How does Jeremiah 23:14 connect with Jesus' warnings about false prophets? Setting the Old Testament scene Jeremiah 23 exposes corrupt prophets in Judah. Verse 14 pinpoints three traits: • “They commit adultery and walk in lies” • “They strengthen the hands of evildoers” • “No one turns from his wickedness” God likens them to Sodom and Gomorrah—an unmistakable verdict of total moral collapse. Jesus continues the warning Centuries later, Jesus echoes the same concern: • Matthew 7:15–20 – “Beware of false prophets… by their fruit you will recognize them.” • Matthew 24:11, 24 – “Many false prophets will arise and mislead many… so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” • Mark 13:22; Luke 6:26 – further cautions about deceptive leaders. Parallels between Jeremiah 23:14 and Jesus’ words • Immorality versus righteous fruit – Jeremiah: adultery and lies. – Jesus: “ravenous wolves” masked by “sheep’s clothing” (Matthew 7:15), exposed by corrupt fruit. • Enabling sin versus calling to repentance – Jeremiah: prophets “strengthen the hands of evildoers.” – Jesus: true prophets urge repentance (Matthew 4:17); false ones divert people from it (Matthew 24:12). • Popular acceptance versus divine rejection – In Jeremiah, the false prophets thrive in Jerusalem’s religious center. – Jesus warns of an end-time surge of popular, persuasive deceivers (Matthew 24:5). • Severe judgment – Jeremiah: likened to Sodom, signaling imminent wrath. – Jesus: “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (Matthew 7:19). Key identifiers of false prophets (then and now) • Message contradicts Scripture (Deuteronomy 13:1-5; Galatians 1:8). • Lifestyle marked by persistent sin (2 Peter 2:1-3). • Ministry that flatters sin rather than confronts it (Jeremiah 6:14). • Attraction to power, applause, or profit (1 Timothy 6:5; 2 Peter 2:14-15). Living out the connection today • Test every message by God’s written word (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1). • Look for holy fruit in leaders’ lives (Titus 1:6-9). • Refuse teaching that minimizes repentance or comforts rebellion (2 Timothy 4:3-4). • Stay anchored to the gospel; Jesus is the true Prophet who faithfully reveals the Father (Hebrews 1:1-2). |
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