In the New Testament, Jesus Christ spoke with clarity and concern about the emergence of false prophets following His time on earth. His teachings are as relevant today as they were two millenia ago, serving as a cautionary guide for believers to discern truth from deception.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus warns His followers to be vigilant against those who would lead them astray. He states:

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheeps’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognise them”. (Matt. 7:15-16).

This metaphor of wolves in sheep’s clothing is powerful, iilustrating the deceptive nature of false prophets who may appear harmless or even benevolent, yet harbour destructive intentions.

Jesus emphasizes that by their fruits Christians can discern the true nature of these prophets – the outcomes of their teachings and actions. Just as a tree is known by its fruit, so too can false prophets be identified by the consequences of their influence.

“Every good tree bears fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit”. (Matt. 7:17).

The implication is clear: those who lead others towards righteousness and truth produce goodness and spiritual growth, while those who mislead will yield negativity and spiritual decay.

Jesus’ teachings also warn about false prophets’ ultimate fate. In the same chapter of Matthew, He declares that every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire, symbolizing the divine judgement that awaits those who deceieve believers.

The presence of false prophets is not limited to any one era; they have existed throughout history and continue to emerge in various forms. Jesus admonition to be wary of such individuals is a call to discernment for who all seek to follow His path. It is a reminder to examine the teachings we encounter, to look beyond appearances, and to assess the fruits borne by those who claim to speak on behalf of the divine.

Jesus’ words on false prophets are a timeless beacon for believers, guiding us to remain steadfast in our faith, to seek wisdom, and to uphold the truth. As we navigate the complexities of spiritual teachings in our world, let us hold fast to discernment that Jesus so emphatically imparted to us.

In conclusion, this reflection of Jesus’ teachings about false prophets is a reminder of the importance of vigilance and discernment in our spiritual journeys. By heeding His words, we can safeguard our faith and continue in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour.

God bless you,

Nick x.