Audience relevence is the key to understanding.
Mat 24:3 As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "
Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?"
Mat 24:4 And Jesus answered and
said to them, "See to it that no one misleads
you.
Mat 24:5 "For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will mislead many.
Mat 24:6 "
You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that
you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.
Mat 24:7 "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes.
Mat 24:8 "But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.
Mat 24:9 "Then
they will deliver you to tribulation, and
will kill you, and
you will be hated by all nations because of My name.
Jesus was speaking to His disciples, not to folks 2000+ years in the future.