Matthew 24:25

Matthew 24:25, in plain English

Jesus says plainly: 'I'm telling you all of this ahead of time.' He's warning you now so that when it happens, you'll remember His words and won't be caught off guard.

Why it's here

This is one of the most loving things Jesus does in this passage. He prepares you for what's coming so you won't be blindsided.

Who's speaking

Jesus speaks as a caring protector, making sure His followers are armed with foreknowledge.

Where it sits in the story

It's like a coach showing you the other team's plays before the game. When you know what's coming, you're ready. Jesus makes sure you're never caught unprepared.

The scholarly reading

Jesus states, 'I have told you in advance' (proeirēka hymin), establishing that forewarning is itself a form of protection. Knowing what to expect strips deception of its power.

Language and setting

This simple statement makes the entire Olivet Discourse a prophetic gift to the church. By revealing the future, Jesus arms His followers with discernment.

Voice

Jesus reminds His disciples that His prophetic forewarning is itself their greatest defense.

Significance

Jesus arms His followers with the most powerful weapon against deception: advance knowledge. When you know the playbook, the plays lose their power to fool you.

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.

26So if they tell you, ‘There He is, in the wilderness,’ do not go out, or, ‘Here He is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it.

27For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

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.