21
Then those of you in Judea should flee to the mountains. Those of you in Jerusalem should leave it. Those of you in the fields shouldn't go back into them.
22
This will be a time of vengeance. Everything that is written about it will come true.
23
"How horrible it will be for women who are pregnant or who are nursing babies in those days. Indeed, the land will suffer very hard times, and its people will be punished.
24
Swords will cut them down, and they will be carried off into all nations as prisoners. Nations will trample Jerusalem until the times allowed for the nations [to do this] are over.
25
"Miraculous signs will occur in the sun, moon, and stars. The nations of the earth will be deeply troubled and confused because of the roaring and tossing of the sea.
26
People will faint as they fearfully wait for what will happen to the world. Indeed, the powers of the universe will be shaken.
27
"Then people will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28
"When these things begin to happen, stand with confidence! The time when you will be set free is near."
29
Then Jesus used this story as an illustration. "Look at the fig tree or any other tree.
30
As soon as leaves grow on them, you know without being told that summer is near.
31
In the same way, when you see these things happen, you know that the kingdom of God is near.