Matthew 3 - 3.18.25

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew 3:8 “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.”

OBSERVATION: The author of this portion of Scripture, Matthew, told how John the Baptist called people to change their behavior and repent of their sins. He told them to produce fruit in keeping with their repentance.  “The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

APPLICATION:  “Any tree that doesn’t bear fruit will be cut down?  Nope, that’s not what it says!  Only the tree that doesn’t bear GOOD fruit will be cut down and burned in the fire.  The emphasis is on the word, “good” fruit!  Is my life bearing more rotten fruit or good fruit?  Is my faith being activated in obedience or has it gone stagnant?  Am I obeying God and loving people. Am I serving the needs of others. Am I actively looking for ways to share the Good News of Jesus Christ?  Am I following the Great Commission by going and making disciples? Those are all ways to produce good fruit from my life. Genuine Christ-followers are recognized by our love AND by the fruit that is being produced from our lives!  In the Old Testament, a fruitful tree was often used as a symbol of godly living.  “If you remain in Me, and My words remain in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” Another thing that comes from aligning ourselves with God and fruitful living is the joy of our answered prayers. Jesus declared, “Very truly I tell you, My Father will give you whatever you ask in My name…Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” (John 16:23b,24).

PRAYER:  I pray the roots of my faith will grow deeper as I abide in Jesus, and that as I remain in the Vine, my life will produce MUCH GOOD fruit.

- Robin Orefice