21. The people in Judea at that time should run away to the mountains. The people in Jerusalem must leave quickly. If you are near the city, don’t go in!
22. The prophets wrote many things about the time when God will punish his people. The time I am talking about is when all these things must happen.
23. During that time it will be hard for women who are pregnant or have small babies, because very bad times will come to this land. God will be angry with these people.
24. Some of the people will be killed by soldiers. Others will be made prisoners and taken to all the different countries. The holy city of Jerusalem will be under the control of foreigners until their time is completed.
25. “Amazing things will happen to the sun, moon, and stars. And people all over the earth will be upset and confused by the noise of the sea and its crashing waves.
26. They will be afraid and worried about what will happen to the world. Everything in the sky will be changed.
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 up tall and don’t be afraid. Know that it is almost time for God to free you!”
29. Then Jesus told this story: “Look at all the trees. The fig tree is a good example.
30. When it turns green, you know that summer is very near.
31. In the same way, when you see all these things happening, you will know that God’s kingdom is very near.
32. “I assure you that all these things will happen while some of the people of this time are still living.
33. The whole world, earth and sky, will be destroyed, but my words will last forever.
34. “Be careful not to spend your time having parties and getting drunk or worrying about this life. If you do that, you won’t be able to think straight, and the end might come when you are not ready.