Matthew_12
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 12:33-35 NLT
“A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad. You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart.”
OBSERVATION-What does it say?
In this passage Jesus just about had enough of the Pharisees constantly questioning his every move, and slandering his name. Earlier in the chapter, the Pharisees were questioning Jesus’ tactics for healing on the Sabbath. Then in this particular passage, Jesus heals a demon possessed man who was blind and could not speak. Only to have the Pharisees accuse Jesus of getting his powers from Satan! Jesus had enough of the Pharisees foolishness! He then gives the Pharisees a piece of his mind!
UNDERSTANDING-What does it mean?
Warning: Living a Christ-filled life may also bring out the critics and “haters” in others.
“And all nations will hate you because you are my followers.”-Matthew 10:22a
“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.”-John 15:18
There is always those people who can’t stand seeing others succeed. I think the kids now a days call those types of people, “Haters”. They can’t stand seeing other people getting the love and affection they feel they deserve. And that to me is exactly what these Pharisees are...HATERS!!! I mean here was a humble man, Jesus, who was a carpenter. He spoke and taught in a manner that made them look foolish. Jesus knew more of their laws of Moses then they did! The crowds wanted to see Jesus. That made the Pharisees feel insecure. That’s when they devoted themselves to find any little thing they can catch Jesus on, to try to shame him, and discredit all that he was doing.
Fast forward to today’s world. There are still people out there like the Pharisees. People who try to bring you down for following Jesus. It can be a neighbor, a family member, classmate, friend, or co-worker. The fact that we choose to follow Jesus, almost makes it seem that we have a HUGE target on our backs! These people are looking over our every move. They are trying to catch us in our most vulnerable moment to see how we will react. I guess my question to ask is, “how do we react in those moments?” Is it a way that shines the light of Christ? Or is it a way that can give our critics “ammo” against us, calling us out on our hypocrisy? Jesus simply says look at the trees fruits to determine if the tree is good or bad. What kind of fruits am I producing?
LIFE APPLICATION
Relish the fact that you have people looking at how you’re living life. It’s a great opportunity to point others towards Christ!
Father God, I pray for strength and encouragement for those who carry Your name. I know it can bring heavy burdens in this world. I know it can even feel that the whole world is out to get us. But I find comfort knowing that You have been through it. And I know that You will see us through it as well. I pray that whatever situation or circumstance you put us in, we can use it to bring glory and honor to Your name Jesus. May it point others to see You as well. Thank You Jesus for always having our backs. May we have Your back as well as we walk in this world. In Your Holy Name I pray, Amen.
-Moses Gaddi