Matthew 24:8 refers to the “beginning of sorrows” or “birth pains” that will occur before Jesus’ second coming and the end times. This verse comes within Jesus’ Olivet Discourse, where He describes events that will happen before and during the tribulation period.
The “sorrows” or “birth pains” referred to in Matthew 24:8 point to a period of escalating trouble and hardship on earth before Christ’s return. Just as labor pains increase in frequency and intensity leading up to the birth of a child, these sorrows will increase as we near the end times and second coming of Christ.
Wars and Rumors of Wars
One of the first birth pains Jesus mentions is wars and rumors of wars (Matthew 24:6). History is full of wars, but the 20th century experienced a dramatic rise in the scale and devastation of war. The development of thermonuclear weapons means we now have the capacity to wipe out all life on earth. Additionally, Jesus said we would hear of wars and rumors of wars, indicating a rise in conflicts around the globe. Modern telecommunications allows us to instantly hear news from anywhere in the world.
Famines
Along with wars, Jesus said there would be famines in various places (Matthew 24:7). Despite technological advances in agriculture, famines continue in some parts of the world. Often these are exacerbated by political corruption and instability. Climate change may also contribute to more frequent crop failures and food shortages in the future.
Earthquakes
Jesus said earthquakes would increase in frequency and intensity (Matthew 24:7). Several massive earthquakes have occurred in the last century, such as the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and 2011 Tōhoku earthquake in Japan. Seismologists say we are experiencing an increase in the number of large earthquakes worldwide. More people also live in earthquake prone areas, meaning quakes affect more individuals.
Persecution
Increased persecution of Christians is another sign Jesus gave (Matthew 24:9). The 20th century saw dramatic persecution, with more Christian martyrs than in all previous centuries combined according to some estimates. Today, over 200 million Christians face persecution for their faith.
False Prophets
Along with persecution, the appearance of false prophets is a warning sign (Matthew 24:11). There are many cult leaders today who claim divine revelation and mislead people from the truth of the Bible. Their false teaching gains wide influence thanks to mass media.
Lawlessness
The increase of wickedness and lawlessness is evidence we are in the end times (Matthew 24:12). Violent crime, sexual immorality, loss of life, abuse, and all manner of evil exist in our world. Our culture calls evil good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20). This rising rebellion and wickedness against God’s laws indicates we are nearing the end of the age.
Love Growing Cold
Along with increased lawlessness, Jesus said “the love of many will grow cold” (Matthew 24:12). Our relationships with each other will deteriorate at the end of the age. We see this in the breakdown of families, rise in isolation and loneliness, and lack of care for the disadvantaged. Self-centeredness and a lack of natural human affection become more prevalent before Christ’s return.
Gospel Preached Worldwide
In the midst of increasing wickedness and turmoil, the gospel will be preached throughout the world before the end comes (Matthew 24:14). For the first time in history this is possible via satellite TV and the internet. Missionaries have reached every nation on earth to spread the saving message of Christ.
Antichrist Establishes Covenant with Israel
The end times ruler known as the Antichrist will make a peace covenant with the nation of Israel for 7 years (Daniel 9:27). This signals the start of the 7 year tribulation. Israel becoming a nation again in 1948 makes this possible for the first time in two millennia. The push for peace in the Middle East ultimately lays the groundwork for the Antichrist’s deceitful covenant.
Third Temple Built
At the beginning of the tribulation, the Antichrist will put a stop to temple sacrifices and set up the abomination that causes desolation in the temple (Daniel 9:27, Matthew 24:15). For this to occur, the Jewish temple will need to be rebuilt. While a third temple does not exist yet, preparation efforts are underway by Temple Mount organizations.
Instant Worldwide Communications
Another end times sign is the ability for events and news to be broadcast instantly worldwide through modern technology (Revelation 11:9). When the two witnesses are killed in Jerusalem, the world will see their dead bodies in the street. This could only occur with satellite TV and internet access. The gospel is also spread worldwide via tech advances.
Increase in Travel and Knowledge
Rapid advances in transportation and knowledge characterize the end times (Daniel 12:4). The 20th century saw exponential growth in travel, allowing globalization through frequent international trips. The Information Age also means an explosion in knowledge. All indications are that rates of travel and knowledge acquisition will continue to accelerate.
