What does "do not go out or chase after them" teach us? The Words in Focus “People will tell you, ‘Look, there He is!’ or ‘Look, here He is!’ Do not go out or chase after them.” (Luke 17:23) Why Jesus Spoke These Words • His disciples were eager to know when the kingdom would appear (Luke 17:20). • Jesus had just said the kingdom is already “in your midst” (v. 21) because the King was standing before them. • He foresaw a future flood of false alarms and sensational claims about His return. Core Lessons Wrapped in the Command • Christ’s return will not be hidden or localized—“For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky…so will the Son of Man be in His day” (Luke 17:24; cf. Matthew 24:27). • Truth is anchored in Jesus’ own words, not in human rumors (John 14:1-3). • Spiritual excitement must not override biblical discernment (1 John 4:1). • Obedience means steadfast faith where we are, not restless chasing after the latest voices (1 Thessalonians 4:11-18). What “Do Not Go Out” Guards Us From • Deception: false christs and teachers (Matthew 24:23-25). • Distraction: neglecting daily faithfulness for sensational pursuits (Luke 12:42-48). • Division: splintering the body through rogue movements (Acts 20:29-30). • Disillusionment: hopes crushed when the forecast fails (Proverbs 13:12). Positive Action Steps • Stay rooted in Scripture; test every claim against the written Word (Acts 17:11). • Remain planted in a sound local church that upholds the gospel (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Cultivate a watchful yet settled spirit—ready for His sudden appearing, busy in present responsibilities (Titus 2:11-14). • Guard your media intake: sensational prophecy channels, self-appointed visionaries, and date-setters generally ignore Luke 17:23. • Focus on gospel mission; the unreached need Christ more than we need timelines (Matthew 28:19-20). The Hope That Keeps Us Steady • Jesus cannot be impersonated on the world’s stage; when He comes, every eye will see Him (Revelation 1:7). • His own will not miss Him; He knows His sheep and calls them by name (John 10:3-4). • Until that day, He remains with us by His Spirit, empowering everyday faithfulness (John 14:16-18). Bottom Line “Do not go out or chase after them” frees believers from anxiety and frenzy. It calls us to confident, rooted living—eyes fixed on the true Christ, feet planted in everyday obedience, hearts at rest in the certainty that when He appears, it will be unmistakable for all. |
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