Shema Living During End Times (4)
Jesus answered them, “Watch out that no one misleads you. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will mislead many.” (Matthew 24:4-5)
Jesus begins to answer the disciples’ questions. His response begins in verse 4 and continues through Matthew 24:35. Initially, Jesus’ statements do not seem to address the questions of the disciples at all. Initially, He does not mention anything about the Temple or His second coming. However, Jesus begins with a word of caution on how His disciples should live in the time of these questioned events. The primary warning will be repeated (vv. 11, 24). Thus, the warning is strong and significant to the disciples. What is the warning? You must always be on your guard against falsehood and deception of false Christs.
Recent Israeli events serve as a 21st-century example how Jesus’ warning needs to be heeded.
The Hamas attack in Gaza on October 7, 2023, killed 1,200 Jews. The assault not only continued the thread of tension and animosity between the Palestinians and the Jews but clearly demonstrates the truth of Jesus’ words about being deceived. In the Christian pro-Israel magazine, “Israel My Glory” included an article entitled, “Analyzing October 7” in the January-February 2024 issue. Though not centered around a false prophet, as mentioned, it does surface the vital necessity of being extremely careful and intentionally watchful against deception.
The article begins by providing the historical backdrop of how the Hamas had tricked Israel in believing that they only wanted good for Gaza citizens. The Hamas had received work permits as part of giving an impression of wanting economic progress and not any conflict or war. Thus, the mass murder Hamas’ attack occurred as Israeli security was lowered and exacerbated as many soldiers were on vacation when the well-planned raid was timed in connection to the last day of the Jewish festival, the Feast of Tabernacles. The result: a tremendously terrible massacre carefully created and caused through planned deception.
Jesus’ first-layered answer does not address the “when” of the temple’s destruction or His second advent but a significant warning and teaching to guide His followers through each of those future moments—the first-century Roman destruction of the Temple and the yet, to be fulfilled appearance of Christ Jesus. Jesus’ admonition: each prophetic occasion needs to apply the same wisdom, Watch out that no one misleads you. Jesus instructs His disciples to be seriously looking with much care and considerable cattention so as not to be seduced and led astray by those who come saying they are the Christ…the Messiah.
History provides for us that many charlatans have come since the first century (Theudas and Judas, the Galilean in Acts 5:36-37 and Saddok by Josephus) up to present-day times (Jim Jones and David Koresh) doing exactly as Jesus had prophesied. Each declared to be Christ with the intent of seeking to lead unsuspecting people to become his followers. Jesus indicates that this, in fact, will be the case as they will mislead many (v. 5). These pretenders will announce the name Christ, Messiah, or “I Am.” Thus, the false Christs will use the name of deity in working to persuade and mislead persons, even peripheral Christ-followers.
Though Jesus’ answer does not immediately address the disciples’ curiosity the real need is directly pinpointed by Jesus as He understands what His followers will truly need. Again, Jesus’ focus is to help the disciples understand. Whether it was those first-century disciples or for believers today what is truly needed is to know Christ and His truth so well that one will not become fooled and duped by the false prophet. The intensity to join in will be intense and real as the false Christ gains a growing attraction and large following. His message will be palatable, and the working of miracles attest to his false claim.
For Jesus to begin His response with this message, that will be repeated, is a testimony of His deep love and care to true believers. Yet, the imperative to give heed must be understood and applied by each disciple. The grooming of false Christs will have a strong and tempting appeal to both lost people and careless Christians.
Thus, the need to heed Jesus’ warning is paramount! A casual Christian who has not truly taken the narrow road to life (Matthew 7:13-14) through spiritual growth and maturity in knowing Christ personally and the Scriptures practically may not be able to withstand the false Christ’s alluring message, growing number of followers, and appealing performance of power and persuasion. However, at the same time, the prepared disciple who has chosen a “deep dive” into knowing and following Christ will be able to absorb and withstand the temptation for themselves and their families with clear discernment of the deception. By the Holy Spirit’s empowerment, they will endure the pressure and temptation to not succumb by obeying Jesus’ command to Watch and pray!
Our Father, You have allowed temptation through false voices. This is Your way. Thank You for guiding many through the past generations to remain loyal to You. May their testimony fuel us in our present generation. Therefore, today, we ask for Your Spirit’s help to remain steadfast and faithful to You and Your Word when the growing frequency and intensity of false Christs are allowed to come—identifying themselves as You. Yes, we understand that many without a saving knowledge of You will be led away to their destruction—perhaps some who thought they were believers. Additionally, we see that a truly saved person, yet, who did not take seriously Your instruction to “Watch and pray.” may, with their saved life, end up embracing a lie and thus, build their life on You with wood, hay, and straw. Thus, live their one life going to heaven but without any reward. (1 Corinthians 3:10-15). Thank You for teaching us to pray, “deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:13). May we pray it often! In Jesus’ name, amen.
