So far in the Olivet Discourse Jesus has mostly described what will precede the destruction of the temple when “not one stone will be left here upon another”. He says not to be troubled when they would hear about false Christs, wars and rumors of wars, nations rising against nations, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes: these are just the beginning of sorrows. This instruction prepared the church to be ready at the right time for the worst, knowing it would be ultimately for the best. This whole passage is fulfilled in 70 AD, but Jesus tells His disciples not to be frightened by all the things that frighten those who are worried about the end times—wars, rumors of war, etc. Instead, He shapes the church to thrive and be more faithful and fruitful in hard times.