Be Focused

Be Focused

Matthew 24:4-5, 23-26, NLT

Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, 5for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. . . . 23Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t believe it. 24For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones. 25See, I have warned you about this ahead of time. 26So if someone tells you, ‘Look, the Messiah is out in the desert,’ don’t bother to go and look. Or, ‘Look, he is hiding here,’ don’t believe it!”

Setting the Scene

Jesus said, “Don’t let anyone mislead you.” Some translations use the word beware because Jesus was emphasizing watchfulness and vigilance. He knew that if the disciples were looking for signs, they would be susceptible to deception. Someone with counterfeit signs of spiritual power and bogus claims of authority could deceive eager and sincere believers anxiously looking for Christ.

Throughout the first century, such deceivers did arise (see Acts 5:36-37; 8:9-11; 2 Timothy 3; 2 Peter 2; 1 John 2:18; 4:1-3). Since that time many false messiahs have come and gone, and others have claimed to have inside knowledge about the Second Coming. According to Scripture, the one clear sign of Christ’s return will be his unmistakable appearance in the clouds, which will be seen by all people (Matthew 24:30; Revelation 1:7). When Jesus comes back, believers will know beyond a doubt because he will be evident to all.

In times of persecution even strong believers can find it difficult to be loyal. Wanting Christ to return so much, they will grasp at any rumor that he has arrived. Jesus warned his disciples not to be swayed by whatever “signs and wonders” these people might produce. Their “power” will be by trickery or from Satan, not from God. Sometimes the arguments and proofs from deceivers in the end times will be so convincing that being faithful will be difficult. But if we are prepared and focused on the truth, Jesus says, we will stay true.

Getting Personal

Thinking back over your lifetime, what “false messiahs” can you remember? What did they offer? What happened to them and their followers?

Of what false teachings are you aware these days? What makes those teachings so appealing to so many people? How do you know the teachings are false?

What can you do to stay focused on the Truth?

In the centuries following Jesus’ warnings to the disciples, numerous false messiahs and religious gurus have led millions astray, and others continue to do so today. We should only listen to teachers and other spiritual leaders whose teachings agree with the Bible, God’s inspired Word. We must keep focused on the Truth—on Christ.

Talking to God

Pray for a renewed hunger for God’s Word, since knowing biblical truth is your best safeguard against false teaching. Ask the Lord to give you discernment so that you can distinguish good teaching from false teaching. Ask him to help you recognize only the Good Shepherd’s voice and to help you follow him only.