I think you may be confusing two things. Luke makes it pretty clear that the abomination of desolation that was to be the sign to the Christian Jews to flee Jerusalem was this: "And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, the know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which be in Judea flee ..."
So it's clear that the warning to the Christians was that they were to flee when they saw the Roman armies encircling the city.
What I think you are confusing that with is Paul letter to the Thessalonians about the the rise of the Zealots and the revolt they would lead the nation into. He told the Christians that the day of Christ could not come until there was a revolt first, and the man of sin would be revealed, who would exalt himself and so that he would sit in the Temple acting as if he is God.
But I don't think this was referring to Menahem, he did become a leader of the Zealots in the very beginning of the war, and he did dress in the royal robes and paraded up to the temple, but he was killed in the opening months of the revolt.
John of Gischala also decked himself in the royal robes, as did Simon bar Giora. But Simon was the worst of the lot, the most savage and he actually set up his armed camp in the courts of the Temple itself. In fact, he had coins struck to commemorate his "victory" that declared the year "of Jerusalem's Deliverance." Here's a photo of one below. Notice the laurel wreath, the traditional victor's emblem.
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But of course the Romans won the war and it's interesting to note that because Simon had taken upon himself the title of "King" and "Deliverer" of Israel he was taken back to Rome for Vespasian's victory parade into Rome. Simon was stripped naked and forced to walk the parade route leading the horse that drew Vespasian's chariot, a means of humiliation for kings and princes that Rome conquered. It was rare for Rome to mint a coin showing a conquered ruler but here's one of Simon bar Gioras:
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Afterward the triumphant entry Simon was ceremoniously killed and at the trumpet blast that announced his death a cheer went up from all Rome.
So much for self-made messiahs.
In Christ,
Pilgrimer