Luke 17:23 - They will tell you, ‘Look, here!’ or ‘Look, there!’ Don’t go away, nor follow after them,

Generated Verse: Luke 17:23

What does "Luke 17:23" mean?


This verse, Luke 17:23, is part of a larger discourse Jesus is giving about the coming of the Kingdom of God (or the Son of Man, depending on the translation). He's warning his disciples against being misled by false claims and appearances. Let's break down the meaning:

"They will tell you, ‘Look, here!’ or ‘Look, there!’": This refers to people claiming to know where Christ has returned or where the Kingdom of God has manifested. These are people making specific, often sensational, claims of localized appearances or special locations where the return is happening.

"Don’t go away, nor follow after them.": This is the crucial part. Jesus is warning his followers not to be deceived by these claims. He's telling them not to go seeking the Kingdom of God in specific, designated places because that's not how it will happen.

Here's a more detailed explanation of what Jesus is conveying:

Rejection of Physical Localization: Jesus is refuting the idea that his return will be a secret, localized event. He will not be hiding in a particular place, waiting to be discovered by a select few.

Emphasis on Discernment: Jesus is urging his followers to use discernment and not be easily swayed by sensational claims.

The Kingdom is Not Confined to a Location: The Kingdom of God, according to Jesus, isn't tied to a particular geographical location. It's a more widespread, transformative reality.

Warning Against False Messiahs: This is a common theme in Jesus' teachings. He warns against those who will falsely claim to be the Messiah or claim to know where the Messiah is. This warning is especially relevant during times of uncertainty and unrest.

In essence, Jesus is telling his disciples to be wary of those who claim to have special knowledge about the timing and location of his return or the coming of the Kingdom. True faith should not be based on chasing after sensational claims but on a deeper understanding of Jesus' teachings and a commitment to living according to his example.

Connecting to the context of Luke 17:

Verse 24 continues this theme: "For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will be the Son of Man in his day." This reinforces the idea that his coming will be unmistakable and universally visible, not a localized, secret event. It will be like lightning, seen everywhere.

Therefore, Luke 17:23 is a warning against being misled by those who make false claims about the location and timing of Christ's return. It emphasizes the importance of discernment and a focus on the broader message of the Kingdom of God, rather than getting caught up in specific, localized, and often false, claims.

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