If
anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘Look, there!’ don’t believe it. For there will arise false christs and false prophets, and will show signs and wonders, that they may lead astray, if possible, even the chosen ones.
Mark 13:21-22
Mark 13 [12.] “Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death. You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake, but he who endures to the end, the same will be saved. But when you see the abomination of desolation,[b] spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let him who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter in, to take anything out of his house. Let him who is in the field not return back to take his cloak. But woe to those who are with child and to those who nurse babies in those days! Pray that your flight won’t be in the winter. For in those days there will be oppression, such as there has not been the like from the beginning of the creation which God created until now, and never will be. Unless the Lord had shortened the days, no flesh would have been saved; but for the sake of the chosen ones, whom he picked out, he shortened the days. Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘Look, there!’ don’t believe it. For there will arise false christs and false prophets, and will show signs and wonders, that they may lead astray, if possible, even the chosen ones. But you watch. “Behold, I have told you all things beforehand.
Mark 13 [24.] But in those days, after that oppression, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light, the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken.[c] Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. Then he will send out his angels, and will gather together his chosen ones from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the sky.
Meaning:
In these verses, Jesus provides a stern warning about the coming of false messiahs and prophets who will attempt to deceive even the faithful. This passage is part of Jesus’ Olivet Discourse, where He speaks about the end times and the signs of His coming.
Setting: This discourse takes place on the Mount of Olives, where Jesus discusses the destruction of the temple and the signs of the end times with His disciples.
Purpose: Jesus aims to prepare His disciples for future events, emphasizing vigilance, discernment, and faithfulness amidst impending trials and deceptions.
Significance
- Warnings of Deception:
False Christs and Prophets: Jesus explicitly warns that there will be individuals who claim to be the Messiah or prophets sent by God. These impostors will perform signs and wonders to support their claims, aiming to deceive people.
Potential to Mislead: The deceit will be so convincing that it could lead even the "chosen ones" (the elect) astray if they are not vigilant. This highlights the need for constant watchfulness and discernment among believers.
- Call to Vigilance:
“But you watch”: Jesus’ command to "watch" is a call to be spiritually alert and discerning. Believers must be aware of the truth and grounded in their faith to recognize and resist false teachings and deceptions.
Forewarning: By stating, "I have told you all things beforehand," Jesus underscores the importance of His teachings. He has provided the necessary warnings and instructions to prepare His followers for the challenges ahead.
Theological Reflection
- Discernment and Faithfulness:
Grounded in Truth: The emphasis on not being deceived calls for a deep grounding in the truth of God's Word. Believers need to be knowledgeable about Scripture and the true nature of Christ to discern false claims.
Endurance of Faith: The potential deception of even the chosen ones highlights the importance of a strong, enduring faith. This faith is sustained by regular engagement with Scripture, prayer, and the fellowship of the faithful.
- Signs and Wonders:
Not Always from God: The ability of false prophets to perform signs and wonders serves as a reminder that miraculous acts alone are not proof of divine authority. Believers must test the spirits and discern the source of such wonders (1 John 4:1).
Practical Applications
- Developing Discernment:
Study Scripture: Regular study of the Bible helps believers understand the true nature and teachings of Christ, providing a solid foundation to recognize and reject false claims.
Prayer for Wisdom: James 1:5 encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, which is essential for discernment. Seeking divine guidance through prayer is crucial in navigating potential deceptions.
- Community and Accountability:
Fellowship with Believers: Being part of a faith community provides support, encouragement, and accountability. Discussing and interpreting Scripture together can help believers stay grounded in truth.
Heeding Wise Counsel: Proverbs 11:14 states, "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors, there is safety." Seeking advice from trusted, mature Christians can help discern the truth in complex situations.
- Being Watchful:
Spiritual Vigilance: Maintaining a state of spiritual alertness involves being aware of the times and the signs of Christ's return, as well as the potential for deception. This vigilance helps believers stay focused on their faith and mission.
Critical Evaluation: Believers should critically evaluate teachings and claims, comparing them against the truth of Scripture. Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans for examining the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true.
Cross-References:
Matthew 24:24: "For there will arise false christs and false prophets, and they will show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the chosen ones." This parallel passage reinforces the warning about deceptive signs and the potential to mislead even the faithful.
2 Thessalonians 2:9-10: "Even he whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deception of wickedness for those who are being lost, because they didn’t receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved." Paul warns about the coming of the lawless one with deceptive powers and wonders, urging believers to love and adhere to the truth.
1 John 4:1: "Beloved, don’t believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." John instructs believers to test the spirits to discern their true origin, highlighting the prevalence of false prophets.
Conclusion: Mark 13:21-23 serves as a vital warning for believers to remain vigilant and discerning in the face of false prophets and deceptive claims. Jesus' words remind us that miraculous signs and wonders alone are not sufficient proof of divine authority. Instead, we must be grounded in the truth of God's Word, develop a discerning heart, and remain faithful to Christ's teachings. By doing so, we can navigate the challenges and deceptions of the end times, staying true to our faith and ultimately enduring to the end. Let us take to heart Jesus' admonition to watch and be prepared, relying on His forewarnings and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to lead us in truth and righteousness.