Matthew 12:22-37

A TREE AND ITS FRUIT

Keywords 12:33

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.

 

1. Signs of the kingdom of God (22-32)

Jesus performed an extraordinary miracle by healing a demon-possessed man who was both blind and mute. When the Pharisees heard people asking whether Jesus might be the Son of David (the Messiah), they accused Jesus of driving out demons by Beelzebub, the prince of demons. In their pride, the Pharisees were trying to deny that the kingdom of God was among them in Jesus, but by doing so they were in danger of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.

 

2. How to judge a tree (33-37)

Jesus continued by teaching the principle that a tree can be judged by its fruit. A bad tree cannot produce good fruit, and vice versa. It means that the condition of our heart determines whether our life produces blessings. Whether someone is really doing the work of God’s kingdom is shown by the influence they have on the people around them. Those who carelessly criticize and judge will be held responsible for their words in the judgment. We need to pray to have a pure heart.

 

Prayer Heavenly Father, give me humility to see the work of God among us. Create a pure heart in me by your Holy Spirit.

One Word A good heart produces good fruit