Matthew 24:8
. . . all this is but the beginning of the birth-pangs. Matt. 24:8
This little statement is found only in Matthew, not in Mark or Luke.
Birth pangs symbolize the intense process of bringing new life into the world, fundamentally referencing the coming Kingdom of Heaven/God. as repeatedly emphasized in Matthew. This period, often termed the Messianic or Church Age, marks a pivotal transition. The Church Age was conceived amidst the rejected ruins of Jerusalem’s temple worship, signifying a radical departure from the Jewish or Mosaic era. It represents a profound shift in spiritual focus, moving from the old covenant of temple sacrifices to the new covenant founded on faith and grace, ushering in a renewed understanding of divine relationship and salvation.
FYI: The Church Age, as it is called by theologians, should have been called The Kingdom Age, for that is what both John the Baptist and Messiah called it. [Matt. 3:2; Matt. 4:17]
When Jerusalem was destroyed, it was the end of Jewish polity. They no longer had a nation. They no longer had the protection of a government and laws. Instead, they were thrown out into a world that did not want them. For 2000 years they have wandered from place to place, persecuted almost everywhere they went; hence, the term “wandering Jews.”
FYI: They did make two more attempts to regain their land and temple. In 137 AD, a second Jewish revolt under Bar Kokhba was attempted. Then again, in 362 AD the Roman Emperor known as Julian the Apostate (because he wanted to return the Roman Empire to paganism) gave money toward the rebuilding of the Jewish temple.
The Futurists believe this to be the birth pangs of the present political Jerusalem, since 1948 AD. However, the context of this passage doesn’t support this claim. The entire section from chapter 21 to chapter 25 is about the end of Jewish polity and the birth of the Kingdom of Heaven/God.
The gestational time of a child is 40 weeks from conception to birth. In this passage, the Lord uses similar imagery to describe the spiritual birth of the New and Everlasting Kingdom. The Messianic Kingdom was, in a fashion, conceived, carried, felt birth-pangs, and finally birthed between 30-70 AD.
This new Kingdom would be different, indeed. It would not include a Temple, Priesthood, or Jewish authority. Its citizens would become children of the Living God; based on faith, not bloodline, and based on Messiah’s blood atonement, not ritual sacrifice. It will be forever built on the foundation of Messiah, our Prophet, Priest and King.
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