Discourse (5 mins.) lmd appendix A point 18. Title: Jesus predicted the events we see today (th lesson 7).
Whether we open a newspaper, check the news online, or simply talk to our neighbors, there is one feeling that seems to be repeated everywhere: uncertainty.
Many wonder: Has the world always been this turbulent, or are we living in a truly exceptional time? Interestingly, some two thousand years ago, Jesus' disciples asked him a very similar question.
LET'S READ MATTHEW 24:3
“While he was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately and asked, ‘Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system?’”
Jesus did not answer by giving a date. Instead, he described a composite sign, made up of several events that would occur simultaneously. Thanks to this sign, people would be able to recognize the period in which they would live.
Let us look at part of that description in Matthew 24:7, 8: “For nation will fight against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in one place after another. 8All these are the beginning of great sufferings.”
The parallel account in Luke 21 adds further details. There, Jesus also mentions great earthquakes, famines, epidemics, and other horrifying scenes. Now, someone might rightly say, "But wars, earthquakes, and famines have always existed." And that is true.
The key lies in the expression Jesus used: "the beginning of anguish and pain." In the original language, this expression refers to labor pains. Let's think about this example for a moment. Labor pains don't consist of a single contraction. They begin, then become more frequent, more intense, and occur one after another until birth.
Similarly, Jesus was not talking about a single isolated event, but about a series of events that would occur simultaneously and with increasing intensity.
Isn't that exactly what we see today? Let's consider three aspects of that prophecy.
First, global conflicts. Today, war no longer affects only the place where it occurs. Its consequences impact the economy, trade, migration, and stability of many countries. In addition to military conflicts, there are trade wars, cyber wars, and other international tensions that affect millions of people.
Second, food crises. It is astonishing that, despite humanity possessing the most advanced agricultural technology in history, millions of people continue to suffer from hunger. In many cases, this is not due to a lack of food, but rather to conflict, poverty, and the unequal distribution of resources.
And third, epidemics and health problems. Despite enormous advances in medicine, we have seen how infectious diseases can spread rapidly and disrupt the lives of entire countries in a very short time.
When we put all this evidence together, it becomes difficult not to recognize that the picture described by Jesus coincides remarkably with the world in which we live.
However, Jesus did not give this prophecy to instill fear. On the contrary, he included a very hopeful aspect.
LET'S READ MATTHEW 24:14
“And the good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.”
This part of the prophecy is also being fulfilled before our very eyes. In virtually every country and in thousands of languages, including indigenous languages and sign languages, millions of people are hearing the hopeful message of the Kingdom of God.
This fulfillment shows that Jehovah continues to direct events and is giving people the opportunity to learn about his purpose.
So, when we analyze the full picture, we arrive at a very clear conclusion: Jesus didn't exaggerate reality or make ambiguous predictions. He accurately described the times in which we live. Therefore, by observing current events, we can be certain that Jesus' words are being fulfilled.
Now, this knowledge leads us to a personal question: What impact will this certainty have on my life and on the lives of my family?
May the fulfillment of these prophecies strengthen our trust in Jehovah, motivate us to continue paying attention to Jesus' words, and impel us to continue proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom with the assurance that God's promises are always fulfilled.
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