Mark 13:5–8 Explained: False Messiahs, Wars, Earthquakes, and the Meaning of the Birth Pains
When the disciples came to Jesus to ask him what the signs of the destruction of the temple would be, he explained that there would be false christs, wars, news of wars, earthquakes and famines. Yet these things were only the birth pains, they were not the end.
Discussion:
Before we dig into this pericope (section of Scripture) I want to start by remembering the context (which we established last week). The context of the following statements are found in the previous verses:
“And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down… [the disciples asked] Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?”
Mark 13:2, 4 (ESV)
This is often missed when eschatology, the study or discussion of the last days or end times, comes up. In Mark these verses are not directly about the end times, they are about the destruction of the temple. However, as we discussed last week, the destruction of the temple was understood in an eschatological framework. We believe the last days (also called “the end times”) started when Jesus resurrected, thus, the destruction of the temple in 70 AD did occur in the end times. This question then is both not about the end times, as it is about the temple, and about the end times, as the destruction of the temple took place during the end times.
This is important because the last days are not something that is coming one day, they are something that we have been in for over 2,000 years. The following discussion takes place with that in mind. I do want to state very strongly that this context is my opinion, I cannot prove it from scripture, no end times paradigm can be proven from scripture.
After the verses above, Jesus began to explain and expand on what he was saying.
“And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray.”
Mark 13:5–6 (ESV)
Many will come in my name
What does this statement mean? I have believed for many years that it was referring to antichrists, those who claim to be Jesus. The language in Greek used is that they will claim to be “me” or “I AM.” However, in the Jewish culture, the statement that they will claim to be Yahweh (I AM) doesn’t seem to make much sense and so it seems likely that this claim is a claim of authority, that is, that they will claim to be the Messiah (France 2002, 510). It seems true then that this is a warning to watch out for antichrists, yet it is specific to those who would claim to be the Messiah. The context is obvious then, there will be those who claim to be Jesus, the returning Messiah (Marcus 2009, 875). However, Jesus warned that there would be more than just a false claim of a returned Messiah that would possibly disturb the church, for there would also be other hardships.
“And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.”
Mark 13:7–8 (ESV)
Wars, earthquakes and famines
It is easy to read Jesus warning to his people and understand how wars (political turmoil), earthquakes (climate change), and famines (economic hardships) would cause them to think of the last days, as there are those today who do the same thing. I grew up reading the Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. These books are fiction that try to modernize prophecy and explore how they could apply to a modern society. When it comes to these books, the key word is “fiction,” however, they were well written and entertaining to a Christian teenager like me. It has been many years since I read them and they have not aged well. However, I will credit them with being my first interest into the end times. I believe it is human nature to look at the problems in the world around us and want to see the return of Jesus in them. Yet Jesus warned us against viewing climatic events this way.
There are different ways that Christians throughout the years have viewed eschatology. A preterist believes things have already been fulfilled and that Jesus returned in the first century (and that we are currently in the kingdom). A futurist believes that the end times prophecies have not been fulfilled, a Historicist views prophecy as describing history, and a Idealist believes that prophecy is symbolic and metaphorical. Perhaps there are some truths in all of these views, we are not here to debate the different end times theories. In these verses it seems this was a future predictive prophecy that was fulfilled during the destruction of the temple (there are some prophecies that were not fulfilled by it’s destruction and are still future in my opinion). Earthquakes may refer to the tragic end of Pompeii in 62 AD (Stein 2008, 599), and of course we know it was Rome’s war with the rebels that led to the destruction of the temple. All these things were seen as “birth pains.”
Birth pains
The metaphor of birth pains is very intricate and complex, it can imply both positive and negative ideas at the same time. As a father, I view birth pains as suffering which leads to great joy! The mother endures great pain but at the end is greeted with the sight of her baby, mourning to joy, pain to pleasure! In the Jewish context, they considered it the pinnacle of a woman’s work and worth (Edwards 2002, 392–393). However, the Bible also uses birth pains as a metaphor for suffering and death (Isaiah 13:8, Jeremiah 6:24, 22:23, Micah 4:9–10, see also LXX 2 Samuel 22:6; Psalm 18:4), the bondage of creation (Romans 8:22), and then for ministry (Galatians 4:19), and tribulation (1 Thessalonians 5:3, see also 1 Enoch 62:4) (France 2002, 512–513). The Rabbi’s also spoke of the “birth pain of the Messiah” after the New Testament was written (France 2002, 512–513).
So how does Jesus use the metaphor here? The birth pangs, the hardship that Jesus speaks of here and in the following verses culminates in the promise of salvation (Mark 13:13), perhaps the coming of the kingdom. It is this that I believe Jesus speaks of here. He offers the metaphor as encouragement, not to give up when there is so much suffering in the world. But we cannot fully explore this until next week’s discussion. For now, we will simply say that the birth pains are suffering that leads to a salvation of some type.
Life Application and Questions to Consider:
How does this apply to us today? Firstly, we must take note of the warning of false messiah’s. There will always be those who, filled with ambition, greed, and envy, seek to usurp the name and authority of our beloved Master, Jesus Christ. They will claim to be him, returning at last. Some may even perform miracles as evidence but they will only be pretenders. We must not lose hope.
