Matthew 24:23
Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus isn't just warning about impostors trying to pass themselves off as him; he's highlighting the types of deception that would arise during times of immense turmoil. These false "Christs" wouldn't just claim to be him, but would also perform "great signs and wonders" to draw people away, even trying to convince the elect.
Jesus is describing the intense tribulation and destruction that will come upon Jerusalem and the Jewish nation, a period marked by false prophets and deceptive figures. He warns his followers not to be fooled by those who will claim to be the Christ or point to secret locations where "Christ" is supposedly present, especially during this time of immense suffering and upheaval. The warning anticipates the coming devastation and the appearance of impostors who will try to exploit the desperate situation.
When everything feels chaotic and your world is falling apart, the urge to grasp at any promise of relief is powerful. Jesus warns us that this desperation opens the door to deception.
In times of intense crisis, like the imminent destruction of Jerusalem that Jesus predicts, people desperately seek a savior.
How will we really know when Christ returns? Jesus gives a stark contrast to the whispers of false Christs, pointing to a revelation that will be unmistakable.
Jesus' warning against believing claims of his presence, 'here' or 'there,' is immediately followed by a description of his actual coming. The contrast is crucial:
Understand the original words
Christos · Greek Noun
The Anointed One of God, the promised Messiah of the Old Testament, who is the Savior and King of God's people.
Jesus' warning about false Christs in Matthew 24 directly addresses the volatile political and religious climate of first-century Judea, where messianic fervor intensified under Roman occupation and the lead-up to the devastating revolt and destruction of Jerusalem.
c. 4 BC
Herod the Great Dies
The death of Herod the Great, a powerful but tyrannical ruler, plunged Judea into a period of instability and succession disputes, increasing popular anxiety and messianic expectation.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection fulfill messianic prophecies for his followers, while also being rejected by many Jewish leaders, setting the stage for future conflict.
c. AD 37-64
Sporadic Messianic Pretenders
Throughout Judea and surrounding regions, various figures emerged claiming to be the Messiah or prophets, drawing followers with promises of deliverance, often leading to unrest and their own destruction.
c. AD 60s
Rising Tensions with Rome
Growing discontent and rebellion against Roman rule intensified in Judea, fueling desperate hopes for a divinely appointed deliverer (the Messiah) to overthrow the oppressors.
This passage directly parallels Jesus' warning about false Christs, stating, 'And they will say to you, ‘Look, he is here!’ or ‘Look, he is there!’ Do not go after them or follow them.'
2 Thessalonians 2:3This verse warns about a future apostasy and the revealing of the 'man of lawlessness' before the Lord's day, highlighting the theme of deception that will precede Christ's true return.
Mark 13:21Similar to Matthew 24:23, this passage emphasizes the danger of false Christs and prophets who will perform signs and wonders to deceive, even the elect, during the tribulation.
1 John 4:1This verse provides a foundational principle for discerning truth from error, urging believers to 'test the spirits to see whether they are from God,' which is crucial when faced with claims of Christ's presence.
Deuteronomy 13:1-3This Old Testament passage lays the groundwork for Matthew's warning, describing how false prophets performing signs and wonders would try to lead Israel astray, showing this pattern of deception is not new.
bensonMatthew 24:23: "Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not."
Matthew 24:23-26 . If any man say, Lo, here is Christ, or there — During the terrible calamities here foretold, the expectations of the nation were all turned toward their Messiah; for they thought if ever he was to appear, it would be then, to deliver them from the impending destruction. Hence many arose, pretending to be the Messiah, and boasting that they would deliver the nation; the effect of…
calvinMatthew 24:15-28: "When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)"
- 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 carry anything out of his house; 18. And let not…
Jesus isn't just warning about impostors trying to pass themselves off as him; he's highlighting the types of deception that would arise during times of immense turmoil. These false "Christs" wouldn't just claim to be him, but would also perform "great signs and wonders" to draw people away, even trying to convince the elect.
Jesus is describing the intense tribulation and destruction that will come upon Jerusalem and the Jewish nation, a period marked by false prophets and deceptive figures. He warns his followers not to be fooled by those who will claim to be the Christ or point to secret locations where "Christ" is supposedly present, especially during this time of immense suffering and upheaval. The warning anticipates the coming devastation and the appearance of impostors who will try to exploit the desperate situation.
Jesus is describing the intense tribulation and destruction that will come upon Jerusalem and the Jewish nation, a period marked by false prophets and deceptive figures. He warns his followers not to be fooled by those who will claim to be the Christ or point to secret locations where "Christ" is supposedly present, especially during this time of immense suffering and upheaval. The warning anticipates the coming devastation and the appearance of impostors who will try to exploit the desperate situation.
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AD 66— this verse
First Jewish Revolt Begins
The First Jewish-Roman War erupts, marked by widespread rebellion against Roman authority and internal strife within Judea, creating chaos and a fertile ground for false messiahs.
AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
Roman forces under Titus brutally crush the Jewish revolt, leveling Jerusalem and its Temple. This catastrophic event fulfills Jesus' prophecy and marks the end of an era for Judaism.
"Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it." — Jesus isn't just warning about impostors trying to pass themselves off as him; he's highlighting the types of deception that would arise during times of immense turmoil. These false "Christs" would…
