So easily deceived, watch out!

³ As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately,⁴ “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?” ⁵ Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. ⁶ Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many.Mark 13

This whole chapter deals with the end of time as we will know it.  The disciples have asked Jesus what should they expect.  Throughout the dialogue he repeats two themes…watch out and being deceived.  In fact, the last emphatic word is “WATCH”.  Jesus said this as plainly as he could…watch out.

Why are we not watchful?  Why do we have a problem with remaining diligent?  The scripture is clear, wake up o sleeper!  Take heed he who thinks he stands, lest he fall.  Starting with Adam and Eve we have a strong tendency to be easily deceived.  All we like sheep have gone astray.  We don’t recognize the danger on the path that we choose so often.

The answer lies with the presence of the Holy Spirit operating in our lives.  Jesus said ¹¹ “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for^[f] a fish, will give him a snake instead? ¹² Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? ¹³ If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11

Jesus was teaching that we will never, never, never be deceived by our Heavenly Father.  The Holy Spirit will lead and guide us into all truth.  The Holy Spirit convicts us of truth and righteousness.  Without following the lead of the Holy Spirit we ALL can be easily deceived.

The second element is just a important as the Holy Spirit…dependency.  Self-sufficiency and pride are the quickest way for us to get bogged down in deceptive mess.  We must keep the attitude of a sheep and trust always that our shepherd loves us and leads us in the way that we should go. 

We must do more than just watch for signs.  We keep our eyes focused on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.  He is a good shepherd and watches over his sheep.  He leads us in and out of green pastures.  Jesus can be trusted….Do we hear what he is saying?