Matthew 24:23
Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
Matthew 24:23
Amid deception, Jesus warns that even if someone claims “here is Christ” or “there,” do not believe it. The context is a time of expectation and challenge where false messiahs can arise. The verse emphasizes discernment and the need to test revelations against the true gospel. It also acknowledges that persecution and confusion can lead people to seek immediate, sensational deliverances rather than patient faith.
Key themes include discernment, false teaching, and the centrality of Christ’s true identity. The verse guards the community from being misled by spectacular signs that bypass the core gospel message. It reinforces the need to anchor faith in the teachings of Jesus Christ and in the witness of Scripture.
In today’s info-rich world, this verse urges critical thinking and doctrinal clarity. When someone claims spectacular signs or new revelations, test them against the Bible and the core gospel: the life, death, resurrection, and lordship of Jesus. Practice community discernment—consult trusted pastors, mentors, and Scripture. Maintain humility to avoid gullibility and maturity to hold fast to truth under pressure.
Cross-References: 1 John 4:1; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12; Deuteronomy 13:1-3; 1 Corinthians 11:19; Colossians 2:8