The Olivet Discourse (Part 3)

Simeon Western

The Olivet Discourse Part 3

In our last article, we looked at an overview of Mark 13:1-7 with the disciples’ questions (Vs. 1-4) as well as a description of the present age (Vs. 5-7). We now come to verses 8-13 which describe “the beginning of sorrows” (the first 3 ½ years of the tribulation period). The word ‘sorrows’ comes from the Greek word ‘odin’ (wdin) which means “the pain of childbirth, travail pain, birth pangs” (Strongs). The same Greek word is translated ‘travail’ in 1 Thessalonians 5:3 “For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.” The author has had the privilege of seeing 6 precious children born and the pattern of childbirth is similar every time. The contractions start of light and not too painful to begin with, then gradually build in intensity as labour continues. The most intense contractions are right towards the end just before the baby is born. The birthing language Christ uses in the Olivet Discourse paints a picture of the tribulation period increasing in intensity as the 7 years progress. The first half will be like nothing the world has ever seen (the seal and trumpet judgments) but the second half will be on another whole level of severity again (the bowel judgments). There is a sense where the tribulation birth pangs anticipate something wonderful at the end. And we know what that is – the second coming of Christ! For this article, let’s consider the four nasty birth pangs of the first half of the tribulation described in these verses:

1. Large Scale Warfare – “For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom” (Vs. 8a) Evidently these are wars on a much larger scale than the “wars and rumours of wars” mentioned in the previous verse that are to be expected in this present age (Vs. 7). To date, mankind has witnessed some terrible wars and atrocities but these will seem like a drop in the bucket compared to the horrific wars and bloodshed that will characterize the first half of the tribulation. The red horse of Revelation 6:4 with its rider carrying a “great sword” graphically portrays this future time of bloodshed. Today the stage is being set for these last day conflicts with so many nations now bristling with super weapons that have the potential to wipe out millions in just a short space of time. Take China for an example which is rising as a major super power at an alarming speed with automated factories operated by robots that produce bullets and other armaments none stop, 24 hours a day.

2. Natural disasters – “and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines…” (Vs. 8b) The verse mentions both earthquakes and famines. There have been more than 10,000 strong quakes with magnitudes of 6 or greater on the Richter Scale around the world in the last 100 years. Earthquakes also appear to be on the increase. Before a woman goes into actual labour, she often experiences what are called “Braxton Hicks contractions.” These are not true labour contractions but are pre-labour tightenings that anticipate the actual birth contractions that are to soon come. In a similar way, the earthquakes of today are not the actual labour pains of the tribulation but they anticipate the travail that is soon to come upon this earth in the tribulation period. The earthquakes of the tribulation will be like nothing the world has ever seen. One such earthquake is described in Revelation 6:12-17 with the opening of the sixth seal. This earthquake is so severe every mountain and island are moved out of their places!
3. Famines are the inevitable outcome of warfare and natural disasters. Even in our day, around 9 million people die of hunger each year and there are now concerns that figure will double due to the COVID-19 pandemic.¹ Approximately 3.1 million children die from undernutrition each year.² While these are heart breaking statistics, the tribulation period will be much worse as pictured in the black horse with the opening of the 3^rd seal (Rev. 6:5-6).
4. Civil Unrest – “and troubles” (Vs. 8c). The word ‘troubles’ means “disturbance, commotion; metaphorically a tumult, sedition” (Strongs). There will be terrible uprisings, riots and civil unrest in the last days. Even today we see the world moving gearing up for this with the widespread anarchy and rebellion erupting across the world with rioting by extreme groups like BLM and ANTIFA in the USA.
5. Persecutions (Vs. 9-13). While these verses have application to the persecution against Christians generally, they look forward to the persecutions of the seven-year tribulation period specifically. Remember! These are tribulation saints, not church age saints. Church age saints will be raptured before the tribulation begins (1 Thess. 5:9; Rev. 3:10). Consider three truths revealed about this intense period of persecution.

Note firstly, the source of the persecutions (Vs. 9, 12-13). The persecution comes from governmental authorities both ecclesiastical (“councils…synagogues”) and civil (“rulers and kings”). At this point we note again the law of double reference. This warning was pertinent for the Apostles who would go on to suffer persecution and martyrdom (except John) for the cause of Christ (e.g., Acts 5:40-41). Also, we know that the persecution of Christians has been a hallmark of history from then to the present time. However, within the context of this passage these verses also look forward to the future tribulation period and the persecution of the tribulation saints.

These persecutions also come from close family. Siblings will betray siblings; parents will betray children and children will betray parents (Vs. 12). Finally, the persecutions will come from people generally. Jesus said “ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake” (Vs. 13). Christ put his finger on the heart reason behind all this vicious persecution. It will be for his “name’s sake”. The hatred directed against the tribulation saints will be on account of their attachment to Jesus Christ. Revelation 6:9 says, “And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:” The hatred of Christ and His followers in the tribulation period will be much worse than anything we have seen in history to date. And no wonder; the Antichrist will rule the world and Satan will have more control of the globe than he has ever had. The wretched depravity of the human heart and the diabolical character of the devil will be on full display with the spewing forth of violent persecution against those who choose Jesus Christ rather than the Antichrist.

Consider secondly, the sharing amidst persecutions (Vs. 10). Despite these vicious persecutions, the Gospel of the kingdom (Matt. 24:14) will be published throughout the world during the first half of the tribulation period by the 144,000 Jewish Evangelists (Revelation 7) and the two witnesses (Rev. 11:3). What a window into the loving heart of God. In every dispensation, sinful men are given an opportunity to repent and receive God’s forgiveness. “It is part of God’s eschatological purpose that before the End all nations shall have an opportunity to accept the Gospel.” (Hiebert) We should pause here to note that Postmillennialists erroneously interpret this verse to mean that the world wide preaching of the Gospel and the Christianisation of the world in our time will usher in the return of Christ and the kingdom. This is a misinterpretation of the passage which looks forward to the future dispensation of the tribulation period and not the present church age. Bible commentator Thomas L. Constable wisely observes, “This verse is not a promise, that if disciples will preach the gospel to all nations in a particular generation, God will then begin the kingdom—as postmillennialists teach. Man cannot bring in the kingdom by the universal preaching of the gospel. God will bring it in at His appointed time. This is not a promise that everyone will become a believer in Jesus, either.”

Observe thirdly, the succour in the persecutions (Vs. 11, 13b). Believers of that future dispensation will be provided special wisdom from the Holy Spirit when they stand trial (Vs. 11). There is also a promise that those who endure to the end will be saved. Within the context of the tribulation period, it means that those who survive to the end of that period will have their lives spared. We know from the sheep and goat trial that some tribulation saints will survive the tribulation period and go on to populate the kingdom (Refer Matt. 25:31-46).

As we consider the Bible’s description of the coming tribulation our hearts should be stirred to reach souls for Christ while we still have opportunity. Time is running out and our message to the lost is clear. Repent and receive Christ or face the horrors of the tribulation!