How does Jeremiah 23:17 relate to Jesus' warnings about false prophets? Setting the Stage • Both Jeremiah and Jesus ministered in seasons of spiritual confusion. • God used them to expose voices that claimed divine authority but delivered human opinions. • Jeremiah 23:17 pinpoints one of the core tactics of these counterfeit messengers—promising peace to unrepentant hearts—while Jesus later warns His disciples to stay alert for the very same strategy. Jeremiah 23:17 in Focus “They keep saying to those who despise Me, ‘The LORD has said: You will have peace.’ And to everyone who walks in the stubbornness of his heart, they say: ‘No calamity will come upon you.’” Key observations • “They keep saying”—the lies are persistent and repetitive. • “To those who despise Me”—the audience is living in open rebellion, yet is assured all is well. • “No calamity will come”—the message flatly contradicts God’s own revealed warnings of judgment. Jesus’ Echoes of Jeremiah Matthew 7:15–16: “Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them.” Matthew 24:11: “Many false prophets will arise and mislead many.” Matthew 24:24: “For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” Similarities • Both Jeremiah and Jesus expose deception wrapped in religious language. • The fraudulent voices sound comforting (“peace,” “no calamity”) yet lead people away from repentance. • Each warning stresses discernment—Jeremiah says don’t listen; Jesus says beware and examine fruit. Common Traits of False Prophets 1. Claim God’s authority without God’s message (Jeremiah 23:16). 2. Offer unconditional peace while ignoring sin (Jeremiah 8:11; 23:17). 3. Appeal to popular desire for comfort and security (2 Timothy 4:3–4). 4. Produce bad fruit—immorality, pride, greed (Matthew 7:20; 2 Peter 2:1–3). 5. Often accompany their claims with persuasive signs or charisma (Matthew 24:24). Why the Message Feels Attractive • It removes the sting of conviction. • It promises God’s blessing without obedience. • It allows culture to set moral boundaries instead of Scripture. • It offers immediate emotional relief instead of lasting spiritual healing. Discerning True from False Today • Measure every teaching against the whole counsel of Scripture (Acts 17:11). • Look for the fruit of repentance and righteousness in the messenger (Matthew 7:20). • Notice whether sin is confronted or excused (Isaiah 30:9–10). • Watch for humility and submission to Christ, not self-promotion (John 7:18). • Stay rooted in personal fellowship with the Lord so your heart is tender to His voice (John 10:27). Takeaways for Believers • Jeremiah 23:17 shows that false assurances are not new; Jesus reaffirms the danger for His church. • A soothing message that contradicts God’s call to repentance is a signal to run, not rest. • Genuine prophetic voices will align with Scriptural truth, call people to holiness, and ultimately glorify Christ. |
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