Source sequence 73 of 85

Do Not Be Led Astray

Scripture

Primary passage

Matthew 24:25–28

25 “Behold, I have told you beforehand. 26 “If therefore they tell you, ‘Behold, he is in the wilderness,’ don’t go out; or ‘Behold, he is in the inner rooms,’ don’t believe it. 27 For as the lightning flashes from the east, and is seen even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be. 28 For wherever the carcass is, that is where the vultures gather together.

Primary passage · World English Bible

Mark

Mark 13:5–8

5 Jesus, answering, began to tell them, “Be careful that no one leads you astray. 6 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and will lead many astray. 7 “When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, don’t be troubled. For those must happen, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places. There will be famines and troubles. These things are the beginning of birth pains.

Unreviewed grouped account · World English Bible

Mark

Mark 13:21–23

21 Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘Look, there!’ don’t believe it. 22 For false christs and false prophets will arise and will show signs and wonders, that they may lead astray, if possible, even the chosen ones. 23 But you watch. “Behold, I have told you all things beforehand.

Unreviewed grouped account · World English Bible

Luke

Luke 21:8–9

8 He said, “Watch out that you don’t get led astray, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is at hand.’ Therefore don’t follow them. 9 When you hear of wars and disturbances, don’t be terrified, for these things must happen first, but the end won’t come immediately.”

Unreviewed grouped account · World English Bible

The command

Hear what Jesus commands.

Do not follow false messiahs, sensational claims, or panic-driven predictions about the end.

In context

Hear the whole passage.

Jesus prepares disciples for wars, upheaval, impressive signs, and confident claimants, warning that these do not justify alarm or premature conclusions.

What this reveals

What this reveals about God.

Jesus forms steady, discerning disciples who remember His prior warning and refuse manipulation by fear or spectacle.

Practice this command

Take one concrete step.

Before sharing an alarming spiritual claim, verify its source, compare it with Jesus' words, examine its fruit, and consult trustworthy believers.

Discuss

Talk about it.

Why do urgency, secret knowledge, signs, and fear make deceptive claims persuasive?

Pray

Pray this.

Jesus, keep us from deception. Give us sober minds, patient discernment, and courage to refuse fear-driven voices.

Teach

Teach it simply.

Emphasize Jesus' command not to go after such claimants; avoid turning the passage into another speculative prediction system.

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