Jesus warns because a Sabbath-day flight would be severely limited by the Law, and winter would make the journey far more difficult.
Les Feldick explains that during the Tribulation, Israel will be back under the Law, which restricts how far one can walk on the Sabbath—about half a mile—making escape from Jerusalem impossible. Winter would add the hardship of cold, snow, and rain to an already arduous flight on foot. These warnings underscore the urgency and difficulty of the predicted exile.
Matthew 24:20 — This verse directly contains Jesus' warning about fleeing in winter or on the Sabbath.
In Matthew 24, Jesus, speaking to Jews about the end times, instructs those in Judea to flee to the mountains when they see the abomination of desolation. He specifically says, "But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day" (Matthew 24:20). This verse directly connects the difficulty of escape with the season and the day. The Bible also mentions the hardship for pregnant and nursing mothers in the preceding verse (Matthew 24:19).
Les Feldick emphasizes that this warning shows Israel will be back under the Law during the Tribulation. The Sabbath law limited travel to a specific distance, which would prevent a successful escape from Jerusalem. He explains that the Jewish people would be aware of these restrictions. On winter, he notes that fleeing on foot in cold, snow, and rain would be miserable and challenging, especially for the vulnerable groups like pregnant women and nursing mothers. He also connects the urgency to the fact that they will have no time to gather possessions, illustrating the sudden nature of the flight.
Les Feldick explains that when the Temple is operating again, the Jews will be under the Law regarding the Sabbath. According to that Law, they were limited in how far they could walk on the Sabbath—about half a mile (4,000 feet). Jesus warns them to pray that the flight does not happen on the Sabbath because the Law would prevent them from traveling the necessary distance to escape. They would not even get out of town.
Les Feldick teaches that winter would make the flight miserable because the people would be walking, carrying their goods, and facing adverse weather like cold, snow, and rain. This would be especially difficult for the pregnant women and nursing mothers who are part of the escaping remnant. The warning indicates that the escape will be urgent and difficult enough without additional weather challenges.
What Happens at the Midpoint of the Tribulation?
strictly to Jews. And so to the Jews He says, even though it's 2,000 years down the road, verse 16, "...then let them who be in Judea," now remember that's the area around Jerusalem and southern Israel, "...flee to the mountains. Let him who is on the housetop not come down to take anything out of his house." Because time is of the essence, and they aren't going to need it anyway.
Sabbath and Winter Flight
Les explains that the Sabbath law limits travel distance, making escape impossible on that day, and winter conditions would be hard for those fleeing on foot.
Law and Sabbath
Les emphasizes that Israel will be back under the Law, and the Sabbath restrictions would hinder flight, noting the temple and a potential Knesset law.
Jacob's Trouble: Why the Tribulation is for Israel, Not the Church
Now we covered this in our last program, I know we did, so we're just going to take a real brief look at it. He now instructs the Jew living in the area of Jerusalem and Judea at the time that all this takes place, to flee to the mountains. In other words, they're going to have to get out of the area of Jerusalem and Judea.
When Will the Tribulation Begin? The 70th Week of Daniel
Woe unto them that are with child, and to them that are giving nurse in those days! Pray that your flight be not in the winter." Do you see how appropriate this is for a cross-section of Jews? Yeah, I've got time enough. All right, let's go back. Verse 17, "...
The Antichrist's 7-Year Treaty & Israel's Great Escape
So Jesus is referring to people who were probably quite well to do, who were no longer in the mainstream work force, but they were now enjoying a life of relative ease on their patio. Now He says to that remnant of Jews who are going to be in this exodus out of Jerusalem, don't you bother to stop and take your clothes out of the closet. Well now just be sensible, just be logical.
Sabbath Law and Awareness
Les points out that Jews will be aware of Sabbath walking limits, making them pray to avoid that day.
Sabbath Distance and Winter Walking
Les illustrates the Sabbath limit as about 4,000 feet (less than a mile), insufficient to escape, and advises praying for a less miserable flight than winter.
Matthew 24:20: But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:
This is the key verse that directly answers the question, showing Jesus' specific warning.
Matthew 24:19: And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
This preceding verse highlights vulnerable groups, making the winter warning more poignant.
During the Tribulation, Israel will be back under the Law, which restricts travel on the Sabbath to about half a mile. Since the flight from Jerusalem requires traveling many miles, leaving on the Sabbath would break the Law and make escape impossible.
The people will be fleeing on foot, carrying their belongings. Winter conditions like cold, snow, and rain would make the journey miserable and far more difficult, especially for pregnant women and nursing mothers.
Watch the Teaching: What Happens at the Midpoint of the Tribulation?