Matthew 24:3-8: “See that no one leads you astray.”

“All these are but the beginning of the birth pains,” Jesus in Matthew 24:8

“This is fact! May 21, 2011 is the day of the Rapture, it is the day that Judgment Day begins...” (Harold Camping, Topics from the Open Forum)

“One of the greatest temptations in times of difficulty is to follow blindly any self-proclaimed savior who promises help.”  (D.A. Carson, Expositor’s Bible Commentary, p. 497)

Verse 3 begins what is known as the “Olivet Discourse,” where Jesus speaks of things to come.  The Olivet Discourse runs through the end of chapter 25.   In the other two synoptic gospels, the Olivet Discourse is found in Mark 13 and Luke 21.  

It is no mere coincidence, I believe, that the setting for Jesus to talk about His return is on the very mountain, the Mount of Olives, where He will touch down when He returns.    The prophet Zechariah says, of the return of the Lord, “On that day His feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives that lies before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two from east to west…” (Zechariah 14:4)

As He sat, the way teachers did in that day (see Matthew 5:1), the disciples came to Him privately (v.3).  Mark 13:3 adds it was the inner core of disciples who came to Him:  Peter, James, John and Andrew.   They ask Him a flurry of questions: “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (v.3)

Jesus begins with His over-arching theme: “See that no one leads you astray.” (v. 4) “I’m telling you now,” Jesus seems to say, “so that when all of this happens, you will not be surprised.”  “For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.” (v. 5) An act done “in the name of Christ,” does not imply that it is a godly act.   Those condemned at judgment will respond, “Did we not do many mighty works in Your name?”  (see Matthew 7:22). 

False Christs have been part of the landscape since the beginning.  Warnings of wolves in sheep’s clothing are part of New Testament teaching:  from Jesus (see Matthew 7:15), to Paul (Acts 20:28-30), and John (1 John 4:1-3).   The early post-New Testament church had to confront men such as Marcion and Arius who taught heresies that led many astray.   

The church of the middle Ages became evil and corrupt, condemning and killing many saints, including Tyndale, Wycliffe, and Huss.   Such cults as Mormonism and Jehovah Witnesses have been active for over 100 years.  My generation knows the names of false Christs such as Koresh, Applewhite, Whisenant and Camping.   My wife and I have read reports from missionaries in China who speak of false Christs infiltrating the church and leading believers astray into various cults.

Jesus continued: “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars.  See that you are not alarmed for this must take place but the end is not yet.” (v.6)  In one sense these occurrences seem more frequent.   Technology has brought images directly to our computers confirming that “nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom” as well as “famines and earthquakes in various places.” (v. 7)   However, these tragedies have happened with regularity since Jesus spoke these words.   “All of these are but the beginning of the birth pains” (v.8) and signs that we live in a fallen world.  

 When someone in Jesus’ name makes a spectacular claim, we need to be like the Berean Christians, “examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Acts 17:11).  When we hear of great tragedy, we must remember Jesus warned us not be alarmed, the end is not yet (v. 6).   We should learn from Psalm 1 and meditate on and delight in God’s law day and night.   Then, even in times of deception and world-wide upheaval, we will bear fruit.