Matthew 24:23-26
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Jesus is warning his followers not to fall for claims that he has reappeared in specific locations. This isn't just about a future return, but also about spiritual deception where people might point to leaders or movements and declare "here is the Christ!"—a subtle but crucial distinction in how we recognize God's presence.
Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is speaking to his disciples about the signs that will precede the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the age. He has warned them about deception, wars, and famines, and now he’s focusing on the dangers of false messiahs and prophets who will arise and try to mislead people, especially during the intense suffering that’s coming. He’s telling them that during this chaotic time, and even into the future, people will claim Christ has returned, but his followers must not be fooled by these pretenders, no matter how impressive their signs might seem.
In times of intense pressure and uncertainty, people desperately look for answers and a savior. But how do we know if the 'savior' being presented is the real deal or a dangerous deception?
Jesus warns His followers about a specific danger: people claiming to be Christ. This wasn't just a general caution; it was particularly relevant as Jerusalem faced destruction.
The Scramble for Hope
During that tumultuous period, with Roman armies closing in, many Jews were desperately seeking a deliverer, a Messiah to rescue them. This created fertile ground for impostors who promised salvation and divine intervention. They preyed on people's fear and longing, offering false hope.
Jesus' Direct Command
Jesus' instruction is crystal clear: 'do not believe it.' This isn't a suggestion; it's a command to reject any claims of the Messiah's presence that don't align with His true nature and coming. He knew that false Christs would arise, even performing 'great signs and wonders' (Matthew 24:24) to mislead people. The key is not to be swayed by sensational claims or desperate circumstances, but to hold fast to the truth of who Jesus is.
If false Christs and their signs are so convincing, how can we possibly discern the truth? Jesus gives us a profound clue about His actual return.
Jesus contrasts the deceptive claims of false Christs with the undeniable reality of His own return. The impostors might point to a hidden location – 'in the desert' or 'in the secret chambers' – but the true Advent of Christ will be nothing like that.
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A Public and Universal Revelation
Jesus uses a powerful analogy: 'For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man' (Matthew 24:27). This imagery emphasizes that His return will be sudden, brilliant, and visible to all. There will be no need to seek Him out in secret places or follow sensational rumors. His appearance will be universally evident, like lightning illuminating the entire sky.
Trust the Truth, Not the Rumors
When we understand this, Jesus' command 'do not believe it' becomes even more significant. It’s not just about rejecting impostors; it’s about holding onto the clear, consistent picture of Christ's return that He Himself has provided. We don't need to chase after whispers or sensational 'sightings.' The true Christ will reveal Himself in a way that is unmistakable and undeniable.
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.
pseudochristos · Greek Noun
Individuals who falsely claim to be the Messiah or are presented as such by others to deceive people away from the true Jesus Christ.
pseudoprophetes · Greek Noun
Religious teachers or messengers who falsely claim divine authority or inspiration and lead people into error or away from the truth of God's Word.
semeion · Greek Noun
Remarkable, supernatural events or miracles intended to confirm a message or messenger, though they can be used by deceitful agents to gain influence.
teras · Greek Noun
Extraordinary or astounding events that provoke awe and wonder, often used in Scripture to describe phenomena used by deceivers to validate their false claims.
planao · Greek Verb
To cause someone to wander away from the truth, the right path, or God's will; often involving deception and seduction into error or sin.
erēmos · Greek Noun
A remote or desolate region; in scripture, it often represents a place of testing, refuge, or divine encounter, though here it signifies a site of deceptive claims.
Jesus' warning against false Christs wasn't just a general theological statement; it was a very practical and urgent instruction given in the context of a turbulent period in Judea. Many would arise claiming to be the Messiah, especially during the Jewish revolt against Rome, preying on people's desperation and false hopes for a political deliverer.
c. 4 BC
Herod the Great Dies
The death of Herod the Great led to a period of instability and unrest in Judea, with various claimants to power and a general sense of foreboding.
c. AD 4
Simon the High Priest Dies
The death of the high priest Simon the Just (or his successor) marked a decline in the religious leadership and contributed to the growing chaos in Jewish society.
c. AD 6-7
Quirinius' Census and Uprising
A Roman census ordered by Quirinius, the legate of Syria, sparked a major rebellion in Judea, further inflaming Jewish hopes for a messianic deliverer.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus, whom Christians believe to be the Christ, is crucified. This event would be central to the interpretation of future events and the warnings against false Christs.
c. AD 40-50— this verse
Appearance of False Christs
Several individuals emerged claiming to be the Messiah or prophets, drawing crowds with promises of deliverance. Josephus mentions at least one such figure during this period.
c. AD 66
Outbreak of the First Jewish-Roman War
The Jewish revolt against Roman rule began, leading to widespread conflict, sieges, and immense suffering, during which the urgency of Jesus' warnings became acutely apparent.
AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
Roman legions under Titus conquered Jerusalem, destroying the city and its revered Temple, fulfilling Jesus' prophecies of desolation.
This passage directly parallels Jesus' warning about false Christs, explicitly stating, 'they will say to you, ‘Look, he is here!’ or ‘Look, he is there!’ Do not go off after them or follow them.'
2 Thessalonians 2:3This verse warns about a future 'rebellion' and the 'man of lawlessness' who will deceive many, echoing the theme of deception by false messianic figures.
Deuteronomy 13:1-3This Old Testament passage lays the groundwork for discerning true prophecy, stating that even if a prophet or dreamer performs signs and wonders but leads people to follow other gods, 'you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer.'
1 John 4:1This verse directly addresses the need to test the spirits, urging believers not to 'believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.'
Matthew 24:24This verse immediately follows the warning, explaining *why* it's so important: 'For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders that would lead astray even the elect, if that were possible.'
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 is warning his followers not to fall for claims that he has reappeared in specific locations. This isn't just about a future return, but also about spiritual deception where people might point to leaders or movements and declare "here is the Christ!"—a subtle but crucial distinction in how we recognize God's presence.
Jesus is speaking to his disciples about the signs that will precede the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the age. He has warned them about deception, wars, and famines, and now he’s focusing on the dangers of false messiahs and prophets who will arise and try to mislead people, especially during the intense suffering that’s coming. He’s telling them that during this chaotic time, and even into the future, people will claim Christ has returned, but his followers must not be fooled by these pretenders, no matter how impressive their signs might seem.
Jesus is speaking to his disciples about the signs that will precede the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the age. He has warned them about deception, wars, and famines, and now he’s focusing on the dangers of false messiahs and prophets who will arise and try to mislead people, especially during the intense suffering that’s coming. He’s telling them that during this chaotic time, and even into the future, people will claim Christ has returned, but his followers must not be fooled by these pretenders, no matter how impressive their signs might seem.
"Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I hav…" — Jesus is warning his followers not to fall for claims that he has reappeared in specific locations. This isn't just about a future return, but also about spiritual deception where people might point…
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Last reviewed October 2026
