How does Ezekiel 13:1 connect with Jesus' warnings in Matthew 7:15? Setting the Scene in Ezekiel • Ezekiel 13:1 – “Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,” • The prophet is about to expose men who claim divine authority yet speak from their own imaginations (v. 2–3). • God’s judgment falls on them because they “lead My people astray, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace” (v. 10). Crisis of Counterfeit Voices • False prophets flourished during Judah’s darkest hour, offering soothing words instead of God’s sobering truth. • Their messages felt comforting but diverted the nation from repentance, sealing Jerusalem’s downfall (Jeremiah 23:16–17). Jesus Echoes the Prophetic Warning • Matthew 7:15 — “Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” • Just as Ezekiel confronted religious deceivers in exile, Jesus alerts His disciples that similar dangers persist within the covenant community. • Both passages affirm: deceit can carry a religious label, making vigilance essential. Shared Marks of False Prophets 1. Self-generated messages • Ezekiel 13:3 — “They follow their own spirit and have seen nothing.” • Matthew 7:21 — “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven…” 2. Superficial peace • Ezekiel 13:10 — “Because they have led My people astray, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:3 — “While people are saying, ‘Peace and security,’ destruction will come suddenly.” 3. Hidden predation • Ezekiel’s false prophets built a flimsy wall; judgment would expose it (v. 11–15). • Jesus labels them “ravenous wolves,” tearing apart the flock once trust is secured. Call to Discernment • Ezekiel was told, “Set your face against the prophets…prophesy against them” (13:17). God expected exposure, not tolerance. • Likewise, Jesus commands believers to “beware,” an active, ongoing watchfulness (cf. Acts 20:29–30). • Discernment requires anchoring every message to Scripture’s revealed standard (Isaiah 8:20; 2 Timothy 3:16–17). Fruit Inspection as a Test • Matthew 7:16 — “By their fruit you will recognize them.” • Ezekiel’s test: Did their words come to pass? No. Their prophecies collapsed like an untempered wall. • New-covenant test: Do teachings align with apostolic doctrine and produce holiness? If not, they are discarded (1 John 4:1; 2 Peter 2:1–3). Living the Passage Today • Measure every sermon, podcast, or book against Scripture—never against charisma, popularity, or personal comfort. • Embrace entire-Bible truth, even when it confronts culture or personal preference. • Protect the flock: encourage sound doctrine (Titus 1:9), correct error, and model humble submission to God’s authoritative Word. |
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