What is the first thing Jesus mentions in Matthew 24 about the tribulation period?
In Matthew 24, Jesus begins by warning that many will come in His name, claiming 'I am the Christ,' and they will deceive many. This deceptive appearance corresponds to the Antichrist, who comes promising what the world wants before soon becoming Satan's emissary.
Les explains that Matthew 24 is a chapter totally dealing with the tribulation. In verse 3, the disciples came to Jesus privately and asked when these things would be, and what would be the sign of His coming and the end of the age. Jesus then begins a discourse describing the seven-year period, with a direct parallel to Revelation chapter 6. The first thing He mentions is that many will come in His name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and shall deceive many. Les identifies this with the white horse, the appearance of the Antichrist. The Antichrist comes as a deceptive person promising everything the world wants, but he will soon become the very emissary of Satan himself. Jesus also mentions wars and rumors of wars in verse 6, saying not to be troubled, for these things must come to pass but the end is not yet. In verse 7, nation rises against nation and kingdom against kingdom, which Les associates with the red horse.
For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.