In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus offers a profound teaching on how we can discern the true nature of people. Matthew 7:16-20 says, “You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a 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. Therefore, by their fruits you will know them.”
This passage uses the imagery of trees and fruit to illustrate how our actions reveal the true state of our hearts. Jesus is teaching us how to distinguish between genuine and false followers of Him. Let’s explore this scripture and uncover the lessons we can learn for our lives today.
Fruit as a Reflection of Character
When Jesus talks about fruit, He is referring to the actions, behaviors, and attitudes that people exhibit. Just as the fruit of a tree reveals its health and type, a person’s actions reveal their inner character. If someone claims to follow Jesus but consistently demonstrates dishonesty, selfishness, or malice, their “fruit” is not in line with the good tree Jesus speaks about.
The “good tree” symbolizes those who are truly following God, allowing His Spirit to work in them and transform their hearts. The “bad tree,” on the other hand, represents those who are not living in accordance with God’s will. Their actions—whether it’s deceit, greed, or hypocrisy—show that their hearts are not aligned with God.
Good Fruit vs. Bad Fruit
In verse 17, Jesus makes a clear distinction: “Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.” This principle can be applied to the way we live our lives. Good fruit, such as kindness, love, patience, and generosity, reflects a heart that is rooted in Christ. When we are connected to God, the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)—will naturally flow from us.
On the contrary, bad fruit represents sinful behaviors like anger, hatred, dishonesty, or pride. These actions reflect a heart that is distant from God. As followers of Jesus, we are called to bear good fruit, which means living in a way that honors God and reflects His love to the world.
“By Their Fruits, You Will Know Them”
In verse 20, Jesus summarizes His point: “Therefore, by their fruits you will know them.” This is a vital reminder that actions speak louder than words. It’s easy for someone to profess faith or claim to follow Jesus, but their true identity is revealed by how they live their lives. Are they producing the fruit of the Spirit? Are their actions consistent with the teachings of Christ?
This also applies to leaders, teachers, and those in positions of spiritual influence. We are called to discern whether someone’s teaching and leadership reflect the heart of God. If their lives consistently produce “bad fruit”—such as deception, pride, or selfish ambition—it serves as a warning that their leadership may not be rooted in the truth of God.
The Importance of Self-Reflection
While Jesus’ teaching here is often applied to recognizing others’ actions, it’s equally important for self-reflection. What kind of fruit are we bearing in our own lives? Are we producing the fruits of the Spirit, or are we allowing negative behaviors like anger, jealousy, or greed to take root?
Self-examination is a critical aspect of spiritual growth. We should regularly reflect on our actions, attitudes, and the impact we have on others. If we notice that we’re bearing “bad fruit,” it’s an opportunity to repent, seek God’s guidance, and allow Him to transform us from the inside out.
The Consequences of Bearing Bad Fruit
Jesus warns in verse 19, “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” This is a sobering reminder of the consequences of a life that is not aligned with God’s will. If we persist in living apart from God, without producing good fruit, we face spiritual separation from Him.
However, this isn’t meant to scare us, but to encourage us to take our walk with God seriously. God desires for us to live fruitful lives, full of love, kindness, and good works that reflect His nature. By staying connected to Him, we can bear the kind of fruit that pleases Him.
Staying Rooted in Christ
If we want to bear good fruit, we must remain connected to the source of life—Jesus. In John 15:5, Jesus says, “I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.”
Just as a tree cannot produce healthy fruit without proper nourishment, we cannot bear spiritual fruit without staying rooted in Christ. This means spending time in prayer, studying God’s Word, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us. When we stay connected to Jesus, He transforms us from the inside out, making us more like Him and equipping us to bear fruit that glorifies God.
Conclusion: Bearing Fruit in Every Season
Matthew 7:16-20 challenges us to evaluate the fruit we are producing in our lives. Are we bearing good fruit that reflects God’s love and character, or are we allowing negative behaviors to take root? By staying connected to Christ, we can ensure that our lives are fruitful and pleasing to God.
As we live our lives, let us strive to bear the fruit of the Spirit in all that we do. Let our actions be a reflection of the love and grace of Jesus, and may others recognize Christ in us by the fruit we produce.
Key Bible Verse:
“You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?” —Matthew 7:16
Subscribe for Daily Email Devotionals
