“Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they? So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits. Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; LEAVE ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’”
In this sobering section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warns His followers to watch out for false prophets—those who appear spiritual, convincing, and even impressive, yet lead people away from God. Their danger lies in their disguise: “They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”
Jesus does not tell us to judge them by their charisma, giftedness, or outward success. Instead, He points to something far more reliable: their fruit—their character, conduct, and the effect their lives have on others.
But Jesus doesn’t stop with false prophets. He shifts the focus to everyone who claims His name. Many will say, “Lord, Lord!” but only those who do the will of the Father will enter the kingdom. It is possible to perform spiritual actions—preaching, ministering, even miracles—yet lack true obedience and relationship with Christ.
This passage calls us to deep discernment and sober self-examination. Our fruit reveals our root. A life anchored in Jesus will inevitably bear good fruit, while a life disconnected from Him—even if religious on the surface—cannot.
Why It Matters
- Appearances can be deceiving. Not everyone who looks, speaks, or acts spiritual is walking with Christ. Discernment protects us from harmful influence.
- True discipleship is proven over time. Fruit takes time to grow. Genuine transformation—love, humility, obedience, purity—reveals the presence of the Holy Spirit.
- Religious activity is not the same as obedience. Jesus cares more about the condition of our heart than the visibility of our ministry.
- Jesus calls us to authentic relationship. The most haunting part of this passage is Jesus saying, “I never knew you.” The goal is not to impress Him with works, but to walk with Him in intimacy and obedience.
This teaching draws us back to the basics: remain in Christ, obey His Word, and allow the Spirit to shape your character. Good fruit always grows from a healthy relationship with Jesus.
A Prayer for Today
Father, give me a discerning heart so I am not led astray by appearances or empty claims. Help me stay rooted in Christ so my life bears the kind of fruit that honors You. Purify my motives, deepen my obedience, and make me a true disciple who lives out Your will. Amen.
Questions to Guide Your Reflection
- What “fruit” do you see growing in your life that reflects Christ’s work in you?
- How can you grow in discernment when evaluating spiritual influences or leaders?
- Are there areas where you’ve relied on activity over obedience or relationship?
- What steps can you take to stay more deeply rooted in Jesus this week?
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