Why did Jesus say not to believe reports that the Messiah is in a certain place?
Jesus warned that false Christs and false prophets would arise, performing great signs and wonders by Satan’s power to deceive even the elect if possible. Reports placing the Messiah in the desert or secret chambers are false; His true return comes from heaven in power and glory after the tribulation.
Les explains that when conditions become severe, people turn religious, so Jesus gives a repeated warning for emphasis. False Christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders, but their power is not from God; it is from the devil, from Satan. Their deception will be so strong that, if it were possible, they would deceive the very elect—believers who are still surviving. Therefore, if anyone says the Messiah is in the desert or in secret chambers, Jesus says not to go out or believe it, because He is not coming from those areas. Instead, He will come from heaven, and by the time the tribulation has ended, it will be time for the Second Coming, when He comes in power and glory and destroys the nations gathered in the Middle East under the Antichrist.