What does Matthew 24:20 mean?
When the sign predicted by Daniel (Matthew 24:15) finally happens, those in Jerusalem should run for their lives (Matthew 24:16–19). He has spoken urgently, saying that those on their rooftops should not go back into their homes for supplies and those in the fields should not go back for their cloaks. They should simply run—just get away. Later, Jesus will comment that the danger triggered by this event will be enough to threaten the entire human race (Matthew 24:21–22).Christ added a note of sadness for the vulnerable people who will be caught up in those days. Keeping with that theme, He commands His disciples to pray that they won't have to try to make the journey in winter or on a Sabbath day. Winter, of course, would make travel more difficult generally, especially by causing river- and creek-beds to be swollen with water and tough to cross. On a Sabbath day, it would be hard to find help along the way from faithful Jews. It would also make large groups of Jewish people who would normally be avoiding activity easier to spot.
Some Bible teachers point to the events of the attempted Jewish rebellion against Rome in AD 70 as the full or partial fulfillment of Jesus' words here. That rebellion led to a terrible siege and the eventual destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. Many Jewish people did run from Jerusalem for their lives, and many were slaughtered in the attempt. However, the temple was ruined at the end of that war, not the beginning of it. Jesus' words seem a better fit for the very last days prior to His second coming (Revelation 19:11–15).
Matthew 24:15–28 begins with a warning to all in Jerusalem to flee to the mountains when the abomination that will bring desolation to the temple stands in the holy place. This will be a terrible time, especially for those who are particularly vulnerable. That tribulation will be worse than anything ever, though another tribulation will come right before Jesus' return. It will be cut short to save some of humanity and for the sake of the elect, all those who truly believe in Christ. When He returns, everyone will know.
Jesus makes a dire prediction about the destruction of the temple. Immediately after this, while seated on the Mount of Olives, Jesus responds to a question from the disciples. They ask when judgment will come and what signs will signal His return. Christ describes a season of unimaginable world turmoil and persecution. He points to a specific moment of defilement of the temple, at which point people should run for their lives. Jesus speaks of world-threatening tribulation which will be cut short right before He returns as King and Judge. Since nobody can possibly know when He will return, His followers must live in readiness.
