In Matthew chapter 24, Jesus gave several signs that would be apparent during the time when he had returned and was present again. His disciples asked him (verse 3), "Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?" Notice that they mentioned two events and linked them together: 1) Jesus’ presence, and 2) the conclusion of the system of things.

Jesus responded by describing several signs, but he also gave some warnings. I suggest that you read the entire chapter to understand the context of what Jesus said before we examine individual verses and components.

The question that Jesus answered was twofold, so the signs that he gave were to first identify his presence, then identify the period when the end of the political and social system on which human society was based would come. It is interesting that the very first sign Jesus gives is a warning (verse 4). He tells us to be careful because many people will claim to represent him. Therefore we should check carefully that what we are being told accurately reflects what is in the bible. Remember the Beroeans, who were praised because they, "Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they accepted the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so." (Acts 17:11.)

He then said that wars would be common but not to be concerned. However, there would then come a distinctly different kind of war when whole nations and kingdoms would be warring against each other (verse 7). Is this familiar to you? In living memory we have had two such wars, so distinct that they are named World War I and World War II. Both required that their entire nation and economy be devoted to the war, not just their armies, and it resulted in massive global slaughter and disruption. This was notably different from previous wars and gave rise to the term "total war" to describe the complete involvement of all aspects of the economies of the nations involved in

such wars. These wars were a clear fulfillment of Jesus’ words. Then, after these wars, there would be food shortages and earthquakes in various places around the world, and these would be just the beginning of the problems for humanity. They would get worse as time went on.

In verse 9 he goes on to give other warnings, this time concerning people. He begins by warning his followers that they would be the target of persecution, sometimes being killed because they followed him. As a consequence some people would turn away from him and become betrayers and haters. This can be clearly seen on the internet, especially on social media where attacks on Jehovah’s Witnesses are very common and are invariably full of false claims, distortions, half truths, misrepresentations and outright fabrications.

He goes on to tell us that the result of such things and the nature of societies around the world would cause many people to turn away from Jehovah and Christ Jesus. At the same time, people who claim to know God and Christ would deceive others and turn them away from the truth found in the Bible. Jesus warns that we must resist this if we want to gain Jehovah’s favor.

In verse 14, Jesus foretells that there would be a major preaching work throughout the world that would spread the message that Jehovah’s Kingdom is good news for mankind. This would be so thorough that all societies and nations of the earth would hear about it. That work has been done! Jehovah’s Witnesses proclaim this message throughout the world, sometimes under great hardship and at personal risk, so that anyone who wants to do so can learn more about Jehovah’s purposes for the earth and mankind and then benefit from it.

Clearly, we are now living during the time period that Jesus described.

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