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Author: Stephen Weller
687 words, 4 minutes read time

Do Not Be Led Astray

Scripture: Matthew 24:3; Mark 13:3-4, 6; Luke 21:8

With this lesson we come to what I see as another milestone. This is lesson 600 that we have studied so far in our adventure along the gospel path. The total narrative is 114 pages long and we are currently working from page 83. That means there should be about 824 total lessons or about 224 to go. At five lessons per week we will need 45 weeks or around 10 or so months to finish.

^{Mk 13:3} And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, ⁴ “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished, ^{Mt 24:3} and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”

In the previous lesson Jesus and his disciples left the temple and went to the Mount of Olives. On their way the disciples pointed out the majesty of the temple and Jesus responds by telling them that what they see would be destroyed, but nothing is recorded about Jesus saying anything more.

In this lesson we find that they have arrived at the Mount of Olives. The text describes Jesus sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, probably thinking about what was coming and maybe what he needs to tell his disciples. As he sat there, four of his disciples came to him to be alone with him to ask him two questions: “when will these things be” and “what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” When will the destruction come and what signs should we look for to indicate your return?

^{Lk 21:8} And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ ^{Mk 13:6} and they will lead many astray. ^{Lk 21:8} Do not go after them.”

 Jesus does not at first answer the questions but gives a warning that they not be led astray and explains by saying that many will come in his name claiming to be the Messiah. These imposters will say, “I am he!” and “The time is at hand!” Daniel expresses the notion that the time is at hand by saying  ²¹ “As I looked, this horn made war with the saints and prevailed over them, ²² until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom.” (Daniel 7:21 – 22 ESV). “Time is near” is spoken of in Revelation 1:3 ESV: “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.” Near the end of Revelation, we read, “And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near.” (Revelation 22:10 ESV).

Since the time of Jesus certain ones have come on the scene who claim to be the Messiah and draw some to themselves but in time fall away. There will be one who will arrive on the scene, known as the Antichrist, who will lead many astray. The warning Jesus is giving to his disciples is a warning to us to be on guard and not go after them, for they desire to take as many as they can to destruction with them.

Conclusion

During my lifetime I have seen a number of people who have stepped forth, not necessarily saying they are he, but claiming to predict the time of his return causing some to alter their lives in preparation only to find they have been deceived. As we study the signs associated with his return, we will see why many think the time is at hand.