Mark 13:21
And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
AD 66-70 witnessed messianic pretenders claiming to deliver Israel from Rome. Josephus names several. After AD 70, various figures claimed messianic authority: Simon bar Kokhba (AD 132, led revolt, proclaimed Messiah by Rabbi Akiva, failed); medieval figures like Sabbatai Zevi (17th century); modern cult leaders (Jim Jones, David Koresh, Sun Myung Moon) claiming Christ returned in them. Each fulfilled Jesus' warning. Christian history includes movements claiming Christ returned secretly (Jehovah's Witnesses claim 1914 invisible return; some Adventist groups claim secret rapture occurred). All contradict Jesus' clear teaching: His return will be public, visible, unmistakable. Vigilance against false christs remains necessary. Test claims by Scripture; reject secret, localized messianic assertions.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Jesus emphasize His return will be unmistakable rather than localized, secretive, or requiring announcement?
- What makes Christians vulnerable to false christs' deception—and how does Scripture knowledge protect against it?
- How do modern cults and movements fulfill Jesus' warning about localized messianic claims—and what's the proper Christian response?
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Analysis & Commentary
And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not—Jesus returns to the deception theme (vv. 5-6). The Greek ide (ἴδε, 'lo/behold') draws urgent attention; hōde (ὧδε, 'here') and ekei (ἐκεῖ, 'there') indicate localized messianic claims. False teachers will direct people to specific locations or individuals claiming Christ's presence. Jesus commands: mē pisteuete (μὴ πιστεύετε, 'do not believe')—absolute prohibition.
Why? Christ's return will be unmistakable, universal, visible to all (v. 26; Revelation 1:7—'every eye shall see him'). No one will need to point Him out; His appearing will be self-evident as lightning (Matthew 24:27). Any localized, secretive, cult-like claim ('Christ is in the desert,' 'Christ is in the inner chambers') is false. This guards against deception: when Christ returns, you'll know—no announcement needed. False teachers exploit credulity, claiming secret knowledge or special revelation. Christians must test claims against Scripture (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1).