The next portion of the Sermon on the Mount cuts straight through confusion.
Jesus is not only urging us to choose the right path—He’s now warning us about those who would lead us astray. Not every voice that sounds spiritual is of God. Not every platform preaching “hope” is grounded in truth.
Some will deceive deliberately. Others are simply blind guides.
Who Is Jesus Speaking To?
Jesus continues to address His disciples and the broader crowd. But now, He’s equipping them with discernment. He is saying: Not everyone who looks holy is helpful. Not everyone who sounds right is righteous.
What Jesus Said: Matthew 7:15–20 (NASB)
15 “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits.Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they? 17 So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So then, you will know them by their fruits.”
False Prophets in Sheep’s Clothing
Jesus paints a disturbing picture: wolves dressed as sheep. That’s not a harmless mistake—it’s intentional deception.
False prophets:
- Sound spiritual
- Look trustworthy
- Know how to quote Scripture
- But lead people away from the truth
They don’t destroy through violence—they dismantle through manipulation.
Action Step: Don’t follow someone just because they have a big platform. Investigate their fruit, not just their followers.
Fruit Always Reveals the Root
Jesus gives us a simple, universal test:
- Good trees produce good fruit.
- Bad trees can’t hide forever—what’s inside will show.
In 2025, fruit might not be flashy—it might look like:
- Humility
- Integrity
- Consistent truth in teaching
- Repentance and accountability
Action Step: Check the long-term pattern of someone’s life or ministry. Does it reflect Jesus or just charisma?
Mood of the Scene
Protective. Serious. Loving.
Jesus isn’t fearmongering. He’s being a Good Shepherd—warning His sheep because He loves them deeply.
This is Jesus saying: “Don’t be naive. Learn to test what’s real.”
Response from the People
Some probably realized they had followed voices that were more exciting than godly. Others might have recalled religious leaders who exploited their authority. This teaching would have raised eyebrows and opened eyes.
What This Means for Us in 2025
In our digital age:
- Anyone can look spiritual.
- Anyone can start a ministry online.
- Anyone can go viral for “Christian” content.
But Jesus reminds us: Fruit takes time to grow.
You can’t fake it forever. You can’t hide what you really are.
And neither can we.
Application for Today:
- Audit who you listen to—are they pointing you to Scripture or just themselves?
- Consider a teacher’s personal life, not just their public platform.
- Ask: “Do they practice what they preach?”
- Refuse to be impressed by flash without faith.
- Most importantly—check your own fruit. Are you becoming more like Christ?
Final Prayer
Lord Jesus, open my eyes to what is real. Help me not be swayed by charisma or popularity. Teach me to test the fruit of those I listen to—and the fruit of my own life. Make me rooted in truth and filled with Your Spirit. In Your name, Amen.
