Any gardeners out there? Jesus’ metaphor is one that gardeners and farmers, many of whom were in his audience, would understand. Gardeners can tell if a plant is sick or healthy by the fruit it produces, and they also know that when a plant does not produce good fruit, it needs to be cut down and gotten rid of.
Matthew 7:15-20
15“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.”
[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?
+ Jesus calls his disciples to be aware of what? Why are they so dangerous? [v.15]
+ What is the litmus test for determining if they are dangerous? [v. 16]
+ How does the metaphor of trees and fruit correlate with our lives? [vv.16-19]
+ What happens if a tree doesn’t bear good fruit? [v. 19]
[ 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?
+ What kind of fruit is there from your life? What kind of fruit is evident in the leaders you follow?
[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?
+ What is my next step?