On the island of Crete there stands an olive tree estimated to be 3,000 years old. Called “the Olive Tree of Vouves” (the village in which it’s located); it welcomes 20,000 visitors per year. If you’re unable to go in person, a three-dimensional model of the tree can be found online.
Astonishingly, this ancient tree still bears fruit. Which fruit? Olives, of course! (Yes, olives are a fruit.) What else would it bear? Olive trees bear olives. Apple trees bear apples. Peach trees bear peaches. Fig trees bear figs. The same consistency we find in nature is also found in the spiritual realm. The same litmus test we apply to false prophets can also be applied to all self-identified followers of Christ. Some are true, but some are false. The latter will be “thrown into the fire,” that is, sent to hell (v. 19; Matt. 25:46). They never did possess genuine saving faith.
The principle is straightforward: A good tree will bear good fruit, and a bad tree bears bad fruit. This is stated in one verse and repeated for emphasis in the next (vv. 17–18). It is simply impossible for this not to be true! It cannot not be true.
The application is similarly direct: “By their fruit you will recognize them” (v. 20). In context, “them” means false prophets, but it can also refer to self-professed followers of Christ, given the verses that follow (in tomorrow’s devotion). As mentioned yesterday, “fruit” means the results of a person’s words and actions. We should be careful, though, to see “fruit” as God does. Too often we see it in terms of our culture. For example, if a church is growing in numbers or resources, we assume this is godly success. But the Lord doesn’t evaluate in such ways. To Him, it’s all about faithfulness and obedience.
Go Deeper
What did Jesus mean when He said we will recognize false prophets by their fruit? What kind of fruit are you bearing?
Pray with Us
Remind us to look inward at our own hearts, Jesus. Are we walking in faithful obedience to You, and bearing the fruit this brings? Let it be so!
By their fruit you will recognize them.Matthew 7:20
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