What the Coming of Jesus will Look Like

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We've talked about false Christs and false prophets before on this blog (see Related Articles below). We've talked about how these false Christian teachers will appear and that we need to not only be aware of this but on our guard watching for them. In his speech, Jesus again circles around to repeat this topic (so it must be important!).

Here is what Jesus said in Matthew 24:23-28 (ESV):

23 Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'There he is!' do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand. 26 So, if they say to you, 'Look, he is in the wilderness,' do not go out. If they say, 'Look, he is in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 28 Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.

Jesus concludes his thought with two images:

• lightning flashing in the sky and
• vultures circling in the sky.

Both of these images reveal something that can be seen by people from great distances. In other words, when Jesus comes, you and everyone else will be able to see him. It seems clear this means everyone in the world will be able to see him, no matter where you are.

He won't be hiding in the desert. He won't be concealed by a privileged few in some inner room in a remote location. When you hear of such things, remember that Jesus himself said there would be lies like this being promoted, so you can confidently dismiss them. (Tweet that!)

When Jesus comes, he'll come in a way where everyone in the world can see him. There will be no mistaking what's happening! (Tweet that!)

Denial? Yeah maybe. Especially since the false Christs and false prophets will have already come and performed great signs and miracles. Be careful what you believe based on what you see. (Tweet that!)

Think of what we see on TV and in movies that is not real but looks real because of special effects. Jesus said those who do these things will do this for the very purpose of deceiving people. And they will be very good at it, because Jesus said they will be able "to deceive even the elect—if that were possible." (Which kind of implies it's not possible, don't you think?)

(Also, there's a lot of discussion of who the "elect" are. I think it's fair to say they are the true followers of Jesus.)

But for those who are willing to look and see the truth, the coming of Jesus will be unmistakable. (Tweet that!)

Related Articles:

• Jesus' First Warning: Don't be Deceived by False Christs
• Jesus Gives Further Warnings about False Christs
• Many False Prophets Will Appear and Deceive Many People