Contemplative Bible Reading

Mark 13:5-6 (New Living Translation)

5 Jesus replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, 6 for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many.

Jesus is telling followers about things that will happen in the future. People will appear claiming to be the Messiah. Jesus is the Messiah. Those others claiming such will be lying.

Note, however, the reaction to these liars: many people will be deceived.

Lying works. It always has. If it didn’t work, why would people lie? Perhaps that is another discussion for another day. But we read here that Jesus tells people that lying and deception works because these liars will deceive many.

Why do we fall for deception? Why are we deceived by lies that are so apparent? Someone walks in and claims to be the Messiah. How could anyone believe that? Yet, there are those who do and will continue to do so.

What does deception bring us that we want so badly? Misery causes belief in almost anything and anyone. “Please, bring me some relief to my misery.” Misery exists today and always has. It is part of the human condition. I should be able to reach the miserable with the Good News of the true Messiah. Please God, help me.