Matthew 24:5

Matthew 24:5, in plain English

Jesus warns that many people will come claiming to be the Messiah, and they'll fool a lot of people. He wants His followers to know this in advance so they won't be taken in.

Why it's here

This has happened over and over throughout history. False leaders claiming divine authority have misled many. Jesus warned about it so you'd be prepared.

Who's speaking

Jesus gives a specific warning about imposters who will use His name to deceive people.

Where it sits in the story

It's a heads-up from Jesus: there will always be people who claim to speak for God but don't. Knowing this in advance is your best defense.

The scholarly reading

Jesus warns that many will come 'in My name' (epi tō onomati mou), claiming 'I am the Christ' (ego eimi ho Christos). History records numerous false messiahs in the first century and beyond, fulfilling this prediction precisely.

Language and setting

Acts 5:36-37 records Theudas and Judas the Galilean as false messianic figures. Bar Kokhba (132 AD) is another prominent example. The warning applies to every generation.

Voice

Jesus prophesies the rise of false messiahs, warning His disciples about a recurring threat.

Significance

Jesus identifies the first danger: impostors who will claim His identity. History is littered with false messiahs, proving this warning was prophetically accurate.

3While Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?”

4Jesus answered, “See to it that no one deceives you.

5For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.

6You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come.

7Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.

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.