Matthew 7:15-20 – Beware of false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warns us about false prophets who disguise themselves as sheep, but inside they are ravenous wolves. He uses the metaphor of fruits to illustrate this truth in Matthew 7:15-20.

These false prophets are like bad trees that cannot produce good fruit. Just as a good tree can only bear good fruit, a true person reveals his essence through his actions and words. Jesus teaches us to discern between true and false, to seek goodness and honesty in everything we do. Because, just as trees are known by their fruits, we are known by our attitudes and the sincerity of our hearts.

“But beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.By their fruits you will know them. Do you gather grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?So every good tree bears good fruit, and every 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 ye shall know them. “Matthew 7:15-20

Jesus teaches that false prophets may appear good and genuine, but their actions and intentions reveal their true nature. They may disguise themselves with smooth words and tempting promises, but deep down, their intentions are dark and full of selfishness. It is important to pay attention to the signs and not be fooled by appearances, as the truth always comes to light. Following Jesus’ teachings helps us discern between what is genuine and what is false, guiding us on the path of truth and goodness.

Just as a tree is recognized by its fruits, people are recognized by their actions. A person is like a garden, where the seeds he plants determine the harvest he will have. Every gesture, word and choice shapes your essence and leaves a mark on the world. Therefore, it is important to cultivate kindness, compassion and honesty, as these are the virtues that will flourish and make life more beautiful for you and everyone around you. Always remember: what you do echoes in eternity.

A truly good person will produce good fruit, while a bad person will produce bad fruit. It is impossible for a bad tree to produce good fruit, just as it is impossible for a false prophet to produce good deeds.

As Christians, it is important to understand that the fruit of a tree is a reflection of its roots and the care it receives throughout its life. Likewise, a person’s actions reflect their deepest values ​​and principles. Therefore, it is essential to cultivate good seeds within us to reap positive fruits in our lives. Just as nature teaches us, it is important to nourish our essence with sincerity and kindness, so that our actions are true and benevolent, reflecting the light that exists in our being.

The Disguise of False Prophets

Jesus warns us that false prophets disguise themselves as sheep, which means they present themselves as genuine followers of God. They can even perform miracles and prophesy in the name of Jesus, as mentioned in Matthew 7:22-23 . “Many will say to me on that day: Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? And, in your name, we do not expel demons? And in your name did we not perform many miracles? Then I will declare to them: I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of iniquity.”

However, it is essential to remember that the true proof of a prophet is in his fruits, as Jesus reminds us in Matthew 7:20: This passage teaches us that a person’s actions and the impact they make on the world around them are the true indication of its authenticity and integrity. Therefore, instead of simply believing someone’s words, we should carefully observe how that person lives their life and how they treat others. The sincerity and kindness manifested in everyday attitudes are what really reveal someone’s character.

However, Jesus makes it clear that it is not enough to just do things in His name. What really matters is obedience to his word and producing good fruit. False prophets can deceive many with their words and actions, but they cannot deceive God. They will be recognized and judged by their fruits.

The truth will always come to light, revealing those who seek to deceive and manipulate. Kindness and honesty will prevail over falsehood and malice. It is important to remain vigilant and cultivate a pure heart so that we can discern between truth and lies. The light of justice will illuminate the path of those who choose to follow virtue, while false prophets will finally be exposed and held accountable for their actions. Trust in divine wisdom and stand firm in your integrity, for divine justice will prevail in the end.

The Judgment of False Prophets

Jesus warns us that every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. This means that false prophets will face God’s judgment for their evil actions. They will be held responsible for spreading lies and deceiving people, leading them away from the truth and love of God.

Those who act in bad faith will be punished, but those who remain faithful and true will be rewarded with divine blessing and grace. It is important to follow the path of righteousness and honesty, because only in this way can we reap good fruits and glorify the name of the Lord.

In Matthew 25:41 , Jesus describes the fate of the wicked: “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Cursed ones, depart from me into eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.”

In this excerpt from the Bible, Jesus warns about the fate of those who stray from the path of goodness and give themselves over to evil. The message invites us to reflect on our actions and the choice between following the light of compassion or the path of darkness. Understanding and loving others are fundamental to living in harmony and building a more just and supportive world. May we always seek the light of kindness in our lives.

This is a serious warning to us all. We must be alert to false prophets and not be deceived by their words and actions. Instead, we must seek the truth in God’s word and follow Jesus’ example.

The Importance of Discernment

Discernment is essential to recognize false prophets. We must test all things in the light of God’s word and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This way, we can discern between what is true and what is misleading. It is essential to keep our faith firm and our mind open to understand the messages that are transmitted to us. Reflection and prayer are powerful tools that help us discern the true teachings of those who seek to divert us from the path of light. Always remember that wisdom and faith are our best allies on the journey of spiritual discernment. May we remain vigilant and wise in the face of adversity, trusting in love and divine protection.

In 1 John 4:1 , the apostle John warns us: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

This passage teaches us about the importance of discerning the spiritual influences around us. Not everything that seems good is true, so we must seek wisdom and discernment to recognize what is truly genuine and coming from God. It is essential to be attentive and vigilant so as not to allow ourselves to be deceived by false promises or false doctrines.

What are false doctrines? False doctrines are teachings or beliefs that depart from the truth or that distort the fundamental principles of a particular religion, philosophy or ideology. These are ideas that are often propagated in a misleading or manipulative way, leading people to believe something that is not correct or that could be harmful. It is important to be attentive and always question the information we receive, always seeking truth and genuine knowledge.

Seeking truth and divine guidance helps us remain firm in our faith and protect us from negative influences.

We must be aware that false prophets are out there and are always looking to deceive people. They may appear convincing and even sincere, but their actions and intentions will reveal their true nature. Therefore, we must always be attentive and test everything in the light of God’s word.

The Call to Bear Good Fruit

Finally, Jesus calls us to bear good fruit. In Matthew 7:19 , He says, “Every tree that does not produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” This means that we must live our lives according to God’s word and produce fruit that is pleasing to Him.

Good fruits include love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, as mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23. These fruits are the result of the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. When we surrender to God and seek His will, He produces these fruits in us.

They are like branches of a tree that give life and sustenance to everyone around us. Love connects us to each other, joy strengthens us in difficult times, peace calms our restless hearts. Patience teaches us to wait for the right time, kindness and kindness are like gestures of affection that make a difference. Faithfulness keeps us firm in our commitments, meekness makes us humble and self-control guides us to wise choices. May we allow these fruits to grow and flourish in our lives, spreading love and light wherever we go.

In conclusion, Matthew 7:15-20 warns us about false prophets and the importance of recognizing them by their fruits. We must be attentive to the disguises of false prophets and seek discernment in the word of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, we must produce good fruit in our lives, living according to God’s word and seeking his will. Thus, we can be recognized as true followers of Jesus and avoid the judgment that will come upon false prophets.

Therefore, it is essential to remember that discernment is essential to identify false prophets, as Matthew 7:15-20 warns us. Seeking divine guidance and producing good fruit on our spiritual journey are the foundations for a life in tune with God’s will. In this way, by living in accordance with the sacred teachings and following the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we become authentic disciples of Jesus, ready to face challenges and overcome adversity with faith and wisdom. May we always be guided by the light of truth and goodness, thus removing the shadow of false prophets from our lives.