As Jesus wraps up the Sermon on the Mount, what we are calling The Jesus Way, He provides several warnings. In our last article, Jesus talked about choosing the right path. In this article, Jesus talks about choosing the right companions on the path.
Jesus said, “Be on your guard against false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves. You’ll recognize them by their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can’t produce bad fruit; neither can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So you’ll recognize them by their fruit.” (Matthew 7:15–20, CSB)
We often read the above and think about false leaders. And that is a valid consideration. There have been many wolves in sheep’s skin that assumed titles, offices, and leadership to build their own kingdom or feed their own selfish desires. They wear reverend, pastor, apostle, bishop, prophet, evangelist, and teacher as means to instant credibility and “untouchableness” instead of an indication of how they are serving the Kingdom of God. Choose your leaders wisely.
Real wolves are only interested in devouring the sheep. These false prophets that Jesus warns us about are also intent on feeding their hunger in three specific areas; money, power, and sex. Sadly, there are more examples of this than there should be.
Jesus tells us to examine their fruit. What fruit? It’s not the number of conversions or the size of the church. It’s not notoriety or renown. It’s simply this – are they building the Kingdom of God or their own kingdom? They may have banners that declare Jesus is Lord, but who is really being worshipped? Are they promoting Christ or themselves? Not all who do are wolves; some are sheep traveling a wolf-like path.
This, however, is not limited to leaders. It could be someone traveling the Jesus Way with us. I’ve encountered a few of those folks that like to pick off one or two weak in their faith and mentor them into a dysfunctional relationship. In this relationship, the stronger dominates the will, choices, and beliefs of another. A “friendship” that requires near complete adherence to the stronger one’s way of doing, thinking, and believing.
These are the hallmarks of good fruit. Love for Christ and all His followers. Humility in all things. The edification of all believers regardless of office, station, ability, or activity. Self-sacrificing instead of aggrandizing and promoting self. A good tree will produce good fruit in themselves and others.
Most of the time, we read the verses above and consider the sheep and wolves around us. Yet, rarely are these verses turned inward. Who are we? Am I a wolf, a shepherd, or a lamb? Do I offer good fruit or bad fruit? Am I building my own kingdom or Christ’s? Many are blinded to their own wolfishness. Are you?
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