We are examining the Sermon on the Mount, divided into 21 sections.
Jesus the Messiah has revealed the true path to follow and issues an important warning against false prophets. This concerns individuals who present themselves as God’s messengers but actually spread deceptive messages far removed from the truth.
The teachings of Jesus the Messiah resonate particularly strongly, especially because of the lasting influence of the ’ preaching on the disciples’ religious culture. Indeed, the precepts of the , considered experts in God’s law, now stand in direct opposition to those of Jesus.
Even without mentioning the , the words of Jesus the Messiah prompt his listeners to connect them with their religious environment. His teaching is therefore essential to guide and warn them.
How, then, can true prophets be distinguished from impostors?
You will recognize them by their fruits, the Master declares!
Thus, the results produced by these spiritual guides reveal the heart of their message. It is crucial for listeners to examine the effects of these teachers’ teachings and assess their impact, both on the teachers themselves and on their followers.
Matthew will address this subject on another occasion: Matthew 24.11 and Matthew 24.24.
Let us now examine three elements to better understand what it means to bear good fruit in God’s eyes.
Motivations and intentions: good actions often reflect the motivations and intentions behind them. A miracle performed to glorify God and help others is considered good fruit, whereas a miracle performed to promote oneself or deceive others is not (Matthew 6.1 ; Philippians 1.15-18 ; Colossians 3.17 ; 1 Corinthians 10.31).
Alignment with Jesus’ teachings: good fruit faithfully reflects the principles advocated by Jesus. If a prophet performs miracles but spreads doctrines contrary to Jesus’ teachings, these miracles cannot be regarded as good fruit (Galatians 1.8-9 ; 2 Corinthians 11.13-15 ; Matthew 7.15-16).
Character and behavior: a person’s qualities and attitudes also reflect good fruit. Values such as goodness, love, patience, kindness, and humility are examples of virtues Jesus wishes to see in his disciples (Galatians 5.22-23 ; James 3.13 ; Matthew 7.17-18 ; Philippians 1.9-11).
In examining this twenty-first point, we understand the complexity of distinguishing good prophets from bad ones. Such discernment seems beyond the reach of human nature, inevitably requiring the Holy Spirit’s help.