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Book of Luke - Chapter 21 - Verse 8

21:8
And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.

Meaning

Jesus warns his followers to be on guard against deception, specifically false claimants to his identity. He cautions that in the times to come, many will come in his name, proclaiming themselves to be the Christ. This deceptive claim will lead people astray and create confusion. The urgency of his warning lies in the fact that these false prophets will arise when the end times are approaching, leading people to believe that the return of Christ is imminent. However, Jesus instructs his followers not to be swayed by these imposters and to maintain their faith in the true Christ. This verse serves as a reminder to believers to discern the true teachings of Jesus amidst the various voices claiming to represent him, particularly as the end times draw near.

Theological Overview

In this verse, Jesus warns his disciples about false prophets who will come claiming to be the Messiah. The term "Christ" refers to the Anointed One or the Messiah. Jesus cautions his followers to be vigilant and not be deceived by these impostors. The word "deceived" in this context emphasizes the importance of discernment and spiritual awareness. It underscores the need for believers to be rooted in the faith and knowledgeable about the teachings of Jesus. By using the term "many", Jesus suggests that the prevalence of false prophets will be widespread, making it crucial for his followers to be on guard. This verse serves as a reminder to Christians to be cautious and discerning in order to avoid being led astray by those who claim to speak on behalf of Christ. It highlights the importance of staying true to the teachings of Jesus and not being swayed by false doctrines.

American Standard Version

And he said, Take heed that ye be not led astray: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am [he] ; and, The time is at hand: go ye not after them.
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