.
· Pray and Prepare: In tough times, prayer is always our anchor. Jesus told His followers to pray especially when life feels uncertain.
· Find Comfort: God promises that those who remain faithful will make it through. Even if things get rough, these troubles are temporary compared to the hope that’s ahead.
Final Thoughts
So, when you hear “Nation will rise against nation,” it’s more than just a prediction of conflict—it’s a reminder to keep our hearts steady, to look for the bigger picture, and to hold on to faith. These warnings aren’t meant to create panic, but to help us prepare and find peace, even when the world around us gets stormy.
Minister A Francine Green
February 2026
afrancinegreen.com 