MATTHEW 7:15–23
TRUE AND FALSE DISCIPLESHIP
Introduction
As Jesus brings the Sermon on the Mount to its climax, He issues a solemn warning about deception in religious life. Not every voice that speaks in God’s name speaks for God, and not every outwardly religious act reflects true discipleship. Jesus shifts the focus from appearances and words to fruits and obedience. Authentic faith is revealed not by titles, claims, or spectacular deeds, but by a life conformed to the will of the Father.
Bible Passage (Matthew 7:15–23)
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will know them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. So by their fruits you will know them.
Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?’ Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.’”
Background
This passage follows Jesus’ teaching on the narrow gate and the difficult road that leads to life. Having warned that the path to salvation is demanding, Jesus now explains one of the greatest dangers along that path: false guidance and self-deception. In Israel’s history, false prophets repeatedly led people away from covenant fidelity by promising security without conversion. Jesus situates Himself as the final authority who will judge not only doctrine, but lives.
Opening Life Connection
In daily life, we instinctively judge authenticity by results. We trust a doctor by healed patients, a teacher by transformed students, and a leader by integrity. Yet in spiritual matters, we are sometimes impressed by eloquence, popularity, or dramatic claims. Jesus invites us to a deeper wisdom: to look beyond appearances and ask whether a life truly bears the fruits of love, humility, and obedience to God.
Verse-by-Verse / Phrase-by-Phrase Reflection
“Beware of false prophets.”
Jesus does not say “ignore” but “beware.” Discernment is an essential duty of discipleship.
“Sheep’s clothing… ravenous wolves.”
False prophets often appear gentle, orthodox, or charismatic. The danger lies not in obvious hostility, but in hidden self-interest and spiritual exploitation.
“By their fruits you will know them.”
Jesus gives a clear criterion: not words, not claims, but fruits. Character, consistency, and charity reveal authenticity.
“Every good tree bears good fruit.”
Good fruit flows from a life rooted in God. Holiness is organic, not artificial.
“Every tree that does not bear good fruit…”
Fruitlessness is not neutral. A faith that does not transform life cannot endure before God.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord.’”
Verbal profession, even intense or emotional, is not enough. Faith must shape obedience.
“Did we not do mighty deeds…?”
Extraordinary works can coexist with interior disobedience. Charisms do not replace conversion.
“I never knew you.”
Biblical “knowing” implies relationship. Activity without communion leads to separation.
“The one who does the will of my Father.”
The heart of discipleship is obedience rooted in love, not performance.
Jewish Historical and Religious Context
Israel’s Scriptures repeatedly warned against false prophets who spoke peace without repentance. Trees and fruits were common biblical images for moral life. Jesus stands firmly in this tradition, intensifying it by placing Himself as the Judge before whom all must give account.
Catholic Tradition and Teaching
The Church teaches that faith must be lived through charity and obedience. Authentic ministry flows from communion with Christ. Discernment of spirits is essential, and holiness—not success—is the true measure of discipleship.
Historical or Saintly Illustration
Saint Francis of Assisi warned his followers that preaching without personal conversion empties the Gospel of power. His own life, marked by humility and obedience, bore fruit far beyond his words.
Application to Christian Life Today
- Evaluate teaching and leadership by fruits, not popularity.
- Examine personal faith: does it shape daily decisions?
- Avoid judging others harshly, but practice prudent discernment.
- Align prayer, ministry, and morality with God’s will.
- Remember that holiness grows quietly through fidelity.
Eucharistic Connection
In the Eucharist, Christ unites us to His obedient self-offering to the Father. Receiving His Body calls us to become what we receive: a life given in obedience and love. Communion without conversion risks becoming empty ritual.
Messages / Call to Conversion
- Seek truth, not appearances.
- Measure faith by fruits, not claims.
- Let obedience flow from relationship with Christ.
- Choose communion over performance.
- Ask daily: “Am I doing the will of the Father?”
Outline for Preachers (Printable – Bullet Form)
- Warning against false prophets
- Criterion: fruits, not words
- Good tree and bad tree imagery
- Profession versus obedience
- Danger of self-deception
- Catholic discernment and holiness
- Eucharist as call to obedient communion
