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

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'The Team Heads to Philippi' (Acts 16:9-12)
"That night [after the Spirit prevented the mission team from preaching in the province of Asia,] Paul had a vision: A man from Macedonia in northern...."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Gurnall:
"God is in the hypocrite's mouth, but the world is in his heart."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Mightier than These!' (Ps. 93:3-4)
"The floods have risen up, O Lord. The floods have roared like thunder; the floods have lifted their pounding waves. But mightier than the violent..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'The Good Fight of Faith' (1 Ti. 6:20-21,)
"Dear Father, invisible and immortal God, Guard me that I may guard what you have entrusted to me. Help me to avoid the godless talk and vain..."

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!