People miss out as they are so caught up in trying to figure out the signs of the times. But this isn’t Jesus’ point. He has a lot more to say.

The disciples, like many, ask “what will be the signs”?

Jesus doesn’t answer that question right away. There are other things they need to know.

• and Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. ⁶ Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray.

• ⁷ And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed.

• “But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them.

• ¹¹ And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say

• ¹³ And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

• ²¹ And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. ²² For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect.
  
• ²³ But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.

• ³³ Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.

Do you see all of his exhortations here? Be on guard from false Christs. Don’t be alarmed. You will suffer and be killed. And more.

The point here wasn’t what the signs were. It was to be ready, to know the true Christ, guard yourself from false prophets and stand firm to the end.

It’s a great word even today. There are many false teachers, preachers and false faiths. We do need to be careful we are not deceived and stay on our guard. We also need to brace ourselves with the reality that our own family will turn against us because of the faith, and that we may need to die for our faith.