Do Not Be Deceived - Mark 13:5

Mark wrote how Jesus, “sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately. Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?”, and in chapter thirteen and verse five of his book, Mark shared how Jesus told His disciples, “Take heed lest any man deceive you:” where we read:

And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you:

The verse reads, “And Jesus answering them began to say,” Mark began with the words, “and Jesus” or “and the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and God incarnate whose name means Jehovah is Salvation”, “answering them” or “responded and began to speak to His disciples” “began to say” which means “started and made a beginning of affirming, teaching, advising and directing”. Mark shared how Jesus began to respond to His four disciples' questions about what “sign” there would be and “when” the “things” He spoke about would come to pass.

The verse continues, “Take heed lest any man deceive you:” Mark added the words, “take heed” which means “discern, perceive, observe, discover and understand” “lest any man” or “unless a certain person or people” “deceive you” which means “cause Jesus' disciples to be lead astray, wander or roam about”. Mark shared how Jesus warned His disciples against anyone “leading them astray”.

When we meditate upon Mark's words in this verse, we see how Jesus responded to “Peter, James, John and Andrew's” questions concerning things which would occur in the future. Jesus knew there would not be “one stone left upon another” in the temple located in Jerusalem, and He knew all the other events which would occur. Because “deception” and “deceit” were constantly surrounding the “disciples”, and Jesus warned His “students” to be careful about what people would say to them. God's concern for people is manifested through the giving of His Son Jesus to the world. His desire is to “save” them from all other “deceptive” ideas that will lead them away from a personal loving relationship with God. Those who are wise will listen to and “take heed” to Jesus and submit to Him as their personal “Savior and Lord”.

Next time Mark shares how Jesus tells His disciples, “many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".