Matthew 24:3-5 3And as he was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” 4And answering Jesus said to them, “Watch out lest any of you might be led astray. 5For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.
We have to give the disciples some credit for being perceptive and noticing that Jesus had mentioned that he would come again. The group had gone across the valley to the Mount of Olives and had a clear view of the temple structure. They may have been wondering about Jesus’ last words as they made their way to the Mount, and so talked to Jesus alone, in private. These were not questions when the crowds were around but what the disciples believed was private information. They had two questions: 1) time: when would the destruction of Jerusalem take place? and 2) indicators: what would let them know that the end the age had come and Jesus would appear again? These are the same questions many believers have today. The disciples may have thought that the two events would take place at the same time, but history clearly tells us that they are separate.
Their questions implies that they had a sense that something was about to happen, but they did not understand. A lack of understanding about something often opens one to being led astray. There have been many ideas over the ages about Jesus’ second coming. Many interesting and even convincing theories have been offered, but the danger with these theories is that they rely on human understanding, which can be so easily deceived. People can convince themselves and be convinced by others that theories are facts, and that their speculations are true. Eschatology (study of the end) is one of the most controversial and divisive topics among Christians and should be approached with great caution.
One of the most significant warning signs Jesus gives is about false messiahs. People have claimed to be the messiah throughout the ages. There are many stories of this even in our own lifetime. Why are people duped into thinking that a person is actually the Messiah? Often, the deceit comes slowly over time, as people become more emotionally attached to a religious leader. Some people sound very convincing and appeal to human weakness. Some cult leaders give a promise or provide what people need, creating dependency. A significant problem is that people are ignorant of the truth. The only spiritual education they get is through a religious leader. They do not go directly to the source of the Bible. If they do go to the Bible, their interpretation is influenced by their teachers. The best defense against deceit is to know the truth. Stay close to Jesus. Get to know the truth about him.
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