Luke 17:23
And they will say to you, ‘Look, there!’ or ‘Look, here!’ Do not go out or follow them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights the deceptive allure of "here!" or "there!" claims about Christ's return, urging believers not to be swayed by specific, localized pronouncements that draw them away from a steady, faithful walk. This isn't just about avoiding false Messiahs, but about resisting the urge to chase sensational, but ultimately misplaced, expectations about God's kingdom.
Jesus is speaking to his disciples about the signs that will precede his glorious return. He's warning them not to be deceived by false messiahs or prophets who will claim he has reappeared in specific, localized places. This warning directly contrasts with how the kingdom of God is not marked by such outward, localized demonstrations, but is already present among them.
In times of crisis, rumors fly. People desperately search for answers, and those seeking to mislead will exploit this hunger.
Jesus warns his followers about those who will cry out, 'Look, here!' or 'Look, there!' This isn't just about pointing to a spot on a map. It's about the seductive whisper that the ultimate solution, the promised one, has been found in a specific, tangible location or person.
During Jesus' time and after, many arose claiming to be the Messiah, leading people on wild goose chases. They preyed on the people's desire for immediate deliverance from oppression. These false prophets offered concrete, easily accessible 'solutions' that ultimately led people away from the truth and into danger.
Notice the contrast: Jesus had just spoken about the kingdom of God being within them (Luke 17:21), not confined to a physical place. These false messengers, however, try to pin down the divine to a physical location.
It's one thing to hear a false claim, but another to actively chase after it. Jesus' command is stark: 'Do not go out or follow them.'
The warning isn't passive; it's an active command against engagement. 'Go not after them, nor follow them' speaks to the danger of abandoning your current position and pursuit to chase after these deceptive voices.
To 'go out' implies leaving your settled life or spiritual grounding. To 'follow' suggests actively pursuing and aligning yourself with these false leads. This can lead to being led into physical danger (like into deserts or hidden places, as historical accounts suggest) or, more importantly, into spiritual deception, wasting precious time and energy that should be devoted to seeking the true kingdom.
Jesus warns his followers not to be led astray by sensational claims of his imminent return or presence in specific locations, especially during times of turmoil like the lead-up to the destruction of Jerusalem, emphasizing instead the quiet, internal reality of God's kingdom.
c. 40 BC - AD 70— this verse
Rise of False Messiahs
During this period, particularly as Roman occupation intensified and the Jewish people yearned for deliverance, numerous individuals claimed to be the Messiah or divinely appointed leaders. These figures often led their followers into desolate areas or secret locations, promising immediate liberation.
c. AD 40s
Theudas's Rebellion
An influential figure named Theudas promised to create a new Jordan River crossing and gathered a large following, but was eventually captured and executed by Roman authorities, showing the danger of following such claims.
c. AD 50s
Egyptian Jew's Movement
Another leader, known as the Egyptian, claimed prophetic powers and led thousands into the wilderness, only to be dispersed by Roman troops, resulting in many deaths.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Ministry and Warnings
The Apostle Paul warned his churches about deceptive teachings and the eventual coming of the Lord, emphasizing steady faithfulness rather than chasing after sensational claims.
This passage directly parallels Luke 17:23, describing the same phenomenon of false Christs appearing and misleading people with claims of the Messiah's presence.
Acts 5:36This historical account of Theudas and Judas the Galilean, who claimed to be someone important and gathered followers, exemplifies the kind of deceptive movements Jesus warns against in Luke 17:23.
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4This passage speaks of a 'rebellion' and the 'man of lawlessness' who will deceive many, echoing the theme of false spiritual leaders and deceptive signs Jesus warns his followers to ignore.
1 John 4:1The exhortation to not believe every spirit, but to test whether spirits come from God, is crucial advice for discerning truth from deception when confronted with claims like those mentioned in Luke 17:23.
barnesLuke 17:23: "And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them."
And they shall say ... - Many false Christs, according to Josephus, appeared about that time, attempting to lead away the people. See the notes at Matthew 24:23-27 .
gillLuke 17:23: "And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them."
And they shall say unto you, see here, or see there,.... That is, there is Christ; and in two of Beza's exemplars, the word Christ is added as in Matthew 24:23 from whence it seems to be transcribed: and the sense is, it shall be said by one or another; Christ is in such a place, or he is in such a place, and he will quickly appear, and deliver the people of the Jews out of all their distresses…
The verse highlights the deceptive allure of "here!" or "there!" claims about Christ's return, urging believers not to be swayed by specific, localized pronouncements that draw them away from a steady, faithful walk. This isn't just about avoiding false Messiahs, but about resisting the urge to chase sensational, but ultimately misplaced, expectations about God's kingdom.
Jesus is speaking to his disciples about the signs that will precede his glorious return. He's warning them not to be deceived by false messiahs or prophets who will claim he has reappeared in specific, localized places. This warning directly contrasts with how the kingdom of God is not marked by such outward, localized demonstrations, but is already present among them.
Jesus is speaking to his disciples about the signs that will precede his glorious return. He's warning them not to be deceived by false messiahs or prophets who will claim he has reappeared in specific, localized places. This warning directly contrasts with how the kingdom of God is not marked by such outward, localized demonstrations, but is already present among them.
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AD 66-70
First Jewish-Roman War
The intense conflict and devastation leading up to and including the destruction of Jerusalem by Roman forces created a climate ripe for false prophets and messianic pretenders, preying on the people's desperation.
"And they will say to you, ‘Look, there!’ or ‘Look, here!’ Do not go out or follow them." — The verse highlights the deceptive allure of "here!" or "there!" claims about Christ's return, urging believers not to be swayed by specific, localized pronouncements that draw them away from a stead…
