Matthew 24:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Consider what He communicates to the Jews regarding the misfortunes that would impact them. The apostles did not observe the Sabbath, nor were they present in Jerusalem when Vespasian arrived, as the majority had already departed from this world, and any who remained were residing in different regions. But why the stipulation of not fleeing "in winter, nor on the Sabbath"? The winter presents difficulties due to harsh conditions; the Sabbath is significant because of its adherence to the law. It was essential to escape quickly, and the Jews refrained from fleeing on the Sabbath out of reverence for the law, while winter made such an escape particularly challenging. Therefore, Christ urges, ‘Pray ye’.

The Lord spoke to the Jewish people through the apostles, as they had previously departed from Jerusalem. He instructed them to pray that their escape would not occur during winter, a time when the harsh conditions would hinder their ability to flee. Similarly, He emphasized the importance of avoiding a flight on the Sabbath, as it is a day of rest according to the law, making it unlikely that anyone would venture to flee. Additionally, it is important to reflect on this: we should pray that our departure from this life, meaning our death, does not happen 'on the Sabbath,' or during times when we are not engaging in good deeds, and 'in winter,' when we lack spiritual fruitfulness. Instead, we should seek that our passing may arrive with calmness and mental peace.

The term may reveal a profound truth, prompting us to seek the grace to remain in our physical form while resting from righteous deeds, symbolized by the Sabbath, rather than languishing in spiritual desolation, represented by winter. It is essential to recognize that the vicious winter was not established by God; we find ourselves enduring this season whenever our desires of the flesh reign within us.

“Pray and request that your journey does not occur during winter or on the Sabbath,” meaning that you may not be taken captive at a time when you cannot respond. Just as winter yields no harvest, and the Sabbath signifies a cessation of labor, take heed to not be led away when you have neither produce nor work. “In winter,” He states, “and on the Sabbath”; the former pertains to necessity, while the latter pertains to liberty. However, do not allow the compulsion of others or your own desires to detract you from the work of the Lord your God. Additionally, through the references of winter and the Sabbath, He has signified that adversities would befall them.

To grasp this in connection with the siege of Jerusalem, specifically during the encampment led by Titus and Vespasian, it is advised that the faithful should pray for their flight to avoid occurring in winter or on the Sabbath. The reasoning for this is twofold: in winter, the harshness of the cold makes it difficult to escape into the wilderness and desolate mountains; conversely, attempting to flee on the Sabbath would conflict with the observance of the law, while choosing to stay would expose one to the threat of death. If we consider this in light of the end times, these words instruct us that our devotion and love for Christ must remain fervent and that we should not become complacent in performing good works, especially on the Sabbath dedicated to such deeds.

Pray that your escape does not occur in the winter or on the Sabbath. The Lord will appear on the day of judgment, and a fire will be ignited before Him, as stated in Psalm 49:3 and Psalm 96:3. The intensity of this fire remains constant; however, its heat will be even more intense during summer. Why, then, does the Lord urge us to pray that our flight may not happen in winter? Likely, He desires that those fleeing to the mountains need not fear the cold, ice, storm, or hail of sins, for the brightness of a summer sky will aid them in navigating the treacherous paths without stumbling. This truth is also joyfully expressed by the bride, whose passage is already secure and grounded: "Behold, the winter is past, and it is time to prune the vine" (Song of Songs 2:11-12).

It is evident that while Christ spoke directly to the apostles, His message also resonated with the Jewish people, particularly since the apostles were no longer observing the Sabbath when Jerusalem fell. The instruction to flee neither in winter nor on the Sabbath is significant; fleeing in winter is advised against due to the harsh conditions, while avoiding the Sabbath reflects the restrictions imposed by the law, which limited travel to a specific distance on that day. Symbolically, flight represents the soul's departure from the body; winter signifies the turmoil and unrest of the mind; and the Sabbath embodies the practice of virtues.

Beloved brothers and sisters, let us take a moment to reflect seriously on the need to cultivate a life of virtue, especially as we are inevitably preparing to depart from our earthly vessels. Let us recall the words of the Truth: "Pray, then, that your escape shall not be in winter, nor on the Sabbath" (Mt. 24:20). The command of the Law restricts travel on the Sabbath, and the harshness of winter presents challenges, as the cold confines the steps of those who wish to move. The implication is clear: do not wait to forsake your sins until it is no longer feasible to take action. Therefore, discussions about the time of our departure should only occur while there is still opportunity. We must keep our focus on the moment of our exodus, remembering the urgent reminder from our Redeemer: "Watch ye, for ye know not the day nor the hour."

Pray, beseeching God to lessen the harshness of the disaster through His compassion, so that there will not be a wrath during the winter, when the rains and harsh conditions amplify the tribulations of those fleeing, or on the Sabbath, when the commandment restricts lengthy journeys even in dire situations.

In this context of conveying a series of harrowing events, the Lord focused on the imminent reality of God’s severe judgment concerning Jerusalem. He proclaimed that the certainty of its destruction looms, as foretold by Daniel, when the abomination of desolation shall be seen in the sacred place. Those who wish to escape this impending ruin should flee promptly from Judea; those who choose to stay shall face immense tribulation, unparalleled since the dawn of creation. In those times, there will arise false messiahs; however, do not place your faith in them. The Son of Man will come forth like lightning, manifesting not in a specific location or shape, but as the embodiment of God's judgment (Matthew 24:15-28). He will reveal His full splendor at the culmination of the age (29-31).

At that time, numerous individuals will fall by the sword, while others will be captured and dispersed throughout various nations. The subdued Jerusalem will continue under the authority of the Gentiles until the fulfillment of the times designated for the Gentiles. It is advisable to pray that these events do not transpire in winter or on the Sabbath, so that they do not hinder your swift escape.

"Pray," etc.: disasters are inevitable, and the judgment of God will be brought upon the sinful city and its people; however, it is right to beseech God for His mercy to mitigate the severity of their suffering. "Through the apostles, the Lord communicates this message to the Jews, as they had already departed from Jerusalem before the onset of this calamity" (Theophil.). - "In winter": due to the harshness of the season, those seeking refuge in mountain caves would face the adverse effects of the weather, amplifying their distress. - "On the Sabbath": according to the law, the Sabbath was intended for serenity and celebration, thus prohibiting extensive travel, even in dire situations (Exodus 16:29).