Signs in the Heavens
Strange astronomical happenings are described in Revelation 12:1-2, referencing a great sign in the sky involving a woman (symbolizing Israel). While the specific nature of this sign is debated, it could correspond to an astronomical alignment or celestial event conductor during the end times.
Climate Disasters and Fears
Jesus described strange, turbulent weather occurring around the globe in the last days (Luke 21:25-26). We do appear to be experiencing an increase in earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires. Climate change predictions also warn of food shortages and rising sea levels in the future.
Global Instant Communication
The Book of Revelation describes people from all tribes, nations, and languages able to see the dead bodies of the two witnesses (Revelation 11:9). This points to global news coverage and international access to events through smart phones and internet connectivity.
Rise of Globalism and One-World System
The Antichrist will ultimately rule a global government and unified religion (Revelation 13:7-8). Precursors such as the United Nations, international treaties, trade deals, and calls for global solutions indicate the groundwork being set for this one-world system. Rapid international travel and communications also facilitate global integration.
Focus on Israel
God’s prophetic time clock focuses on Israel and Jerusalem (Luke 21:24). End times prophecy revolves around Israel regathered in her land. The Anti-Christian kingdom centers around Jerusalem and the temple mount. As the world increasingly focuses on the Middle East, God’s prophetic plan converges on Israel.
Increased Natural Disasters
Jesus referenced an increase in earthquakes as a sign before His return (Matthew 24:7). There does appear to be a rise in major earthquakes worldwide according to data from the U.S Geological Survey. Deadly storms are also increasing, especially floods, hurricanes and tornadoes. Wildfires blaze more frequently and intensely as well.
Denial of God as Creator
Romans 1:18-32 outlines how the world rejects the Creator to follow idols and false philosophies. Evolution is pushed in schools, eliminating God as designer. Secularism and humanism pervade culture, marginalizing God’s influence. Pantheism also elevates nature above the Creator. This denial of an all-powerful God aligns with end times deception.
Moral Decay
The Bible warned that immorality would characterize society in the end times (2 Timothy 3:1-5). Sexual immorality, gluttony, lawlessness, disrespect for parents and authority, ungratefulness, unholiness, unlovingness, slander, addictions, brutality, and lack of self-control all describe end time generations. These aspects already characterize society today.
Focus on pleasure and wealth
Lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God are a sign of the end times (2 Timothy 3:4). With increasing wealth and prosperity, many fixate on entertainment, sports, leisure, and accumulating possessions. Hedonism and materialism consume culture rather than pursuits that glorify God.
Occult Practices
Those who oppose God will embrace occult practices and beliefs (1 Timothy 4:1). The New Age movement, witchcraft, Satanism, channeling, mysticism, and fortune telling popularize the occult. Even children’s entertainment contains occult elements. This surge of interest in the dark spiritual realm corresponds with prophetic warnings.
Perplexity and anxiety
As the end approaches, people suffer from stress, anxiety, and perplexity over life’s problems (Luke 21:25-26). Confusion, emotional upheaval, depression, loneliness, violence, and suicide are pervasive in society. This mental anguish corresponds with the trauma of the end times.
Religious apostasy
The Bible prophesies a great falling away from the Christian faith during the end times (2 Thessalonians 2:3). Mainstream churches increasingly abandon sound doctrine and moral teaching to accommodate cultural trends. False teachers and doctrines proliferate.
Increase in technology
Rapid advances in technology foreseen in the Bible characterize the end times (Daniel 12:4). The Information Age has exponentially increased knowledge as well as reliance on technology for work, entertainment, communications, medical care, and more. Biblical prophecies anticipate this surge in tech innovation.
Israel reestablished as a country
The reemergence of Israel as a nation in 1948 is a major end time sign (Ezekiel 37). End time prophecy focuses on Israel and the Middle East. For prophecy about Israel’s future to be fulfilled, the nation needs to exist. Israel being reestablished sets the stage for coming prophetic fulfillment.
