Matthew 24:23

Matthew 24:23, in plain English

Jesus warns again: when things are at their worst, people will point and say 'The Messiah is here!' or 'He's over there!' Don't believe them. Don't fall for it.

Why it's here

When you're hurting and desperate, you're most vulnerable to false hope. Jesus repeats this warning because He knows how tempting it will be to grasp at any claim of rescue.

Who's speaking

Jesus emphasizes His warning about deception because He knows the pressure of suffering makes people vulnerable.

Where it sits in the story

It's the same warning, but now with extra urgency. In the darkest moments, the temptation to follow any promise of rescue is strongest. Jesus says: wait for the real thing.

The scholarly reading

Jesus returns to the warning against deception: during tribulation, false claims of 'Here is the Christ!' (hōde ho Christos) or 'There He is!' (hōde) will proliferate. The command 'do not believe it' (mē pisteusēte) is emphatic.

Language and setting

Desperation during tribulation makes people susceptible to false messiahs. This repeats and intensifies the warning of verses 4-5, showing deception is the dominant concern.

Voice

Jesus circles back to His primary warning about deception, applying it specifically to the tribulation period.

Significance

Jesus returns to His central theme: don't be fooled. When suffering is at its worst, false saviors will seem most appealing. Stay vigilant.

21For at that time there will be great tribulation, unseen from the beginning of the world until now, and never to be seen again.

22If those days had not been cut short, nobody would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short.

23At that time, if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There He is!’ do not believe it.

24For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.

25See, I have told you in advance.

Read all of Matthew 24 — The disciples ask when the end will come. Jesus answers with wars, earthquakes, and a warning: stay awake, because no one knows the hour.