Today, we read a stern rebuke to those who speak good words, but do not practice them. Jesus refers to them as a “brood of vipers”, which is traced back to psalm 140:3. This reference would be piercing and painful to hear - however if we’re all honest, we have probably fit the role for this rebuke at some time in our lives. I pray that we would be convicted by this word, and comforted in His grace as learning apprentices of Jesus. May Christ fill you in it’s joy and peace. Praise King Jesus

Matthew 12.33-37

33 Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. 36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ In context to these verses, where was Jesus and who was he addressing?

+ In verse 34, you can trace “you brood of vipers” back to psalm 140:1-3. Why does Jesus reference this passage and what does it tell us about the audience?

+ “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” - why is it important to be planted in good soil and fed good (metaphorical) food?

+ In verse 37, what does justified mean? Condemned?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there a sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ How can you be intentional to follow the way of Jesus, and bear good fruit?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?