Increased persecution of believers
Increased Christian persecution is prophesied before Jesus’ return (Matthew 24:9). Today an estimated 200 million believers face persecution for their faith, more than any other time in history. Christians are imprisoned, tortured, and killed by governments and religious groups, especially in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
One world economy and currency
A global financial and governmental system paves the way for the Antichrist to exert economic control (Revelation 13:16-17). Technologies now exist to monitor all buying and selling. Calls for centralized banking and digital currencies foreshadow moves toward a cashless society and unified economic system.
Focus on Jerusalem
End time prophecy focuses on Israel and Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:1-3). Jerusalem is described as a cup of trembling involving conflict over its control. The Temple Mount and efforts to rebuild the Jewish temple also feature prominently in the end times scenario centered around Jerusalem.
Rise of globalism
Global interconnectedness sets the stage for an Antichrist one world government (Revelation 13:7-8). Organizations like the UN, WTO, WHO, World Bank, and EU strengthen international cooperation. Treaties unify policies on issues like climate change and world trade. A trend toward globalism exists that enables global authoritarian rule.
Denial of a global flood
Scoffers will deny a global flood occurred (2 Peter 3:3-6). Evolution pushes billions of years of gradual geologic change, making a worldwide flood seem absurd. However, evidence such as sedimentary rock layers spanning continents, fossils of sea creatures on mountains, and rapid burial and preservation of fossils are best explained by Noah’s Flood.
Return to pre-flood wickedness
Mankind’s wickedness will multiply before Christ’s return as it did before the flood (Matthew 24:37-39). Society increasingly exhibits violence, immorality, pleasure seeking, idolatry, rebellion, sorcery, and lack of care for others – all characteristics of Noah’s day. This surge in evil indicates the end is near.
Scoffers and mockers
Peter prophesied that scoffers would mock Christ’s return (2 Peter 3:3-4). Today there is an epidemic of Bible criticism in media, education, entertainment and culture. Scripture is ridiculed as myth, religious bigotry, and harmful superstition. This disdain and skepticism toward God’s Word aligns with end times contempt for truth.
Exaltation of Man’s Word over God’s Word
Humanism elevates mankind and man’s reasoning over God and His Word (Romans 1:21-25). This exaltation of human wisdom, philosophies, ideologies, and reasoning sits in judgment of God. It aligns with end times deception and apostasy that exalts personal experience, emotion, or culture over biblical authority.
Increase in False Messiahs
Jesus said false messiahs would appear claiming to be Christ (Matthew 24:5). Today numerous cult leaders, dictators, politicians, and others claim to be the Messiah or His representative. They mislead many, along with philosophical and religious systems that also deny Jesus as the Son of God and only Messiah.
Chaotic Weather and Natural Disasters
Jesus foretold of famines, pestilences, and earthquakes (Matthew 24:7). Dramatic weather changes support these prophecies. Reports indicate an increase in violent storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, wildfires, droughts, heat waves, earthquakes, and tsunamis. This corresponds with record changes in climates and ecosystems.
Interest in Ancient Alien Theory
Deception and signs in the sky will precede Christ’s return (Matthew 24:27; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). Interest in the ancient alien theory surges, positing that extraterrestrial beings visited earth in the past, made contact with humans, and gave rise to ancient technologies and religions. This supports end times deception.
Exponential Growth of Knowledge/Information
Daniel 12 notes people will travel and knowledge will increase exponentially before Christ’s return. The past century has seen this happen through the Industrial Revolution, transportation revolution, and Information Age. All indications are this explosive trend will continue until the rapture.
Gospel Preached Globally
Despite growing persecution, Jesus promised the gospel would be preached to all nations before He returns (Matthew 24:14). Advances in technology, travel, and evangelistic efforts allow missionaries to reach remote people groups around the world. The message of salvation in Christ is now accessible globally.
Bible Prophecy Timeline Converging
Prophetic events described in the Old and New Testament are coming together in ways not seen prior in history. Prophetic fulfillment related to Israel’s rebirth as a nation, technological advances, and societal conditions necessary for end times fulfillment continue to unfold.
In summary, Matthew 24:8 refers to escalating end times signs Jesus predicted. These involve an increase in sorrows and troubles globally. A partial list includes wars, earthquakes, famines, persecution, false messiahs, lawlessness, apostasy, and the gospel being shared worldwide. As these events escalate in frequency and intensity, it indicates we are approaching Jesus Christ’s second coming.
