By: Kobe DarDar

Scripture Text: 

33“Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.34You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. 35A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. 36But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. 37For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Matthew 12:33-37

Devotional:

Everything that you do matters. 

For context: Jesus in this passage is talking to Pharisees who were very traditional and religious. They were concerned with their image and they were out to get Jesus because he didn’t quite fit into their mold of what they thought was the correct lifestyle. 

Jesus is saying here that we are like trees that produce fruit. We have two options: either we can produce bad fruit or good fruit. It’s that simple. Where it gets shady is defining what’s good and bad. That’s not extremely complicated either, it’s just people make it harder than it needs to be. God gave us a historical document that is a guide for life. The Bible, and in it tells us that Jesus is Good. If you want to produce good fruit, follow the example Jesus left for us. 

My second point here is that you can’t fake fruit. You can put up a front and make it seem like you produce good fruit, but what is truly the desire of your heart will show. That’s why Jesus is calling out these Pharisees. They made it seem like they were good people but really they had negative intentions. God knows your heart. 

So reflect on yourself. What kind of fruit do you produce? Are you proud of that? Really search all the aspects of your life and make sure they are producing to glorify our God. We will all have to give an account one day about what we did while we were on earth whether you believe in Jesus or not. As a reminder for you and myself, be ready for that day and help others to be too. 

Response/Prayer: 

Lord, thank You for giving us freedom. Help us to choose to produce fruit that glorifies and honors You. Help our relationship to be real and authentic with You, not just for a show to look good at church or to make ourselves feel better. We love You and thank You for Your love. In Your name we pray,