16
If you're living in Judea at the time, run for the hills;
17
if you're working in the yard, don't return to the house to get anything;
18
if you're out in the field, don't go back and get your coat.
19
Pregnant and nursing mothers will have it especially hard.
20
Hope and pray this won't happen during the winter or on a Sabbath.
21
"This is going to be trouble on a scale beyond what the world has ever seen, or will see again.
22
If these days of trouble were left to run their course, nobody would make it. But on account of God's chosen people, the trouble will be cut short.
23
"If anyone tries to flag you down, calling out, 'Here's the Messiah!' or points, 'There he is!' don't fall for it.
24
Fake Messiahs and lying preachers are going to pop up everywhere. Their impressive credentials and dazzling performances will pull the wool over the eyes of even those who ought to know better.
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But I've given you fair warning.
26
"So if they say, 'Run to the country and see him arrive!' or, 'Quick, get downtown, see him come!' don't give them the time of day.