SCRIPTURE: Matthew 21
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
(Read my reflection from 2008)
Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. [Matthew 21:43]
The bible uses “fruit” to describe what our life produces, our words and deeds.
This is the real test, what the Lord is reviewing when He considers our lives.
We can say whatever we want – I am a nice guy, I love all people, I am patient, etc. – but the best way to confirm it is by my actions (my fruit).
By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. [Matthew 7:16-17]

In today’s reading, we see several examples of this.
The crowds and children praise Jesus; the religious leaders reject Him.
The fig tree (a symbol of the nation of Israel) has no fruit, and it is cursed.
The first parable describes two sons, one who obeys and one who does not – notwithstanding their original response; the second parable describes tenants who reject their employer and his son… bad fruit.

At the end of all things, God is going to look at the fruit of our lives.
He will not look to see if we went to church, or called ourselves believers, or said that we would obey Him… He will see what we actually did.
And if He does not find the fruit to match the words, He will punish us.
God is not unfair or harsh here, He is punishing what needs to be punished.
Injustice, cruelty, bitterness, unforgiveness, greed, lust, deception, pride, etc.
Compare this to the fruit of the Spirit [Galatians 5:22-23]

Remember that it’s the fruit of the Spirit, not the fruit of self-effort.
Our selfish, sinful nature by itself cannot produce the kind of fruit God desires.
We need to admit our inability, and our need for His help.
When we put our confidence in Jesus and rely on Him, we produce this fruit.
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. [John 15:5]

We also see that it’s the religious people who do not produce the fruit.
This seems to be a problem throughout history, the people who should know better (the fig tree, the sons who say they will obey), do not produce the fruit.
What does this say to me, what kind of fruit is my life producing?
Is my life the kind of life that reflects the fruit of the Spirit?

PRAYER:
Lord, today’s reading makes me look at my own life. Show me where my fruit is lacking, and help me make the necessary changes to produce the kind of fruit that pleases You.