And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus’ initial response is a stark warning: "See that no one leads you astray." This isn't just about avoiding obvious falsehoods; it’s a profound call to discernment in a world where truth can be cleverly disguised, urging us to guard our hearts and minds against subtle misdirections that pull us away from Him.
And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The disciples, awestruck by the temple's magnificent structure, asked Jesus when it would be destroyed and what signs would herald his coming and the end of the world. In response, Jesus immediately cautions them against being misled, as many would falsely claim to be the Messiah, leading many astray before the true events unfold.
Jesus' very first words in response to his disciples' profound questions about the future are a stark warning: 'See that no one leads you astray.' Why is deception such a primary concern for Jesus?
When Jesus' disciples marveled at the magnificent temple, their focus was on earthly splendor. Their questions about the timing of future events and the signs of his coming were deeply intertwined with their expectations of a glorious earthly kingdom. Jesus, however, immediately pivots to a crucial, yet potentially overlooked, danger: deception.
Jesus doesn't just warn about deception; he provides context. He links the warning to coming wars, famines, and earthquakes. How are these chaotic events connected to the need for discernment?
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Jesus' discourse in Matthew 24 is a profound prophecy, but it's not solely about predicting distant future events. It’s a roadmap for disciples navigating tumultuous times, both near and far.
Understand the original words
planaō · Greek Verb
To cause someone to wander from the right path, truth, or moral standards, often through deception, false teaching, or spiritual seduction.
Jesus' warning against deception was deeply relevant as the disciples lived in a time of intense messianic expectation, political turmoil, and the eventual catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem, all of which fueled numerous false claims and movements.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus predicts Temple destruction
Jesus predicts the complete destruction of the magnificent Second Temple in Jerusalem, a statement that deeply surprised his disciples.
c. AD 30-33
Disciples ask about signs
The disciples privately ask Jesus about the timing of the Temple's destruction and the signs of His coming and the end of the age.
c. AD 40-60
Appearance of false Messiahs
Numerous individuals begin to appear, claiming to be the Messiah or divinely inspired leaders, deceiving many Jews.
c. AD 40-60
Wars and rumors of wars
Significant political unrest, local conflicts, and rumors of larger wars plague the Roman Empire and Judea.
AD 66-70
First Jewish-Roman War begins
Rebellion erupts in Judea against Roman rule, leading to widespread conflict and devastation.
AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Roman legions under Titus conquer Jerusalem and utterly destroy the Second Temple, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy.
This verse highlights how prophets speaking lies in God's name can lead people astray, echoing Jesus' warning against deception and false claims.
2 Thessalonians 2:3This passage directly addresses the 'rebellion' and the 'man of lawlessness' who will deceive many before the Lord's return, paralleling Jesus' caution about deceivers.
1 Timothy 4:1Here, Paul warns about 'deceitful spirits' and doctrines of demons that will lead people away from the faith in later times, underscoring Jesus' concern about spiritual deception.
2 Peter 3:3Peter forewarns about scoffers who will come in the last days, mocking the idea of Christ's return, which is a form of deception by dismissing truth.
Deuteronomy 18:20-22This Old Testament passage describes how to identify a false prophet – one who speaks presumptuously in God's name or falsely claims to speak for Him – which is the essence of the deception Jesus warns against.
barnesMatthew 24:4: "And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you."
Take heed ... - Jesus, in reply to their question, first gives them a caution to beware of deception. They were to be constantly on their guard, because many would arise to deceive the people. Many shall come in my name - Not in the name or by the authority of Jesus, or claiming to be His followers, and to be sent by him, but in the name of the Messiah, or claiming to be the Messiah. I am Christ - I am the…
calvinMatthew 24:1-8: "And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple."
- And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple, and his disciples came to him, to point out to him the buildings of the temple. 2. And Jesus said to them, Do you not see all these things? Verily I say to you, There shall not be left one stone upon another that shall not be thrown down. 3. And while he was sitting on the mountain of Olives, the disci…
Jesus’ initial response is a stark warning: "See that no one leads you astray." This isn't just about avoiding obvious falsehoods; it’s a profound call to discernment in a world where truth can be cleverly disguised, urging us to guard our hearts and minds against subtle misdirections that pull us away from Him.
The disciples, awestruck by the temple's magnificent structure, asked Jesus when it would be destroyed and what signs would herald his coming and the end of the world. In response, Jesus immediately cautions them against being misled, as many would falsely claim to be the Messiah, leading many astray before the true events unfold.
The disciples, awestruck by the temple's magnificent structure, asked Jesus when it would be destroyed and what signs would herald his coming and the end of the world. In response, Jesus immediately cautions them against being misled, as many would falsely claim to be the Messiah, leading many astray before the true events unfold.
"And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray." — Jesus’ initial response is a stark warning: "See that no one leads you astray." This isn't just about avoiding obvious falsehoods; it’s a profound call to discernment in a world where truth can be cl…
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Last reviewed October 2026