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Home Matthew 7:15-20 NRSVue

Matthew 7:15-20 NRSVue

15“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns or figs from thistles? 17In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. 20Thus you will know them by their fruits.

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE)

“Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.”

Some thoughts on this scripture

Reflection
How practical your words are, Lord. The world is awash with words -- such as what I am writing now -- and we need some way of knowing how to discern the true and good. Whether the speaker is a broadcaster or a bishop, a politician or a policeman, the only safe criterion is the one you give us: /you will know them by their fruits, by the way they live./

Reflection
A good tree is well minded. It needs the right soil given at the right time, planted in the place for the weather it needs. It needs to be planted neither too near the other trees nor too far away. We grow if we are well tended - in education, in family, in love. We grow when we mind and nourish ourselves with the food and drink that do not ruin the body. Then the fruit is seen and others can enjoy and benefit from our lives. How we mind others in turn has its effect for many years.

Reflection
Jesus promised me the Holy Spirit who enriches my life and is evident in my attitudes, words and actions. As I turn away from false prophets and seek guidance of those who may truly help me, I ask the Spirit for guidance.

Reflection
I think of the fruits that I have prayed for in the past or pray for now. I ask God to help me to appreciate where these fruits may be budding, present or already given away. I pray that I may recognise fruits that I did not ask for but which God has generously given.

Reflection
Jesus speaks richly in images: wolves, trees, sheep and fruit are brought to mind. If I were to speak to Jesus in images, to what might I compare my life?

Reflection
As I draw close to Jesus in prayer, I realise that he is the source of truth and meaning. Other leaders may inspire and encourage, but I trust Jesus as the Truth.