Matthew 24:11

Sunday, 15 November 2026

Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. Matthew 24:11

“And many false prophets, they will rouse, and they will cause to stray many.” (CG)

In the previous verse, Jesus told His disciples that many will be ensnared, will surrender one another, and people will hate one another. Next, He says, “And many false prophets, they will arise.”

False prophets have been around all along. They filled Israel’s history during the time up to the Babylonian exile. The record of them goes on and on in the pages of Scripture. But the Babylonian exile didn’t finish them off. There they were as the people came back from their time of punishment –

“Afterward I came to the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah, the son of Mehetabel, who was a secret informer; and he said, ‘Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us close the doors of the temple, for they are coming to kill you; indeed, at night they will come to kill you.’
11 And I said, ‘Should such a man as I flee? And who is there such as I who would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in!’ 12 Then I perceived that God had not sent him at all, but that he pronounced this prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. 13 For this reason he was hired, that I should be afraid and act that way and sin, so that they might have cause for an evil report, that they might reproach me.
14 My God, remember Tobiah and Sanballat, according to these their works, and the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets who would have made me afraid.” Nehemiah 6:10-14

At the time of Paul, these types continued to exist –

“Now when they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus, 7 who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9 Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 10 and said, ‘O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? 11 And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.’
And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. 12 Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.” Acts 13:6-12

Today, the world is filled with false prophets. They fill pulpits, they fill social media, and they fill stadiums during supposed miraculous healing events. False prophets will be there in the end times, and Jesus continues, saying, “and they will cause to stray many.”

This is the problem with false prophets. Think of the waste of humanity who have been pulled astray by their false teachings. These people don’t just destroy themselves, but they take with them anyone who is led astray, consigning them to an eternity without the goodness of God.

Life application: Jehovah’s Witnesses really believe what they have been told. And the fact is, most of them are honestly searching for the truth. But what has happened? They have been presented with a false Jesus who proclaims a false gospel. Their end, despite their good intentions, will not be happy.

The same is true with many larger denominations that fall under the umbrella of Christianity. Local churches can be led by false prophets. Cults, such as Heaven’s Gate, those led by David Koresh and Jim Jones, and others, have pulled people away for their own perverse purposes.

Catholicism is a religious entity that is permeated by false teachings. People are never given the simple gospel. Instead, all the baggage of legalistic teachings fills their lives. The only way to ensure you are not being led astray is to check with the source. This is what God has given us Scripture for. He instructs us through His word to open our eyes and bring us to Himself through the truth of what His word says.

Be sure to understand the simple gospel. Paul presents it in 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4. When it is believed, God seals you with His Spirit. That is the end of the matter. Salvation has been realized. From that point on, we should get to know God personally through His word, being obedient to its precepts. Be wise, follow the word, and come close to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

“For the Lord gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;
8 He guards the paths of justice,
And preserves the way of His saints.
9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice,
Equity and every good path.” Proverbs 2:6-9

Lord God, open the eyes of those who have been deceived by false prophets and teachers of false doctrines. Give them the wisdom and desire to check what they have been told, comparing it with what Your word says. And Lord, keep us from being led astray by others. May it be so, to Your glory. Amen.