Life Talk Devotion 03/14/2026
Much of what we know about the times leading up to the second advent of Jesus Christ, Jesus Himself, gave us in the Gospels. In Matthew 24, His disciples asked Jesus “And what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3). Like you and me, they were curious how those days would unfold and questioned Jesus directly about the signs leading up to His return. In verses 1 and 2 of the same chapter Jesus had just foretold of the destruction of Herod’s magnificent Jewish Temple. So naturally, the disciple’s interest was peaked about when these events would occur.
Surprisingly, Jesus does not answer their inquiry directly quite yet but gives them a warning which He subsequently repeats 2 additional times in the chapter. “Take heed that no one deceives you. (Matthew 24:4). Students of the Bible will recognize the significance of repetition being used in Scripture to elevate importance to the reader. Jesus is emphasizing deception as a primary marker of the End Times and with that He is saying; Be alert. For deception will be the key tactical strategy used by those who oppose the coming reign of Jesus Christ at His Second Advent.
Deception is a classic strategy used by an enemy to create confusion, manipulate behavior and gain psychological advantage over an adversary. We see it as far back as the Garden of Eden where the serpent introduces a small seed of doubt to Eve about what God really said regarding the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (see Genesis chapter 3). A slight twist in the truth captured Eve’s mind and appealed to her naive lusts. Satan cunningly does not use an outright lie to manipulate Eve but a half-truth which planted a seed of doubt in her heart. A half truth is always more difficult to discern and defend against than a bold-faced lie. But that is the nature of deception; stirring up confusion while even having the false appearance of the good, the wise or being the right thing to do.
The context in which Jesus speaks of deception in Matthew 24 relates directly to the appearance of false christs (v5, 24) and false prophets (v11, 24) coming on the scene showing great signs and wonders with the intent to convince people of their being sent from God and speaking for Him. Signs and wonders do not necessarily authentic the nature of the one performing them or prove they have been sent from God Most High of the Bible. We see examples of malevolent individuals in Scripture who tap into demonic spiritual powers to perform and duplicate great signs and wonders. In Exodus chapter 7, we find a supernatural battle between Moses and Pharaoh’s magicians unfold where duplication of miraculous signs seems to be effortless for Pharaoh’s dark priests. Should we be surprised at the powers of darkness since the Bible tells us Satan and his minions are able to transform into angels of light (2 Corinthians 11:14-15)?
Dark wonders and signs will be prevalent in the End Times and the days proceeding them seeking to mislead those who have strayed from the truth of the Bible. Many will be fooled by the smooth talking workers of the miraculous and the supernatural that will come to prominence. Guarding against the deceivers and the twisters of truth is only accomplished by discerning the authentic from the counterfeit. And knowing the genuine can only be found by having Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and trusting in His word.
The Apostle John in his epistle tells how to stand guard : “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.” 1 John 4:1-3
Jesus, in Matthew 24, goes on to describe what He calls the “beginning of sorrows” will be like. Many of those signs of the times along with deceptions and dark realities are starting to manifest before our very eyes right now. So, stand strong and watch.
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