How does Ezekiel 13:6 relate to Jesus' warnings about false prophets? Text at a Glance “They see false visions and speak lying divinations. They claim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ when the LORD has not sent them; yet they expect their words to be fulfilled.” (Ezekiel 13:6) False Prophets of Ezekiel’s Day • Claimed divine authority without being sent by God • Manufactured “visions” to bolster their popularity • Offered optimistic predictions that dulled Israel’s urgency to repent (13:10) • Expected God to endorse their fantasies, revealing self-deception as well as public deception Jesus Echoes the Same Alarm • “Beware of false prophets; they come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” (Matthew 7:15) • “Many false prophets will arise and mislead many.” (Matthew 24:11) • “False christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” (Matthew 24:24) • “See to it that you are not led astray.” (Luke 21:8) Shared Marks of False Prophets • Speak without being sent—claim God’s name for personal agenda (Ezekiel 13:6; Matthew 7:22–23) • Offer comforting messages that ignore repentance and holiness (Jeremiah 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:3) • Expect their predictions to succeed, yet their fruit exposes them (Ezekiel 13:12–15; Matthew 7:16–20) • Ultimately face divine judgment for misleading God’s people (Ezekiel 13:8–9; 2 Peter 2:1–3) Timeless Call to Discernment • Test every spirit (1 John 4:1) • Measure teaching by the whole counsel of Scripture (Acts 17:11) • Look for lasting fruit of obedience and love, not persuasive words or signs (John 15:4–6; Galatians 5:22–23) Practical Takeaways • A prophetic claim must be rooted in Scripture and exalt Christ, never self. • Popularity is not proof of divine approval; fidelity to God’s Word is. • Discernment is an active duty: know the Word, examine the messenger, and watch the fruit. • Ezekiel and Jesus speak with one voice: false prophets flourish when God’s people neglect truth—so stay anchored in the revealed, reliable Word of God. |
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