What Did Jesus Say About “Great Earthquakes”?

About 2,000 years ago, Jesus foretold: “There will be great earthquakes.” (Luke 21:11) Why are Jesus’ words especially meaningful today? Consider some recent earthquakes that have caused significant suffering:

• August 15, 2026—Indonesia: 7.7-magnitude earthquake; 68 reported deathsa

• August 10, 2026—Colombia: 7.4-magnitude earthquake; 294 reported deaths

• June 24, 2026—Venezuela: 7.2 and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes; 6,301 reported deaths

• June 8, 2026—Philippines: 7.8-magnitude earthquake; 106 reported deaths

What do Jesus’ words mean for us?

Jesus said that “earthquakes in one place after another,” along with other events, would identify a unique period of time in human history called “the conclusion of the system of things,” or “the last days.”—Matthew 24:3, 7; 2 Timothy 3:1.

• For more evidence that we are living during this special period of time, read the article “What Is the Sign of ’the Last Days,’ or ’End Times’?”

The fulfillment of Jesus’ words about “the last days” gives us reason to hope for a better future because he also said: “When you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near.” (Luke 21:31) God’s Kingdom will soon put an end to all causes of suffering—including devastating earthquakes—and will bring lasting peace to the earth.—Isaiah 32:18; Revelation 21:3, 4.

• To learn more about this hope, watch the video What Is God’s Kingdom?