or ‘Look, here He is!’
The repetition of the phrase emphasizes the urgency and seriousness of the warning. It suggests that these claims will be persuasive and widespread, potentially leading many astray. The use of "here" and "there" indicates the localized and specific nature of these false claims, contrasting with the universal and unmistakable nature of Christ's true return, as described in passages like Matthew 24:27, where His coming is likened to lightning visible from east to west. This serves as a reminder that the true return of Christ will be evident to all and not confined to a particular location or group.

Do not go out or chase after them.
This command underscores the importance of discernment and steadfastness in faith. Believers are urged to remain grounded in the teachings of Christ and not be swayed by sensational claims or charismatic leaders. The instruction to "not go out" suggests a call to remain within the community of faith and to rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the Scriptures. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of perseverance and vigilance, as seen in passages like 1 John 4:1, which advises testing the spirits to see whether they are from God. The phrase also reflects the historical context of early Christianity, where believers faced numerous challenges and temptations to abandon their faith in the face of persecution and false teachings.

Jesus is speaking privately to His disciples about “the days of the Son of Man” (Luke 17:22). He has just said they will “long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it.” That longing makes them vulnerable to rumors. Similar warnings appear in Matthew 24:23 and Mark 13:21, emphasizing that the Lord foresaw an age of deception.

Rumors thrive when believers ache for Christ’s return. The apostles later repeat the caution:

• 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 warns believers “not to be quickly unsettled” by any claim “that the day of the Lord has already come.”

• 2 Peter 3:3-4 notes scoffers who manipulate expectations.

The Lord’s words acknowledge how persuasive such voices can sound, yet He immediately undermines their credibility.

These words mimic excited eyewitness testimony, as though someone has spotted Jesus in a hidden spot. False messiahs used that tactic in Acts 5:36-37 and will do so again, according to Revelation 13:13-14. Genuine appearances of Christ never need human promotion; when He truly comes, “every eye will see Him” (Revelation 1:7).

The shift from “there” to “here” broadens the warning. Whether the claim places Christ far away or right next door, the instruction remains unchanged. Matthew 24:26 echoes this: “So if they tell you, ‘He is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it.” Geography cannot confine the glorified Son of Man.

Obedience sometimes means staying put. Chasing reports puts believers in danger of:

• Physical harm—Acts-era zealots drew crowds into deadly uprisings.

• Spiritual harm—Deuteronomy 13:1-3 forbids following any sign-working prophet who lures hearts away from the LORD.

The safest course is steadfastness until Christ Himself appears (James 5:7-8).

The phrase sharpens the command. “Them” refers both to rumor-spreaders and the rumors themselves. Pursuing sensational claims saps focus from:

• Daily faithfulness—Luke 19:13: “Engage in business until I come.”

• Disciple-making—2 Timothy 4:2 urges preaching “in season and out of season,” not rumor hunting.

The next verse, Luke 17:24, clinches the point: “For as the lightning flashes...so will the Son of Man be in His day.” His return will be sudden, unmistakable, and globally visible—no chase required.

• Protects doctrine: clings to the literal, bodily, sky-rending return promised in Acts 1:11.

• Preserves unity: rumors fracture churches; truth unites (Ephesians 4:13-14).

• Promotes vigilance over curiosity: Titus 2:13 calls us to “eagerly await” the blessed hope, not recklessly pursue every rumor.

Luke 17:23 teaches that no rumor, headline, or charismatic voice can substitute for the true, glorious appearing of Jesus Christ. When He comes, the whole world will know—instantly and unmistakably. Until then, disciples remain steady, resist sensational claims, and devote themselves to faithful living in confident expectation.