How does Jeremiah 23:26 connect with Jesus' warnings about false prophets? Setting the Scene in Jeremiah 23 “ ‘How long will this continue in the hearts of the prophets who prophesy falsehood, these prophets of the deceit of their own hearts?’ ” (Jeremiah 23:26) • The Lord is addressing prophets in Judah who claim divine dreams but manufacture messages. • Their “falsehood” springs from “their own hearts,” not from God’s revealed word (cf. Jeremiah 23:16, 21). Key Words in Jeremiah 23:26 • “How long” – God’s patience has a limit; judgment approaches. • “Hearts” – the wellspring of motives; deceit begins within (Jeremiah 17:9). • “Prophesy falsehood” – fabricating revelation, leading hearers away from covenant faithfulness. The Thread Running into the Gospels Jesus echoes the same concern centuries later: • “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 will deceive many.” (Matthew 24:11) • “For false christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” (Mark 13:22) Parallels Between Jeremiah’s Day and Jesus’ Teaching • Source of the Message – Jeremiah: “deceit of their own hearts” (23:26) – Jesus: “inwardly…wolves” (Matthew 7:15) — the rot starts inside. • Appearance vs. Reality – Jeremiah’s prophets flaunted dreams (23:32). – Jesus warns of “sheep’s clothing” disguising danger (Matthew 7:15). • Fruits Reveal the Root – Jeremiah points to empty straw versus nourishing grain (23:28–29). – Jesus: “You will recognize them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16–20). • Impact on God’s People – Jeremiah: they “lead My people astray with their reckless lies” (23:32). – Jesus: they “deceive many” and, if possible, “even the elect” (Matthew 24:11, 24). • Inevitable Judgment – Jeremiah: “I am against the prophets who wag their tongues” (23:31). – Jesus: “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (Matthew 7:19); “I never knew you; depart from Me” (Matthew 7:23). Further New Testament Echoes • 2 Peter 2:1 – “There will be false teachers among you…bringing swift destruction.” • 1 John 4:1 – “Test the spirits…for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” Implications for Today • Measure every message against Scripture, not charisma or claimed experiences. • Fruit inspection is essential: doctrine, character, and outcome must align with Christ’s teaching. • Recognize that deception often looks spiritual; vigilance protects the flock (Acts 20:28–31). Summary Jeremiah 23:26 exposes prophets who fabricate revelations out of self-deceit. Jesus picks up the same theme, warning that false prophets will lurk within the community of faith, appearing harmless yet leading many astray. Both passages affirm that true prophecy springs from God’s heart, bears good fruit, and always aligns with the revealed Word. |
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