19
In those days there will be great suffering such as the world has never before seen and will never again see.
20
If the Lord hadn't shortened that time, no one would be rescued. But for the sake of the chosen ones, the ones whom God chose, he has cut short the time.
21
“Then if someone says to you, ‘Look, here's the Christ,' or ‘There he is,' don't believe it.
22
False christs and false prophets will appear, and they will offer signs and wonders in order to deceive, if possible, those whom God has chosen.
23
But you, watch out! I've told you everything ahead of time.
24
“In those days, after the suffering of that time, the sun will become dark, and the moon won't give its light.
25
The stars will fall from the sky, and the planets and other heavenly bodies will be shaken.
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Then they will see the Human One coming in the clouds with great power and splendor.
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Then he will send the angels and gather together his chosen people from the four corners of the earth, from the end of the earth to the end of heaven.
A lesson from the fig tree
28“Learn this parable from the fig tree. After its branch becomes tender and it sprouts new leaves, you know that summer is near.
29
In the same way, when you see these things happening, you know that he's near, at the door.