How does Jeremiah 23:22 connect with Jesus' teachings on false prophets? Key Verse: Jeremiah 23:22 “If they had stood in My council, they would have proclaimed My words to My people and turned them from their evil ways and their deeds.” Jeremiah’s Burden: Prophets Who Skip the Throne Room • False prophets in Judah claimed God’s backing but never “stood in [His] council.” • Without genuine consultation, their messages lacked two essentials: – God’s own words – A call to repent and change direction • The result: comfort-sounding sermons that left sin untouched and people unprepared for judgment. Jesus Picks Up the Same Theme Matthew 7:15-23; 24:4-5, 11, 24; Mark 13:22; Luke 6:26 • “Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” (Matthew 7:15) • “By their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:16) • “Many false prophets will arise and mislead many.” (Matthew 24:11) Four Direct Connections Between Jeremiah 23:22 and Jesus’ Warnings 1. Source of Authority • Jeremiah: authentic messengers “stand in My council.” • Jesus: authentic teachers abide in Him (John 15:4-5) and speak what the Father gives (John 12:49-50). • False prophets in both eras manufacture their own messages. 2. Content of the Message • Jeremiah: God’s real word confronts sin and calls for repentance. • Jesus: a good tree bears good fruit; a bad tree cannot (Matthew 7:17-18). Sound doctrine produces righteousness; counterfeit doctrine excuses sin. 3. Observable Fruit • Jeremiah’s measure: Did the people “turn from their evil ways”? • Jesus’ measure: “By their fruit you will recognize them.” Lives changed by obedience validate the messenger. 4. Eternal Consequences • Jeremiah: unrepentant hearers faced exile. • Jesus: “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (Matthew 7:19); “Depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness” (Matthew 7:23). Practical Takeaways Today • Listen for messages that come from time in God’s presence, not human opinion. • Look for teaching that drives you toward concrete repentance, not mere inspiration. • Evaluate fruit—both the teacher’s lifestyle and the effect on hearers. • Hold to the final authority of written Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17); any voice that contradicts it identifies itself as false. |
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