Luke 21:23 – “How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jesus continues His prophecy about the coming destruction of Jerusalem, describing how devastating and tragic the events will be, especially for vulnerable groups like pregnant women and nursing mothers. His mention of these groups highlights the severity of the suffering, as they would face extreme difficulty fleeing or surviving in such a harsh environment.
The phrase “great distress in the land and wrath against this people” refers to the intense suffering and judgment that would fall on Jerusalem due to the people’s rejection of God’s warnings, including their rejection of Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus is not speaking with cruelty or indifference but with deep sorrow and compassion for those who will endure this tragedy. His words reflect both the reality of God’s righteous judgment and the pain that comes with it.
Historical Context
The prophecy Jesus gave in this verse was fulfilled in A.D. 70 when the Roman army, led by General Titus, besieged and destroyed Jerusalem. The siege was brutal and devastating, as described by the Jewish historian Josephus. Food supplies were cut off, leading to widespread starvation and desperation. Many people, including women and children, were caught in the chaos, and the suffering was immense.
Josephus’ records mention women and children dying of hunger and others being slaughtered when the Romans finally entered the city. Pregnant women and nursing mothers, unable to flee quickly or endure the harsh conditions, suffered terribly during the siege. Jesus’ warning was not only prophetic but tragically accurate in its description of how vulnerable people would be during this time of judgment.
For the early Christians who heeded Jesus’ warning to flee the city when they saw the signs (Luke 21:20-21), many were able to escape the worst of the destruction. However, for those who remained, the events were as dreadful as Jesus predicted.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the reality of God’s judgment and the consequences of rejecting His warnings. Throughout the Old Testament, God warned His people that disobedience and rebellion would lead to judgment, but He also consistently offered opportunities for repentance. The destruction of Jerusalem is a fulfillment of those warnings, showing that while God is patient and merciful, His justice cannot be ignored forever.
Another important theological point is that sin and rebellion have widespread consequences. The suffering in Jerusalem didn’t just affect those directly responsible for rejecting God—it impacted the entire population, including vulnerable groups like women and children. This reflects the biblical principle that sin often brings collateral damage, affecting not only the sinner but also those around them.
However, even in the midst of judgment, God’s mercy is still present. The early Christians who listened to Jesus’ warning and fled the city were spared. This shows that God’s purpose in giving warnings is not to destroy but to save those who are willing to listen and obey.
Literary Analysis
This verse uses vivid and emotional language to convey the gravity of the situation. The mention of pregnant women and nursing mothers evokes a sense of compassion and highlights the helplessness of those who would be caught in the disaster. The phrase “great distress” underscores the scale of the suffering, while “wrath against this people” emphasizes that the judgment is not random but is a response to sin and rebellion.
Luke’s writing often balances warnings of judgment with messages of hope and deliverance. In this passage, the warning is serious, but it is also paired with instructions for escape (Luke 21:21). The literary structure reflects the dual themes of judgment and salvation, showing that while judgment is inevitable for some, others can find safety by trusting and obeying God’s guidance.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Deuteronomy 28:53-57 – Moses warned that disobedience would lead to severe suffering during sieges, including the suffering of women and children.
- Lamentations 2:19-20 – A description of the suffering of children and mothers during the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, which foreshadows the suffering in A.D. 70.
- Matthew 24:19 – A parallel passage where Jesus warns that the days of judgment will be especially hard for pregnant women and nursing mothers.
- Ezekiel 5:10 – A prophecy of judgment on Jerusalem, describing extreme suffering during a siege.
- Luke 23:28-29 – Jesus, on His way to the cross, tells the women of Jerusalem to weep for themselves and their children because of the suffering that is coming.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the importance of listening to God’s warnings. Just as Jesus warned the people of His time about the coming destruction of Jerusalem, the Bible contains warnings about the final judgment that will come upon the whole world. Believers are called to be spiritually prepared and to help others understand the need for repentance and salvation through Christ.
This verse also highlights the compassion of Jesus. Even as He speaks about judgment, His concern for the suffering of others is evident. Christians are called to have the same compassionate heart, caring for the vulnerable and seeking to help those who are spiritually or physically in need.
Additionally, this verse is a call to trust God’s guidance, even when it involves difficult decisions. The Christians who fled Jerusalem did so because they trusted Jesus’ warning, even though it may have seemed risky or inconvenient at the time. Similarly, believers today are called to follow God’s leading, trusting that His instructions are for their ultimate good.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in His warnings. He doesn’t bring judgment without first giving people the opportunity to repent and escape. Jesus’ prophecy was a loving warning meant to protect those who would listen. His specific mention of pregnant women and nursing mothers shows His deep concern for the most vulnerable members of society.
God’s love is also seen in His provision of a way of escape. The early Christians who trusted Jesus’ words and fled the city experienced God’s protection. This reflects God’s character as a loving Father who desires to save His people from harm.
Even in the midst of judgment, God’s ultimate goal is redemption and restoration. His love is shown in His patience, as He waits for people to turn to Him, and in His mercy, as He provides a way of salvation through Jesus Christ.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is central to this verse because He is both the prophet who warns of the coming judgment and the Savior who offers a way of escape. His warning to flee Jerusalem foreshadows His larger mission of saving people from the ultimate judgment that comes from sin. Just as the early Christians found physical safety by trusting His words, all people can find spiritual safety by trusting in Him for salvation.
In John 14:6, Jesus declares, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” He is the path to safety, not just from physical danger but from eternal separation from God. His death and resurrection made it possible for believers to escape the wrath of God and receive eternal life.
Additionally, Jesus’ compassion for the suffering in this verse reflects His role as the Good Shepherd who cares for His sheep (John 10:11). He doesn’t just warn of danger—He actively leads His people to safety and protects them from harm.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse help you understand the seriousness of rejecting God’s warnings?
- In what ways can you show compassion to those who are vulnerable or suffering, as Jesus did?
- How can you trust God’s guidance in your life, even when it requires difficult decisions or actions?
- What does this verse teach you about God’s justice and His mercy?
- How can you help others recognize the need to respond to God’s warnings and find salvation in Jesus?
This verse reminds believers of the importance of listening to God’s warnings and trusting in His guidance. It also calls them to reflect Christ’s compassion by caring for those in need and sharing the hope of salvation with others. God’s love, justice, and mercy are all evident in this passage, pointing to the ultimate safety and refuge found in Jesus Christ.