False Teachers in The End Times

Topic: Prophecy
Passage: Mark 13:14–23

March 1, 2020

Commentary

Some writers feel that this particular portion of scripture deals with events that happened during the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. However, it seems that the complete fulfillment of Jesus’ prediction is yet future during the great tribulation at the end of this age. Jesus takes the old phrase “the abomination of desolation” from (Dan. 9:27) and uses it to describe the terrible things that are about to happen (vv. 14-21). In His warning He says that at the first signs the people should flee and not even wait to pick up their things. It is interesting to note that in the destruction of Jerusalem the people did just the opposite. They crowded into Jerusalem and death came in ways that are almost beyond description. This prediction certainly has a striking parallel to the description Josephus gives about the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. However, the complete fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy awaits the great tribulation at the end of this age.

Jesus warns how it will be easy for Christians to be deceived about the Lord’s return (vv. 22-23). In fact in the end times the deceivers arguments and proofs will be so convincing that it will be difficult not to fall away from Christ. Some of the ways to discern these false teachers is to check them out by asking the following questions:

  1. Do they have to revise their predictions to fit what has already happened?
  2. Does their teaching utilize only a small section of the Bible to the neglect of the whole?
  3. Does their teaching contradict what the Bible says about God?
  4. Do the teachings glorify the teacher or Christ?

Application

What is the most exciting thing about the Lord’s return to me? What questions would I like to ask Jesus about the end time? The most important thing is to be ready when He comes.

Mark 13:14– 23 (NET)

14 “But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be” (let the reader understand), “then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. 15 The one on the roof must not come down or go inside to take anything out of his house. 16 The one in the field must not turn back to get his cloak. 17 Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing their babies in those days! 18 Pray that it may not be in winter. 19 For in those days there will be suffering unlike anything that has happened from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, or ever will happen. 20 And if the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would be saved. But because of the elect, whom he chose, he has cut them short. 21 Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe him. 22 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, the elect. 23 Be careful! I have told you everything ahead of time.