Compare Jeremiah 14:15 with Matthew 7:15 on false prophets. What similarities exist? Opening the Texts Together Jeremiah 14:15: “Therefore this is what the LORD says about the prophets who prophesy in My name, ‘Though I did not send them… By sword and famine those prophets will meet their end.’” Matthew 7:15: “Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” Key Similarities at a Glance • Both passages issue a clear warning: false prophets exist and God’s people must be on guard. • Each text underscores that these deceivers speak without divine authorization. • Both warn of an inevitable reckoning—Jeremiah describes physical judgment, while Jesus speaks of hidden danger that will be exposed (cf. Matthew 7:19). • Both highlight deception: Jeremiah’s prophets claim the Lord’s name; Jesus’ false prophets disguise themselves as harmless sheep. • The underlying theme in both is God’s concern for His flock’s protection (see Ezekiel 34:2–6). The Nature of the Deception • Wrong source: They “prophesy in My name” though God “did not send them” (Jeremiah 14:14–15). • Wrong appearance: They “come… in sheep’s clothing” (Matthew 7:15). • Wrong message: Promising peace or prosperity apart from repentance (Jeremiah 23:17; 2 Timothy 4:3). The Certainty of Judgment • Jeremiah: sword and famine fall on the deceivers themselves—swift, visible justice. • Matthew: later in the chapter Jesus pictures false prophets like bad trees “cut down and thrown into the fire” (Matthew 7:19)—ultimate, decisive judgment. • Both affirm that God protects His name and His people by dealing decisively with impostors (Deuteronomy 18:20). How to Recognize Them Today • Examine their fruit (Matthew 7:16). Does their life and teaching align with the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27)? • Test every spirit (1 John 4:1). Compare their words with Scripture’s clear testimony (Isaiah 8:20). • Look for self-exaltation or unrepentant sin—consistent markers of false teachers (2 Peter 2:1–3). Encouragement for the Faithful • God sees and judges deception; He will vindicate His Word (Proverbs 30:5). • The Good Shepherd equips His flock with truth to discern error (John 10:4–5). • Standing firm in sound doctrine keeps believers safe and fruitful (2 Timothy 1:13–14). |
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