Why did Jesus say to pray that the tribulation flight would not be in winter?
Jesus gave that instruction because the escaping remnant would flee on foot, and winter would bring cold, wet, windy conditions. Late winter and spring also swell the Jordan River to flood stage, making the journey harder. Praying against winter was for practical mercy during their escape.
Les explains that this escaping remnant will not leave in a convoy of army trucks or be picked up by helicopters; they will walk, just as Israel walked out of Egypt. Jesus said in Matthew 24 to pray that their flight not be on the Sabbath, so they would not be limited by how far they could walk. He also said to pray it not be in winter. Dr. Bellamy pointed out that late winter and spring are when the Jordan River is at flood because that is when they get their rain and moisture, and there is also the misery of trying to negotiate those miles under cold, wet, and windy conditions. This parallels Israel’s exodus: God will providentially escort and protect the escaping remnant of Jews from Jerusalem for the next three and a half years, until the tribulation is run.