He also warned us not to be discouraged by wars (political turmoil), earthquakes (climate change), and famines (economic hardships). This is so meaningful to us today! As we look around, we see those who warn of climate change, afraid that we will destroy the earth. Yet, we see others who warn of wars, nations going to war, WW3, etc. And still we see more warning of great economic hardships and collapse. These are the things that Jesus described as birth pains, but warned us not to be overwhelmed. We are not to look to circumstances around us, but instead, we are to look to our King Jesus! Yes, these things will cause us pain, that is why they are called the birth pain. But we are not to be ruled by such pain, we are not to be overwhelmed by it. Instead we should have faith and trust in God!
Connections
Matthew 24:3–8
Luke 21:10–11
Outline
Jesus warns that there will be many false Messiah’s that come in his name.
There will be wars, earthquakes and famines that are the beginning of birth pains.
FAQ for the article
What is Mark 13:5–8 about?
Mark 13:5–8 records Jesus’ response to His disciples’ question about the coming destruction of the Jerusalem temple. He warns about false messiahs, wars, earthquakes, and famines while emphasizing that these events are only “the beginning of the birth pains,” not the end itself.
Was Jesus talking about the end of the world in Mark 13?
The immediate context of Mark 13 concerns the destruction of the Jerusalem temple, which occurred in AD 70. While many Christians see broader eschatological implications, Jesus’ initial answer addresses the disciples’ question about the temple’s destruction.
Why is the context of Mark 13 so important?
Jesus’ prophecy follows His declaration that the temple would be completely destroyed (Mark 13:2). Understanding the disciples’ question helps readers interpret the passage within its historical setting before applying it to broader discussions of biblical prophecy.
Who are the false messiahs in Mark 13?
False messiahs are individuals who falsely claim to be God’s anointed deliverer or the returned Christ. Jesus warns that many will come claiming His authority and will deceive many people.
Does “I am he” mean people will claim to be God?
Many scholars understand the phrase primarily as a claim to be the Messiah rather than a direct claim to be Yahweh. The warning focuses on people falsely presenting themselves as Christ and leading others astray.
What does Jesus mean by “wars and rumors of wars”?
Jesus teaches that political conflict and international unrest should not cause believers to conclude that the end has immediately arrived. Such events are expected realities in a fallen world but are not definitive signs that history is ending.
Why does Jesus mention earthquakes and famines?
Earthquakes and famines represent natural disasters and human suffering that accompany life in a broken world. Jesus tells His followers not to panic because these hardships are part of the “birth pains,” not proof that the final end has come.
What are the “birth pains” in Mark 13?
The metaphor of birth pains describes suffering that ultimately leads to God’s redemptive purposes. Just as childbirth involves pain before new life, Jesus uses the image to encourage believers that present trials will ultimately give way to God’s salvation.
What did birth pains symbolize in the Old Testament?
The Old Testament frequently uses birth pains as a metaphor for judgment, distress, and suffering (Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Micah), while the New Testament also applies the image to creation’s longing for redemption, Christian ministry, and future tribulation.
Were the events Jesus predicted fulfilled in the first century?
Many interpreters believe Jesus’ predictions about wars, false messiahs, and turmoil were fulfilled in the events leading up to Jerusalem’s destruction in AD 70. Others believe the passage also foreshadows future fulfillment, depending on their eschatological perspective.
What are the major Christian views of eschatology?
The four primary approaches are:
Preterism: Most prophecies were fulfilled in the first century.
Futurism: Most end-time prophecies remain future.
Historicism: Prophecy unfolds throughout church history.
Idealism: Prophecy primarily communicates timeless spiritual truths through symbolic language.
Should Christians interpret every disaster as a sign of Christ’s return?
Jesus specifically warns against becoming alarmed by wars, disasters, and crises. Christians should remain faithful, discerning, and hopeful rather than constantly interpreting every world event as an immediate sign of the end.
How should Christians respond to fear about world events?
Believers are called to place their confidence in Christ rather than in current events. Political instability, natural disasters, and economic uncertainty should deepen faith rather than produce fear.
What does Mark 13 teach about perseverance?
Jesus prepares His followers to expect hardship without losing hope. Faithful endurance is rooted in confidence that God remains sovereign even during seasons of suffering.
What is the main lesson of Mark 13:5–8?
Jesus teaches His disciples to avoid deception, resist fear, and remain faithful. The world’s troubles are real, but they are not reasons for panic—they are reminders to trust the Lord while awaiting the fulfillment of His promises.
References-
R. T. France, The Gospel of Mark: A Commentary on the Greek Text, New International Greek Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press, 2002), 510.
Joel Marcus, Mark 8–16: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary, vol. 27A, Anchor Yale Bible (New Haven; London: Yale University Press, 2009), 875.
Robert H. Stein, Mark, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2008), 599.
James R. Edwards, The Gospel according to Mark, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: Eerdmans; Apollos, 2002), 392–393.
R. T. France, The Gospel of Mark: A Commentary on the Greek Text, New International Greek Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press, 2002), 512–513.
Ibid
