14 “When you see ‘the abomination that causes desolation’a j standing where itb does not belong—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let no one on the housetop go down or enter the house to take anything out. 16 Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak. 17 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers!k 18 Pray that this will not take place in winter, 19 because those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world,l until now—and never to be equaled again.m

20 “If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has shortened them. 21 At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it.n 22 For false messiahs and false prophetso will appear and perform signs and wondersp to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 23 So be on your guard;q I have told you everything ahead of time.

24 “But in those days, following that distress,

“ ‘the sun will be darkened,

and the moon will not give its light;