The Sermon on the Mount
Matthew 5 - 7
Chapter 7
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ferocious wolves. You will recognize
them by their fruits. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good
tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear
good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore, by their
fruits you will recognize them.
What does this mean?
Explanation of Matthew 7:15-20
This passage from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount warns about false prophets and emphasizes the importance of discerning
their true nature by examining their actions and outcomes. Here’s a detailed biblical explanation of each part:
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ferocious wolves."
- Explanation: Jesus begins with a warning about false prophets—individuals who claim to speak for God but are
actually deceivers. These false prophets appear harmless and trustworthy (sheep's clothing) but are actually
dangerous and harmful (ferocious wolves). This imagery highlights their deceptive nature and the threat they
pose to the spiritual well-being of believers.
"You will recognize them by their fruits."
- Explanation: Jesus teaches that the true nature of these false prophets can be identified by their "fruits,"
which refers to their actions, behaviors, and the results of their teachings. Just as fruit reveals the health
and type of a tree, the outcomes and moral character of a person's life reveal their true spiritual condition.
"Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?"
- Explanation: Jesus uses a simple analogy to illustrate the principle that good outcomes cannot come from bad
sources. Just as one cannot harvest grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles, one cannot expect good and
godly results from false prophets. Their true nature will inevitably produce harmful and ungodly outcomes.
"In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit."
- Explanation: Jesus continues the analogy, stating that a good tree naturally produces good fruit, and a bad tree
produces bad fruit. This principle reinforces that the true character of a person or teacher is revealed by the
quality of their actions and the results of their influence.
"A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit."
- Explanation: Jesus emphasizes the consistency of this principle. A genuinely good person or teacher, aligned
with God's will, cannot produce harmful or ungodly outcomes. Conversely, a false or corrupt individual cannot
produce truly good and godly results. This consistency helps believers discern true from false prophets.
"Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."
- Explanation: Jesus warns of the ultimate fate of those who do not produce good fruit. Trees that do not bear
good fruit are cut down and burned, symbolizing judgment and destruction. This imagery serves as a sobering
reminder of the consequences of false teaching and ungodly living.
"Therefore, by their fruits you will recognize them."
- Explanation: Jesus concludes by reiterating the key point: the true nature of individuals, especially those who
claim to be spiritual leaders, is revealed by their actions and the results of their influence. Believers are
encouraged to evaluate the "fruits" to discern the authenticity and alignment with God's will.
Summary:
In this passage, Jesus warns His followers about the danger of false prophets who appear harmless but are deceitful
and harmful. He teaches that the true nature of these individuals can be identified by examining their actions and
the outcomes of their teachings. Using the analogy of trees and their fruit, Jesus explains that good and godly
individuals will produce positive and godly outcomes, while false and corrupt individuals will produce harmful and
ungodly results. This teaching emphasizes the importance of discernment and vigilance in evaluating the character
and influence of spiritual leaders, as well as the serious consequences of false teaching and ungodly living.
