If Jesus returned to Jerusalem today, immediately intense controversy would arise over the question of whether this is or is not really Him. How would anyone know? His inner circle of talmidim (disciples) asked the same question:
Mat 24:3: “As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, His talmidim came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen? What will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?”
Yeshua explained that there would be many false versions of Himself. Many false ideas about who He is. And it would deceive the nations and cause wars and confusion about Him. He continued:
Mat. 24:24: “For false christs and false prophets will rise up and show great signs and wonders so as to lead astray, if possible, even the chosen.” Matthew 24:24.
I’m going to estimate that at least 1/3 of the “Christian” world has a false idea of who Jesus is. If He were to return today, a great host from every nation under the sun would run to Him or be taken up or however it’s going to work. These are the true host of redeemed souls from the nations.
However, also multitudes of other supposed “Christians” would flat out reject Him. Why? Won’t he show the signs when he comes down out of the sky with angels in their chariots?
Supernatural signs and wonders could be attributed to the antichrist. In fact, it’s plain to see on any given day on social media that many who identify as “Christians” and claim to be expecting Jesus’ return would reject a returned Jesus on the ground that He is too Jewish and pro-Israel. They say the antichrist is a Jew. I doubt that, but their warped belief is so firm that when the Jewish Messiah returns, they are ready to proclaim Him to be the antichrist.
To them, Jesus has to be an unmitigated condemner of Jewish people and of Israel. Jesus in their mind just can’t be a Jew who comes (among other things) to save Jewish people and to vindicate Israel. They’d rather go to hell than believe that. Ok, then. Therefore, as He said, many will hear him say, “Get away from me, you workers of iniquity, I never knew you.” Mat 7:23.
I don’t wish Hell on anyone (with a few exceptions). But going through life as a “Christian” full of Jew-hatred is one way to get there. Such people will surely miss the boat. The boat is Yeshua. They will say, not that boat. He will say, Shalom.