In Jeremiah 5, Israel are condemned for their unfaithfulness. They refused to repent, no-one could be found who “does justice and seeks truth”. They had been “utterly treacherous” to God, believing that there would be no repercussions. Through Jeremiah, God warns the Israelites that He would bring a nation from afar to destroy them and take them captive. Yet God still promises “I will not make a full end of you.” He offers them hope, another chance to repent, a recurring theme throughout Jeremiah.
Hundreds of years later, Jesus berates the Pharisees and Sadducees for being unfaithful, warning his disciples to be wary of their teaching. By contrast, Jesus’ teaching offered hope and a sure foundation, along with a difficult life, “if anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me… the son of man… will repay each person according to what he has done.”