Fans of the Peanuts comic strip know that Linus often talks about the Great Pumpkin around Halloween. He tries to convince others to sit with him in the pumpkin patch on Halloween night, waiting and hoping for the Great Pumpkin to appear. Some kids call him a “false prophet.” “No one in my class has ever seen a false prophet,” says Sally. “How about joining me for ‘Show and Tell’?”
There are two kinds of prophets implied in today’s reading: true and false. Followers of Christ are to watch out for and be on guard against false prophets (v. 15). The picture of a wolf in sheep’s clothing tells us that false prophets are deceptive and harmful. They might claim to be telling God’s truth but they’re lying. They’re “ferocious,” actively prowling to do damage. This word has also been translated “ravenous” or “vicious.”
We will recognize false prophets by their fruit, that is, the results of their words and actions (v. 16). After all, people do not pick grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles! But they might tickle our ears and fill us with false hopes: “They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD” (Jer. 23:16). All this suggests that false prophets won’t be difficult to recognize… if we’re careful and on our guard.
Watchfulness is an underrated virtue, but one that is often recommended by Jesus. He spoke of it in connection with His return (Matt. 24:42–43). The end times will be characterized by false prophets who might deceive even true followers of Christ (Matt. 24:24). In fact, “Many will follow [false prophets’] depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute” (2 Peter 2:1–3). But don’t worry—their doom is assured!
Go Deeper
Are there false prophets today? How would we recognize one? Are we bold enough to call them out in the name of Christ? Why or why not?
Pray with Us
Lord, we want to be on our guard against false prophets. As we are bombarded by messages, fill us with discernment to know Your truths. We are grateful that we can always trust You.
They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.Matthew 7:15
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