Matthew 24:23-28

Jesus again stresses the great deception of false messiahs in those days. He had just spoken of the days of the tribulation being shortened by God, so that some may survive the terrible days of the tribulation.

Jesus states in Matthew 24:23 ‘Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not’. This translation is a basically accurate translation from the Greek into the English. Christ in the Greek is: G5547 Χριστός Christos khris-tos' From G5548; anointed, that is, the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus: - Christ. Believe in the Greek is: G4100 πιστεύωpisteuō pist-yoo'-o From G4102; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), that is, credit; by implication to entrust (especially one’s spiritual well being to Christ): - believe (-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with. In the tribulation there shall be great deception regarding Jesus. Many forces shall come against the Christians and those who are being drawn unto Him, to deceive them regarding who Jesus is. He’s making the point that one does not need to look here or there for Jesus. Faith in who He is, that’s the key. Evil men will pursue other men unto death. The battle is also spiritual in nature.

Matthew 24:24 ‘For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect’. Signs in the Greek is: G4592 σημεῖονsēmeion say-mi'-on Neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of G4591; an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally: - miracle, sign, token, wonder. Wonders in the Greek is: G5059 τέραςteras ter'-as Of uncertain affinity; a prodigy or omen: - wonder. It were possible in the Greek is: G1415 δυνατόςdunatos doo-nat-os' From G1410; powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible: - able, could, (that is) mighty (man), possible, power, strong. Shall deceive in the Greek is: G4105 πλανάωplanaō plan-ah'-o From G4106; to (properly cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue): - go astray, deceive, err, seduce, wander, be out of the way. So Jesus is letting the reader know and hopefully understand, that those seeking Jesus, will have to deal with a great spiritual force coming to deceive them. In fact, this deception will be so convincing that even Christians with a strong faith in Jesus as the Messiah, could possibly be caught up in the deception. His warning is not trivial but meant to shake one to their senses. Lying and deceiving signs and wonders will accompany the evil ones. Be fore warned!

Matthew 24: 25 ‘Behold, I have told you before’. This is quite clear. What Jesus is sharing is prophetic.

Matthew 24:26 ‘Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold he is in the secret chambers; believe it not’. This is an obvious reference to John the baptist and possibly the Temple. Probably false religious worship. Jesus states this is a deception and don’t fall for it.

Matthew 24:27 ‘For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be’. I believe this is information concerning the return of Jesus at His second coming. Son of man is a reference to Jesus. He used this expression many times in referring to Himself. I believe Jesus’ second coming will be near the end of the tribulation/great tribulation period.

Matthew 24:28 ‘For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together’. Eagles in the Greek is: G105 ἀετόςaetos ah-et-os' From the same as G109; an eagle (from its wind like flight): - eagle. I don’t know exactly why Jesus made this statement. Maybe it relates to the lightning coming from the east to the west? Obviously birds of prey will gather around a carcass to consume it.