Matthew 7:15-20 Devotional

Recognizing True and False Teachers

Matthew 7:15-20

15 "Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves. 16 You'll recognize them by their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree can't produce bad fruit; neither can a bad tree produce good fruit. 19 Every tree that doesn't produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So you'll recognize them by their fruit.

Jesus calls us to follow the narrow path that leads to salvation (Matt. 7:13 -14). He also warns us to be careful of false prophets in this passage (vv. 15–20). Just as there are two paths—one to salvation and another to destruction, there are also two types of teachers: true and false.

I use the word “teachers” because no one prophesies like the prophets and apostles did in the past. Today's “prophets” do not predict the future; instead, they explain God’s Word to the people. Like the prophets, they must teach the truth (Deut. 13:1–5; Titus 2:1). Good teachers help us follow Jesus’ teachings on how to live in God’s kingdom. They invite us to repent (Matt. 5:3), be the salt and light (vv. 13–16), understand that we cannot follow God’s law by ourselves (v. 20), and fully follow Christ (6:19–24). True teachers do not ignore the clear teachings of Scripture (Gal. 1:8–9; 2 John 9).

It's essential to distinguish between teachers to help us stay spiritually healthy. If we don't, false prophets could lead us astray. In this passage, Jesus warns His followers about these false prophets, who may appear good on the outside but can mislead others

Insightful Commentary

Verse 15: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”  Misleading teachers may seem benevolent at first glance, yet their true intentions can be devastating. Jesus calls for a keen sense of discernment to navigate these treacherous waters. He compares false teachers to wolves in sheep's clothing, illustrating that deception often masquerades as truth.

Verses 16-18: “You will recognize them by their fruits.” Just as a flourishing tree, with its vibrant leaves and sturdy branches, bears luscious, ripe fruit, so too does a person’s character manifest through their actions and teachings. Conversely, a tree afflicted by disease yields only withered, unsightly fruit, serving as a stark reminder that a person's true essence is unveiled through their behavior and the wisdom they share with others.

Verse 19: “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” This serves as a poignant reminder that those who continue to engage in deceit will inevitably encounter the consequences of their actions.

Verse 20: “Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.” Jesus invites His followers to examine the evidence surrounding their faith, urging them to look beyond mere words and rhetoric to observe the tangible actions that reveal true belief.

Practical Personal Applications

Discernment in Leadership – Not everyone who claims to speak for God is trustworthy. We must test teachings against Scripture.

Examining Our Own Fruit – Are our actions reflecting Christ? Do we bear the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)?

Guarding Against Deception – False teachings can be subtle. Staying rooted in God’s Word helps us recognize truth.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your wisdom and guidance. Please help us to discern truth from deception and to follow leaders who bear good fruit. May our own lives reflect Your love, grace, and righteousness. Strengthen us to stand firm in Your Word and to be lights in a dark world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.