What Jesus Did! 'False Messiahs' — Mark 13:21-23

Thursday, September 26, 2024

[Jesus continued,] "Then if anyone tells you, 'Look, here is the Messiah,' or 'There he is,' don't believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God's chosen ones. Watch out! I have warned you about this ahead of time!"
— Mark 13:21-23 NLT

Key Thought

Since Jesus' return to heaven at his ascension, many false messiahs have come and tried to present themselves as the one true Messiah of God's people. Jesus warned his followers this would be true. When he returns in the future, there will be no doubt. We must not let fakes, no matter how well-intentioned or how deeply deluded, deceive us.

Today's Prayer

O Father in heaven, please keep our eyes open to your truth and keep our spiritual discernment sharp so that we will not be deceived by anyone or anything regarding your Son's will for our lives or his glorious return. In the name of Jesus, my returning Lord, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Watch Out for False Messiahs and Prophets
Devo: Spiritual Warfare
"Then if anyone tells you, "Look, here is the Messiah," or "There he is," don’t believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and..."

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 13:21-23 NLT — For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God's chosen ones.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, September 26, 2024

Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Revelation 1:3
"Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Ephesians 6:12
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Susannah Ince:
"Even though times of transition are tough, the riches of refinement are worth the pain of loneliness and frustration."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Rules: Praise, Serve, and Honor Him'
"Then a voice came from the throne, saying: "Praise our God, all you who serve him and all you who honor him, both small and great!" Then I heard what...."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!