Jesus is Essential
Matthew 12:33–35: “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.
The contrasts Jesus made between the good tree and its fruit and the bad tree and its fruit demonstrated the choices (read Matthew 7:16–20). Jesus condemned the Pharisees as a brood of vipers who could never say anything good because their hearts were evil.
People are responsible for all their actions and words, which will acquit or condemn them on the day of judgment. 1
Walking with Jesus
What is the relationship between the godly fruit and spiritual roots? What is an example of bad fruit? What is an example of good fruit? Is it even possible to increase fruitfulness in your life? If so, what are some practical steps? How long does it take to bear fruit?
Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh. James 3:12
Fruit is the glorious evidence of a life under the lordship of Christ.
Praying
Lord, thank You for providing the blessing of salvation and the blessing of fruitful living.
1. Walvoord, John F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
