Matthew 24:23–31 discusses the emergence of false messiahs and signs of the end times.
In a world swirling with confusion, Jesus gives clarity about false messiahs and signs of the end.
In this passage, He warns that deception will be widespread in the last days. Signs and wonders will appear persuasive, but they won’t be from God. Jesus tells us how to recognize what is false and what is true, emphasizing the importance of recognizing false messiahs and signs of the end.
Matthew 24:23–31 (NASB 2020)
23 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ,’ or ‘He is over here,’ do not believe him. 24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and will provide great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. 25 Behold, I have told you in advance. 26 So if they say to you, ‘Behold, He is in the wilderness,’ do not go out, or, ‘Behold, He is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe them. 27 For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be. 28 Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather. 29 “But immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. 31 And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet blast, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.
Who Was Jesus Speaking To?
- His disciples, providing prophetic insight into the future
- The Church, calling us to spiritual discernment
- Us in 2025, showing us how to recognize the real Jesus amid global deception and the numerous false messiahs and signs of the end.
What Happened?
- Jesus warned that false messiahs would try to deceive, even using signs and wonders
- He clarified that His return would be unmistakable
- The world will witness heavenly signs and the gathering of the elect
The Mood: Cautionary, Hopeful, Victorious
- Jesus gives a serious caution about deception
- Yet He affirms the certainty of His return and the security of His people
The Principle: Discernment + Expectation = Spiritual Victory
- Don’t chase signs; chase the Savior
- Deception will look convincing, but truth remains apparent to those who know the Word
- The true Jesus comes with power, not whispers
Audience Response (Then)
- The disciples were likely sober and watchful
- Early Christians remembered this teaching and stayed grounded, aware of false messiahs and signs of the end.
- Even in today’s world, many fall prey to counterfeit spirituality
What This Means for Us in 2025
We live in a world full of spiritual noise. From social media gurus to global movements claiming hidden truths, the temptation to follow something flashy is a real one, reflecting the proliferation of false messiahs and signs of the end.
But the real Jesus doesn’t hide.
- His return will be like lightning
- His gathering will be cosmic, clear, and victorious
Ask yourself:
- Am I grounded in God’s Word, or am I easily swayed?
- Do I know the real Christ well enough to spot a fake?
- Am I living watchfully and expectantly?
Action Steps for Today
- Study Scripture regularly. Know the voice of the true Shepherd.
- Practice discernment. Not every miracle is from God.
- Don’t be led by emotion. Stay anchored in truth.
- Keep watch. Jesus’ return will be evident and glorious.
- Encourage others to stay grounded. Help others resist deception.
Final Prayer
Jesus, keep me grounded in Your truth. Help me to recognize Your voice in a world full of noise. May I never be led astray by signs, but stay faithful until the day You return in power and glory. In Your name, Amen.
If it doesn’t sound like Jesus, look like Jesus, or glorify Jesus—it’s not Jesus.
