Posted June 19, 2026, by Timothy

Jesus’ Teaching on the “Beginning of Sorrows”

In Matthew 24:8, Jesus said, “All these are the beginning of sorrows” (KJV), often translated as “the beginning of birth pains” in modern versions. This phrase appears in the context of His Olivet Discourse, where He warned His disciples about events that would precede His second coming and the end of the age.

What Jesus Meant

Jesus was describing a period of escalating trouble and distress that would mark the start of a greater tribulation. The “sorrows” or “birth pains” are not the final stage but the early signs of worsening conditions leading up to the climax of history. Just as labor pains increase before childbirth, these events would intensify as the world moves closer to Christ’s return.

The Events He Listed

In Matthew 24:6–7, Jesus named several signs:

• Wars and rumors of wars — conflicts between nations and kingdoms.
• Famines and pestilences — widespread hunger and disease.
• Earthquakes — natural disasters that would become more frequent and severe.

These were part of a broader picture that also included:

• False messiahs and prophets deceiving many (Matthew 24:5, 11).
• Persecution of believers — increasing hatred and martyrdom for those following Jesus (Matthew 24:9).
• Lawlessness and lovelessness — moral decline and increased wickedness (Matthew 24:12).

Significance

Jesus’ point was that these events were not the end but the beginning of a greater period of suffering and judgment. They served as warnings to remain faithful, discerning truth, and preparing for the final events, including the great tribulation and Christ’s return (Matthew 24:21–30).

In short, Jesus taught that the “beginning of sorrows” is a prophetic signal — a series of escalating trials and disturbances — that the world is moving toward its final days, and that believers should respond with steadfast faith and readiness.