And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Amidst the intense tribulation surrounding Jerusalem's destruction, Jesus warns against deceptive cries about his arrival. He’s not hiding in some secret room or wilderness; his coming will be as obvious and widespread as lightning.
And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is describing future events, including the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, and the signs that will precede His final return. Amidst warnings of intense tribulation, false prophets, and impostors claiming to be Christ, He tells His disciples not to believe them. The immediate context is a series of dire warnings and instructions for His followers, emphasizing the need for discernment and steadfastness in the face of deception and impending judgment.
In times of intense crisis and suffering, people desperately look for a savior. Jesus knew this and gave a stark warning. What should we watch out for?
Jesus tells his followers, 'if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it.' This isn't just a casual suggestion; it's a critical command for survival – not just physical survival, but spiritual survival.
Why Such a Strong Warning?
During Jesus' time, and in many periods of intense hardship throughout history, people yearned for a political or military Messiah to deliver them. False prophets and leaders would arise, claiming to be the promised deliverer, often gathering crowds with promises of liberation and performing deceptive 'signs and wonders.' Jesus warns us not to be swayed by these sensational claims because:
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Jesus is speaking about intense tribulation. In such times, our desperation can make us vulnerable. How does the historical context amplify Jesus' warning?
This warning isn't given in a vacuum. Jesus is describing a period of immense suffering, referring to the 'abomination of desolation' and 'great tribulation' that would precede the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.
Desperation Breeds Deception
Imagine the fear and chaos during that time. Jerusalem was surrounded by armies, and the Jewish people were facing unimaginable destruction. In such dire straits, the temptation to believe any 'savior' who promised deliverance would be overwhelming.
Understand the original words
Christos · Greek Noun
The anointed one of God; the Messiah promised in the Old Testament, who would save His people and reign as King. In this context, the term refers to the true Jesus Christ whom impostors seek to mimic.
Jesus warns his followers not to be deceived by false messiahs and prophets, particularly during times of intense turmoil like the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the broader period of Jewish-Roman conflict. These impostors often preyed on the people's fervent expectation of a political deliverer.
c. 167 BC
Antiochus IV Epiphanes desecrates the Temple
The Seleucid king Antiochus IV desecrates the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem by erecting an altar to Zeus and sacrificing pigs. This event is referred to by Daniel as the 'abomination that makes desolate'.
c. 4 BC - AD 30/33
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
The period of Jesus' public ministry, including his teachings and crucifixion. His followers would have been anticipating the fulfillment of prophecies regarding the Messiah.
c. AD 44-66— this verse
Rise of Jewish impostors and unrest
During this period, numerous Jewish impostors and false prophets emerged, gathering followers and leading them into the wilderness with promises of miraculous signs and deliverance from Roman rule.
c. AD 64
Roman Persecution of Christians intensifies
Under Emperor Nero, Christians in Rome faced severe persecution, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty for believers. This persecution would spread.
AD 66-73
First Jewish-Roman War and Siege of Jerusalem
The Jewish revolt against Roman occupation culminates in the brutal siege and destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple by the Roman army under Titus.
c. AD 132-135
Bar Kokhba Revolt
A second major Jewish revolt against Rome, led by Simon bar Kokhba, who was hailed by some as the Messiah. This rebellion was also brutally suppressed.
This passage directly echoes Mark 13:21, warning the disciples not to follow those who claim Christ has appeared in a specific location, emphasizing the sudden and visible nature of Christ's coming.
Matthew 24:23This verse is nearly identical in its warning against false Christs appearing and claiming to have arrived, reinforcing the idea that followers should not be deceived by such claims during times of turmoil.
2 Thessalonians 2:9-10This passage speaks of the coming of the 'lawless one' with counterfeit miracles and signs, which connects to the warning in Mark 13:21 about false prophets and Christs who will use deception, even to the point of deceiving the elect.
1 John 4:1This verse advises believers not to believe every spirit but to test them, which is a crucial principle behind Jesus' warning in Mark 13:21 against believing every claim about Christ's presence or identity, urging discernment.
Daniel 11:31-35While not a direct quote, this passage from Daniel describes a 'king' who will perform outrageous acts and cause desolation, a concept that parallels the 'abomination of desolation' mentioned in the broader context of Mark 13 and relates to the kind of deception and upheaval that would lead to false claims about Christ.
calvinMark 13:14-23: "But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:"
- When therefore you shall see the abomination of desolation, which is described by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place, (let him that readeth understand,) 16. Then let them who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17. Let not him who is on the housetop go down to…
wesleyMark 13:21: "And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:"
13:21 Mt 24:23.
Amidst the intense tribulation surrounding Jerusalem's destruction, Jesus warns against deceptive cries about his arrival. He’s not hiding in some secret room or wilderness; his coming will be as obvious and widespread as lightning.
Jesus is describing future events, including the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, and the signs that will precede His final return. Amidst warnings of intense tribulation, false prophets, and impostors claiming to be Christ, He tells His disciples not to believe them. The immediate context is a series of dire warnings and instructions for His followers, emphasizing the need for discernment and steadfastness in the face of deception and impending judgment.
Jesus is describing future events, including the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, and the signs that will precede His final return. Amidst warnings of intense tribulation, false prophets, and impostors claiming to be Christ, He tells His disciples not to believe them. The immediate context is a series of dire warnings and instructions for His followers, emphasizing the need for discernment and steadfastness in the face of deception and impending judgment.
"And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it." — Amidst the intense tribulation surrounding Jerusalem's destruction, Jesus warns against deceptive cries about his arrival. He’s not hiding in some secret room or wilderness; his coming will be as obv…
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Last reviewed October 2026