5 False Versions of Jesus People Are Falling For

Sometimes, those who are new to faith or lack a biblical foundation, have inaccurate ideas of who Jesus is and what He is all about. We live in a culture that presents so many versions of Jesus that many believers begin to make Him into who they think He is or who they want Him to be. Jesus warned us that in the last days false versions of Jesus would arise who would masquerade as the Messiah and claim to be the Savior of the world. “Jesus answered and said to them: ‘Take heed that no one deceives you.' For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many” (Matthew 24:4-5). Shortly before His crucifixion, Jesus preached His great message regarding profound events that would occur at the end of the age just prior to His Second Coming. Among those events, He said, would be false prophets and false Christs. Jesus also emphasized that these fake versions of Jesus will perform great signs and miracles and deceive man. Many Christians believe that as long as they believe in Jesus, they are shielded from these fake versions of Jesus or shielded from the deceptions of the last day, when in fact, these deceivers are not easy to identify. Jesus says that the deceptions of these false versions of Jesus are so carefully planned and so skillfully carried out, that even God’s chosen ones would be deceived. The only time this isn’t possible is when we keep our focus on the real Jesus. Here are five false versions of Jesus people are falling for.

False Prophet Jesus

Many believers will come across false prophets who want you to believe they are real. They may be charismatic, likable and winsome, but they are far from Christ. Sometimes people will even buy into the idea that they are Jesus reborn. Beware of these folks. Christ appeals to Scripture, but this false version of Jesus doesn’t. They often distort the Gospel and Jesus' teachings. This version has an entirely different appeal – an earthly one. There is often a monetary motive involved or an entirely selfish motivation. It’s important that you pay close attention to their message. “We have the word of the prophets made more certain and you will do well to pay attention to it” (2 Peter 1:19). God has spoken, and Christ appeals to His Word. The false christ makes a rather different appeal: “By appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error” (2 Peter 2:18). Ask yourself what kind of message is this person delivering? If you feel like any part of their message isn’t aligned with God’s message, they are a counterfeit and you need to be aware of it.

Distant Jesus

If Jesus seems distant to you, you are not alone. For many, Jesus is abstract. He is like the piece of modern art you just don’t get or have trouble relating to. But this is not the Jesus in the Gospels nor of early church tradition. Jesus is right here, right now – and that idea will renew your life. In the moment when God becomes flesh, God is with us in a more profound way than ever before. Jesus took on the form of a person in order to forever bond the spiritual and physical – to bridge the gap sin had created. Scripture tells us, “Behold, the virgin will become pregnant and will give birth to a son, and they will call His name Emmanuel,’ which is translated, ‘God with us.’” (Matthew 1:23). And this changes everything, right here, right now. If God is with us, then what can stand in opposition? God is dwelling among us.

'I Couldn’t Care Less' Jesus

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There are so many people that are hurting; they are grieving the loss of loved ones, grieving their health condition, worried about their finances; they are in emotional turmoil. Often people who are grieving and stressed are overlooked by others because people don’t stop and listen. When you’re in the pit, the “I could care less about you” false version of Jesus shows up for many people, but this couldn’t be further from the case. Jesus cares about you immensely. Jesus will always be there for you. You can call on Him any time and He will be there. You can ask Him for any need you have and He will help you through your circumstances according to His timing and Will.