How to Keep Your Head on Straight in a World Gone CrazySample

Day 2: Jesus’ Words on End-times Deception

Toward the end of Jesus’ ministry, the disciples approached Him with questions that many believers are still seeking answers for today. Matthew 24:3 says, “And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” (King James Version).

Notice the word “sign” in this verse. It is the Greek word sēmeion (σημεῖον), which is used to describe the signposts that helped travelers know exactly where they were as they made their way to their destinations. In effect, the disciples wanted to know what the “signposts” would be that would confirm we’ve finally reached the very end of the age.

Jesus spoke of many signs that would precede the end of the age, including signs in the heavens, economic instability, great seismic activity, prosecution of Christians, warring political systems, famines, persecution, pestilences, ethnic conflicts, imprisonment of believers, the emergence of false prophets, the love of many waxing cold, fearful sights, unknown diseases, wars and rumors of wars (see Matthew 24).

Jesus predicted all of these things would be signs, but the first and foremost sign He provided was a warning that a worldwide deception would emerge at the very end of the age: “...Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many” (Matthew 24:4-5, King James Version). In other words, Jesus was saying, “Above everything else, the most telling sign to let you know that you have entered the very end of the age is a widespread, worldwide deception.”

The phrase “take heed” is a Greek word which was here intended to jar and jolt the disciples to be alert and pay close attention to what Jesus was about to say because it was extremely important.

After getting their attention, He said, “Take heed that no man deceive you” (Matthew 24:4, King James Version). The word “deceive” is the Greek which means to wander off course, or to morally lose one’s bearings. Jesus was prophesying that at the end of the age, many in society would leave the clear teachings of Scripture and begin to morally drift into deception.

The word “deceive” not only depicts the behavior of someone who once walked on a solid path and has wandered off, but it also pictures someone who is drifting on the edge of a treacherous route. He or she is now going against the grain of everything that was once his or her core beliefs, and his or her new course is unreliable, unpredictable, and even dangerous.

How can we keep our heads on straight in a world that is leaning toward lawlessness? The answer is to live our lives according to the Word of God. Jesus commands us not to let ourselves be deceived, which means we are responsible for preparing our hearts with the Holy Spirit and Word of God. Although the world is sinking into depravity, we have been called to and equipped for a higher walk — a walk that is grounded in the Word and guided by the Holy Spirit.

For Your Consideration:

• It is certainly true that believers of every time period have had to deal with issues of moral degradation and societal ills in the world around them, so how do you think this end-time deception and deprivation differs from previous generations?
• Jesus puts the responsibility of being prepared on each of us. What are some ways you can prepare and fortify your heart and mind against the deception of the last days?