In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 24, verse 6, Jesus speaks a powerful warning to His followers about the times to come: “And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” These words, spoken nearly 2,000 years ago, have profound implications for how we understand the current state of the world, the prophetic timeline, and the ultimate return of Christ.
Many preachers and commentators today suggest that the world is nearing its end, especially in light of global conflicts, economic instability, and increasing social unrest. Some even go as far as to say that the current war between Russia and Ukraine could be a precursor to World War III, signaling that the rapture is imminent. Others, reflecting on the devastations of the past, argue that the horrific experiences of World Wars I and II may have been signals of Christ’s return. Yet, as we consider the words of Jesus in Matthew 24, we must be reminded that these events, while alarming and significant, do not signal the final culmination of history. Jesus specifically tells His disciples that “the end is not yet.” Instead, He refers to these wars and rumors of wars as the beginning of sorrows, a stage in the prophetic unfolding that will only increase in intensity as we approach the climax of God’s divine plan.
In this article, we will explore what Jesus meant by “wars and rumors of wars,” why He called them the “beginning of sorrows,” and how this understanding shapes our expectations for the future.
The Context of Matthew 24:6
Matthew 24 is part of the Olivet Discourse, where Jesus, responding to His disciples’ questions about the signs of the end of the age and His second coming, offers prophetic insights into the future. The chapter begins with Jesus leaving the temple in Jerusalem, where His disciples point out the grandeur of the building. However, Jesus responds with a startling prophecy: “There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down” (Matthew 24:2). This remark foreshadows the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, a pivotal event in the history of Israel.
The disciples then asked Jesus for signs to know when these things would happen and what the world’s end would look like. In response, Jesus provides a series of warnings and signs, including deception, wars, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, and persecution. Among these signs, He specifically mentions wars and rumors of wars, urging His followers not to be alarmed.
Jesus’ warning in Matthew 24:6 reminds us that these events are not the end itself but part of a more extensive, ongoing process leading up to His second coming. “The end is not yet,” He says. These conflicts, while troubling, are the initial stages—what Jesus calls the beginning of sorrows.
The “Beginning of Sorrows”
The phrase “the beginning of sorrows” is a key point to understand when interpreting this passage. The Greek word translated as “sorrows” (ὠδῖν, odin) refers to the birth pains of a woman in labor. Jesus compares the signs of the end times—wars, famines, pestilences, and natural disasters—to the pain of childbirth, which increases in intensity and frequency as the time of delivery approaches.
This metaphor indicates that while the events Jesus describes are distressing, they are only the initial pains that eventually lead to the greater fulfillment of the prophecy. Just as labor pains grow more substantial and more frequent before a child is born, so too will the intensity of wars, natural disasters, and human suffering increase as we move closer to the final events of history. These signs are not to be ignored or underestimated but must be understood as part of a larger, unfolding plan that culminates in Christ’s return and the establishment of His Kingdom.
The world’s current conflicts, including the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, may be part of this “beginning of sorrows.” However, these events, though significant, are not the final battle. They are precursors to the greater tribulations that will come, including the appearance of the Antichrist, the signing of the seven-year covenant with Israel, and the eventual final conflict at the Battle of Armageddon.
Wars and Rumors of Wars: A Prophetic Sign
Jesus’ words about wars and rumors of wars are crucial to understanding the context of our times. Throughout history, humanity has been plagued by conflicts—small and large, local and global. From the ancient wars of the Old Testament to the international conflicts of the 20th century, war has been a constant reality for humanity.
Some preachers have pointed to these wars as signs that the end is near. For instance, during World Wars I and II, many believed that the rapture was about to happen, thinking these global wars were the final conflicts leading up to Christ’s return. Yet, history has shown that while these wars were horrific, they did not mark the end of time. Jesus’ warning reminds us that wars are part of the broader picture and are not the ultimate sign that the world is ending.
Today, many people look at the Russia-Ukraine war as a potential harbinger of global conflict, even speculating that it could lead to World War III. Some have used this crisis to predict that the rapture could happen soon. However, in his sermon on Matthew 24, Evangelist Peter Gee reminds us that Jesus specifically said, “The end is not yet.” The Ukraine conflict, while devastating and heartbreaking, is still part of the beginning of sorrows—not the end.
Wars, rumors of wars, and international tensions will continue to rise in the lead-up to the final events of the tribulation period. However, they should not cause us to panic or assume the end has arrived. Instead, we are called to remain watchful and discerning, trusting that God’s plan is unfolding according to His perfect timing.
The Antichrist and the Seven-Year Covenant
One of the most significant events in the end-times timeline is the emergence of the Antichrist, who will rise to power and sign a seven-year covenant with Israel. This covenant, as described in Daniel 9:27 and further elaborated in Revelation, will begin a period of tribulation that will culminate in Christ’s return.
In his sermon, Evangelist Peter Gee emphasized that while wars and rumors of wars are alarming, they are not the end. Instead, they are leading up to the more critical events, such as the Antichrist’s rise to power and the eventual Great Tribulation. These seven years will be marked by intense suffering and persecution, particularly for the faithful believers in Christ. It is only after this period that the final judgment and the return of Jesus Christ will occur.
Living with Expectancy and Discernment
So, what should our response be to the increasing wars, rumors of wars, and signs of the times? Jesus tells us not to be troubled or overly anxious, for these events are part of God’s prophetic timeline. Instead, we are called to live with expectancy—knowing that while we live in a fallen world filled with conflict and suffering, our redemption draws near.
As Evangelist Gee points out in his podcast, these events remind believers to remain vigilant, discern the times, and place their hope in the ultimate return of Christ. Wars and natural disasters are not the end, but they are signs that God’s plan is unfolding, and they should prompt us to look to Christ with hope and readiness, knowing that the climax of history will come with His glorious return.
Conclusion: The End is Not Yet, But the Beginning of Sorrows
In conclusion, Jesus’ warning in Matthew 24:6 about wars and rumors of wars reminds us that the end is not yet. These events, though distressing, are part of the beginning of sorrows, a process that will intensify as we approach the final fulfillment of God’s plan. Wars, conflicts, and disasters will continue to rise in frequency and intensity, but these are not the ultimate signs of the end—they are merely precursors to the ultimate fulfillment of prophecy.
As believers, we are called to live in expectation of Christ’s return, discerning the times and understanding that these wars and rumors of wars are only part of a much larger story. Ultimately, our hope is not in avoiding hardship but in the assurance that Christ will return to end suffering, establish His Kingdom, and restore peace forever.
Therefore, let us stay alert, remain faithful, and trust in God’s perfect timing, knowing that the end is not yet, but the day of redemption is drawing near.
Jesus Warned of Wars and Rumors of Wars, But The End is Not Yet: It’s the Beginning of Sorrows