What events is Jesus referring to when He talks about the beginning of travail?
Jesus refers to the events coming on the planet, beginning with the horsemen of Revelation. They are the beginning of travail, comparable to a mother’s early birth pains—mild and far apart—before the far greater end. This period centers on Israel as the time of Jacob’s trouble.
Les explains that Jesus is pointing to all the events that will come on the planet, beginning with the horsemen of Revelation. This is only the beginning, like a mother about to deliver: her birth pains at first are relatively mild and far apart. As great as these events will be, they are mild compared to what they will be at the end. Les also connects this to Jeremiah 30:7, the time of Jacob’s trouble, saying these things will have their vortex upon the nation of Israel.