Meaning of Matthew 7:20

This verse, "Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them," concludes Jesus' discourse on discerning false prophets within the Sermon on the Mount. It provides a practical, observable criterion for identifying genuine spiritual leadership and, by extension, true discipleship. The emphasis is not on outward displays of piety, charismatic pronouncements, or even claims of divine authority, but rather on the results of a person's ministry and life. This fruit, in the biblical sense, refers to the positive, transformative outcomes that evidence a genuine connection with God, manifesting in character, actions, and the spiritual well-being of those influenced by them. Jesus is instructing his followers to look beyond superficial appearances and to evaluate individuals based on the observable, ethical, and spiritual impact they have.

Context and Background

Matthew 7:15-19 immediately precedes this verse, warning against false prophets who come in sheep's clothing but are inwardly ravenous wolves. Jesus highlights their deceptive nature and the danger they pose. He then offers a reliable method for distinguishing between the genuine and the counterfeit: their "fruit." This teaching is situated within the broader context of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus lays out the foundational principles of the Kingdom of Heaven, emphasizing internal transformation, righteous living, and a deep understanding of God's will, rather than mere ritualistic observance.

Key Themes and Messages

• Discernment: The primary message is the necessity and possibility of spiritual discernment. Followers are not to be naive but are equipped with a tool to evaluate authenticity.
• Observable Evidence: True spirituality is not solely an internal experience but has tangible, outward expressions. The "fruit" is a demonstrable reality.
• Character Over Charisma: While giftedness and eloquence may be present in both true and false prophets, the fruit reveals the underlying source and nature of their ministry.
• Consequences of True Discipleship: The fruit signifies the positive impact of a life lived in accordance with God's will, leading to spiritual growth, righteousness, and a reflection of God's character.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this verse calls believers to a discerning faith. It means critically examining the teachings and lives of those who claim spiritual authority or influence. The "fruit" can be understood in several ways:

• The Fruit of the Spirit: As described in Galatians 5:22-23 (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control), these are the internal qualities that should be evident in a believer's life and, by extension, in the lives of those genuinely led by God.
• Righteous Deeds: The actions that flow from a transformed heart, demonstrating obedience to God's commands and love for others.
• Transformation in Others: The positive spiritual, moral, and emotional changes observed in individuals who are influenced by a particular teaching or leader. This includes a deeper understanding of God, increased love for God and neighbor, and a turning away from sin.
• Enduring Truth: Teachings that stand the test of time and consistently lead people closer to God, rather than leading them astray or into error.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This principle of discerning by fruit is consistent throughout Scripture. The Old Testament prophets were often judged by the truthfulness of their prophecies and their adherence to God's law. Jesus himself, in John 15:1-8, uses the metaphor of the vine and branches, where fruitful branches are pruned for greater fruitfulness, implying that fruitfulness is a mark of genuine connection to Christ. The Apostle Paul also speaks of the "works of the flesh" versus the "fruit of the Spirit," reinforcing the idea that true spiritual life produces observable, positive results (Galatians 5). This concept underscores the holistic nature of faith, where belief and practice are inseparably linked.

Analogies

• A Healthy Tree: A healthy fruit tree is recognized by the quality and abundance of its fruit. A rotten tree, no matter how tall or impressive its branches appear, will produce rotten or no fruit.
• A Good Well: A pure wellspring produces clean, life-giving water, while a polluted source yields tainted water. The quality of the output reveals the nature of the source.
• A Skilled Craftsman: A skilled carpenter is known by the quality of the furniture they produce, not just by the tools they wield or the claims they make about their ability.

Relation to Other Verses

• Matthew 7:15-19: The immediate preceding verses, which warn against false prophets and their deceptive nature.
• Galatians 5:22-23: Lists the "fruit of the Spirit," providing a specific definition of the positive outcomes of a Spirit-filled life.
• John 15:5: "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he is bearing much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." This verse directly links fruitfulness to abiding in Christ.
• 1 John 4:1: "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world." This verse emphasizes the need to test and discern spiritual claims.
• Luke 6:43-44: A parallel passage that states, "For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from bramble bushes." This reinforces the same principle of discerning by observable results.