"The first sign was “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.” Since the time of Jesus, many new religions have sprung up with their leader claiming that he was sent by God or that he had a mandate or message from God. Sign Fulfilled."
That's one interpretation that is valid. But let's face it, when people turn up claiming to be God doesn't that set off alarm bells automatically? IMO what is much more dangerous and what Jesus was at least hinting at if not outright declaring it is "For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I (JESUS) am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many." So look at all your televangelists and legalists and Arians etc etc. Way more dangerous than the odd nutter that comes along and only deceives a few (not 'many'). And because we are so Biblically illiterate all you have to do is use Bible words and you CAN fool many.
