This passage evidences Jesus’ heart as our Shepherd. He cares for us. He cares so much, that He fears our being mislead. Specifically, Christ warns us against false prophets—those who would lead us down the easy path. Those who would say to us, “you’re perfect just the way you are.” Those who would encourage us to sit, shade, and take our rest for all is well and the city is at peace. Those whom we perceive as gentle, harmless men and women; But who are, in fact, (whether intentionally or not) sowing the seeds of both their, and our destruction.
How could anyone be so blind, as to confuse a wolf for a lamb?! Jesus gives us a measure. It’s a common sense one. One that, if we look into the deepest parts of our heart, we knew all along. Our actions betray us…whether good or bad. Jesus says, “A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit.” (7:17) If someone were to look at the fruit of your life, what would they find? Would it nourish their lives and spirits, transforming more and more into the image of Christ…or would it bear more resemblance to the fruit of Adam & Eve?
-- Justin
Click here for some activities for the kids related to today's reading.
What does "fruit" mean to you (a Bible scholar) in this passage? I've been having to deal with the "feel good" Gospel some lately, but that's a long story...
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work!!
In my judgment, Jesus is referring primarily to the daily ethics of people...not finite points of doctrine.
ReplyDeleteThere were different sects of Judaism in Christ's day (much like our different sects of Christianity today). They divided and fought over issues such as the resurrection from the dead, where the proper temple worship was to take place, how much one could do on the Sabbath before it technically became "work" etc.
It's noteworthy that Jesus rarely (if ever) answered those sorts of legalistic questions. Rather, He emphasized basic ethics. (e.g., teaching people how to deal with their interpersonal conflicts--Matt. 18:15-20)
In Jesus' day, like ours, there were plenty of "church attenders" (actually, I suppose they were "synagogue attenders") running around who had all the answers to all the latest doctrinal questions. But when it came right down to it, their ethics were deplorable. They oppressed their workers and made excuses. They didn't deal with their brothers directly and in good faith. They spread rumors and gossip in an attempt to destroy their "enemies." They saw a younger, hotter woman they wanted and quickly wrote out a bill of divorce, handed it to their faithful wife, and showed her the door.
I think Jesus is saying THAT sort of junk is what will get you sent to Hell. More to the point, I think He's warning us that even though someone may claim to be a spiritual authority...if they can't muster up the ethics to behave any different from the world, they aren't to be trusted.
I hope this helps. I feel like I'm beginning to ramble. If I've not successfully addressed your question, please let me know and I'll give it another try.
Thanks so much for your encouragement! I pray that you and your family are doubly-blessed this holiday season.
Thanks, Justin. I appreciate your comments. Growing up, I always thought the "fruit" meant how many people you could convert. Now, I think it's more akin to developing the "fruits of the Spirit." I certainly appreciate your prayers, and pray you have a great Christmas, too!
ReplyDelete