How does Jeremiah 23:21 connect with Jesus' warnings in Matthew 7:15?

◄ Link Jeremiah 23:21 & Matthew 7:15 warnings. ►

Introducing the Two Passages Side-by-Side

Jeremiah 23:21: “I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied.”

Matthew 7:15: “Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”

Shared Theme: Unauthorized Voices

• Both texts expose people who claim divine authority without actually receiving it.

• In Jeremiah, God declares He never sent certain prophets—yet they “ran.”

• Jesus identifies the same danger centuries later: people who look harmless yet distort God’s word.

Indicators of a False Messenger

• Self-appointed, not God-appointed (Jeremiah 23:21; cf. Numbers 16:28).

• Motivated by personal ambition, not obedience (Jeremiah 23:26–27).

• Produce destructive fruit, not godly fruit (Matthew 7:16–20).

• Speak visions of their own minds, not the Lord’s counsel (Jeremiah 23:16, 22).

• Ultimately seek to exploit the flock (Matthew 7:15; Acts 20:29–30).

God’s Standard for True Prophets

• Sent by the LORD (Jeremiah 23:21; Isaiah 6:8–9).

• Proclaim His whole counsel—even uncomfortable truth (Jeremiah 26:2; Acts 20:27).

• Their message aligns with prior revelation (Deuteronomy 13:1–4).

• Their lives bear righteous fruit (Matthew 7:17–18).

Consequences of Ignoring the Warning

• People become hardened in sin (Jeremiah 23:14).

• Destruction and scattering of the flock (Jeremiah 23:1–2).

• Eternal ruin for those deceived (Matthew 7:19, 23).

God’s Remedy: Discernment Rooted in Scripture

• Test every spirit (1 John 4:1).

• Compare teaching with the written Word (Acts 17:11).

• Look for evidence of the Spirit’s fruit (Galatians 5:22–23).

• Hold fast to sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:2–4).

Living Out the Connection Today

• Stay grounded in God’s revealed Word so impostors are quickly recognized.

• Evaluate messages and messengers by their alignment with Scripture and their fruit.

• Guard the community of faith, refusing to give platform to voices God has not sent.