14 “But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, 16 and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. 17 And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! 18 Pray that it may not happen in winter. 19 For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. 20 And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. 21 And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. 22 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. 23 But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.
Jesus Christ closes this section with "be on guard." He started an earlier section with this same phrase. We should always be on guard, because temptation is all around. Jesus gives us two strong illustrations. The Abomination of Desolation and the False Christs and False Prophets are warnings to those who may be lead astray.
The Abomination of desolation harkens back to Daniel chapter 12. The Prophet talks about the Abomination of the Sacrifice. The Abomination of Desolation has been understood differently by different readers. But it should stand as a warning of the coming destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. Jesus says that a person will be able to flee, thus it does not sound like the final Judgment, but let the reader understand.
Jesus continues to talk about days that are unlike any other days in History. God will bring Judgment upon his people for their sins. God will shorten his time of Judgment so that some people will be saved. During this time people will be lead or pulled in many different directions. These people are false prophets or false Christs.
God has shortened the time of suffering so that people might endure. God has provided people with true prophets and a true Christ. This true Christ has died for your sins. This true Jesus has saved you from your sins. Be on your guard concerning all these things and all those things that might lead you away from the Christ. Jesus has warned you that these things will come.
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