How does Jeremiah 23:32 connect with Jesus' warnings about false prophets? God’s Own Words in Jeremiah 23:32 “Behold,” declares the LORD, “I am against those who prophesy false dreams and tell them, and who lead My people astray with their reckless lies. It was not I who sent or commanded them, and they do not benefit these people in the least,” declares the LORD. Key Points From Jeremiah • False prophets invent “dreams” and put God’s name on them. • Their messages mislead, not bless. • God never commissioned them, so He stands against them. • The result: spiritual harm, no genuine benefit. Jesus Picks Up the Same Theme Matthew 7:15-20—“Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves... You will recognize them by their fruit.” Matthew 24:11—“Many false prophets will arise and mislead many.” Matthew 24:24—“False christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” Direct Connections Between Jeremiah 23:32 and Jesus’ Warnings • Same divine opposition – Jeremiah: “I am against them.” – Jesus: portrays them as wolves worthy of judgment (Matthew 7:19,23). • Same deceitful tactics – Jeremiah: reckless lies disguised as God-given dreams. – Jesus: sheep’s clothing—an outward godliness masking inner danger. • Same tragic outcome – Jeremiah: “lead My people astray.” – Jesus: “mislead many” (Matthew 24:11), endangering souls. • Same test of authenticity – Jeremiah implies a prophet must be sent by God; otherwise no true benefit. – Jesus: “You will recognize them by their fruit” (Matthew 7:20). God-sent messengers bear good fruit; pretenders do not. Supporting Passages The Thread Runs Through • Deuteronomy 13:1-3—false signs used to lure Israel into error. • 1 John 4:1—“Test the spirits.” • 2 Peter 2:1—false teachers “secretly introduce destructive heresies.” Practical Takeaways for Today • Measure every teaching against Scripture, not charisma or claimed experiences. • Look for lasting spiritual fruit—holiness, humility, love for truth (Galatians 5:22-23). • Remember that God’s message benefits His people; error always harms. • Stay alert: the presence of miracles or dreams does not guarantee God’s endorsement (Matthew 7:22-23). • Hold fast to the whole counsel of God’s Word; it is our sure safeguard against deception. |
    |