Matthew 24:24 warns that false messiahs and false prophets will appear in the last days, performing impressive signs and wonders that could mislead even faithful believers if such a thing were possible. Jesus is not describing a comfortable future, but he is giving his followers advance warning so they will not be caught off guard. He speaks these words to his disciples on the Mount of Olives, in answer to their questions about the destruction of the temple and the signs of his coming and of the end of the age.
For there will arise false christs, and false prophets, and they will show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the chosen ones.
Matthew 24:24 (WEB)
What Matthew 24:24 Means
The verse begins with “For there will arise false christs, and false prophets.” The word “christ” means “anointed one,” and the title belonged to the promised Messiah. Jesus is saying that people will claim to hold that role without having it, and others will speak in God’s name without being sent by him. The warning is about imitation, not about a random error of opinion.
Next comes “they will show great signs and wonders.” Jesus does not deny that these figures will have power to impress. Miracles on their own are not proof that a teacher speaks for God. The crowds will be shown things that look supernatural, and that is exactly why the warning is needed.
The phrase “so as to lead astray, if possible, even the chosen ones” is the heart of the verse. The words “if possible” show that Jesus is not promising that his people will be fooled, and he is not saying that the deception will succeed. He is saying that the attempt will be made so seriously that it would deceive almost anyone, were it not for God’s protection. The verse does not promise that believers will never feel confused, but it does make clear that the true people of God will not be lost to such lies.
The Context of Matthew 24:24
Matthew’s Gospel was written for a community of Jewish and Gentile Christians, most likely in the latter part of the first century. Matthew presents Jesus as the promised King and teacher, and chapters 24 and 25 form the last major block of his teaching before the Passion narrative. The chapter opens with the disciples admiring the temple buildings, and Jesus responds with words about their coming destruction, which took place in AD 70.
The verses just before this one speak of a time of great oppression and of days that will be shortened for the sake of the chosen ones. The verses that follow warn the disciples not to believe anyone who points to a location and claims that the Christ is there, because the true coming of the Son of Man will be as visible as lightning across the sky. Reading the verse in this setting shows that Jesus is teaching discernment. The message is not to be drawn by spectacle or by secret reports, but to hold to his own word.
Key Phrases in Matthew 24:24
1 John 4:1
Beloved, don’t believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
(WEB)
John urges believers to test the spirits to see whether they come from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This verse gives practical content to Jesus’s warning, showing that discernment is a regular part of the Christian life and not a rare emergency skill.
Matthew 7:15-16
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. 16 By their fruits you will know them. Do you gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles?
(WEB)
Jesus warns about false prophets who arrive looking harmless and are known by their fruit. This passage, spoken earlier in Matthew’s Gospel, helps readers recognize that deception often hides behind a pleasant appearance and that the test is what the teaching produces over time.
A Short Prayer From Matthew 24:24
Lord, you have told me in advance that deceivers will come with impressive words and dramatic signs. Keep my heart fixed on you and on your word, so that I am not drawn away by excitement or fear. Give me a clear mind to test what I hear and a steady love for the truth. Hold me securely in your care, and let me trust that you will not lose the ones who belong to you. Amen.
