How does Jeremiah 29:21 connect with Jesus' warnings about false prophets? Jeremiah 29:21 – False Prophets Under God’s Judgment “Thus says the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, concerning Ahab son of Kolaiah and Zedekiah son of Maaseiah, who are prophesying a lie to you in My name: ‘I will deliver them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and he will put them to death before your eyes.’” • Two men claim divine authority yet speak lies. • Their deception endangers an already suffering remnant in exile. • God Himself exposes and sentences them—swift, visible judgment. Jesus’ Warnings About False Prophets • “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) • “You will know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:16) Shared Themes Linking Jeremiah 29:21 and Jesus’ Words • Speaking “in My name” yet lying (Jeremiah 29:21; Matthew 24:5). • Targeting God’s people in vulnerable moments—exile then, end-times turmoil later. • External appearance of legitimacy (“sheep’s clothing”) masking destructive motives. • Certain divine judgment—death before the eyes of the exiles, eternal rejection in Matthew 7:23. • Call to discern fruit, not merely words. Practical Takeaways for Today • Measure every message against the full counsel of Scripture (Acts 17:11). • Look for consistent “fruit”—character, humility, obedience—rather than charisma. • Expect counterfeit signs and persuasive rhetoric; truth is anchored in Christ’s finished work, not sensational claims (Galatians 1:8-9). • Trust that God vindicates His name and protects His flock; falsehood never has the last word (2 Peter 2:1-3). |