HOST: Michael Whitworth
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
Have you ever played a role, maybe in a school musical, community theatre, or youth group skit? Playing a role often involves dressing up in costume, taking on the persona of your character, and pretending to be someone or something other than yourself. It is fun and harmless in a theatrical setting, but can be anything but harmless in real life. This activity of playing a part is the picture from which we get the word “hypocrite,” and it is the activity that Jesus describes and condemns in this passage. What appears to be harmless, good, and even helpful, Jesus says, is actually evil and destructive. But Jesus tells us that there is a way to see through the mask and identify the real person. “You will recognize them by their fruits.” Regardless of the image that someone tries to portray, their life will tell the tale. There are two lessons that we need to keep in mind here: one is to beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing. Don’t be deceived and led astray by someone’s act. The other lesson is that we must always be careful to make sure that our lives reflect who we really are. Be genuine, sincere, and godly. There is no greater way to bring glory to God.
Why do you think some choose to pretend to be something they are not?
Don’t forget to pray and have a great day!
