In Matthew 7:15–20, Jesus warns His followers about the dangers of false prophets—those who appear righteous on the outside but inwardly seek to deceive and destroy. Using the imagery of wolves disguised as sheep and trees bearing good or bad fruit, Jesus teaches that discernment is necessary to distinguish true teachers of God’s Word from those who corrupt and mislead. This passage serves as a crucial warning for believers to remain vigilant, grounded in Scripture, and cautious of teachings that deviate from the truth. In this essay, we will explore Jesus’ warning about false prophets, the characteristics that define them, and the biblical call to discernment and faithfulness.
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The Danger of False Prophets
1. “Watch Out for False Prophets”
Jesus begins with a direct warning:
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” (Matthew 7:15)
This command emphasizes the need for vigilance. False prophets do not openly declare their deception; rather, they disguise themselves as harmless and godly individuals. The phrase “sheep’s clothing” suggests that they appear to belong to God’s flock, blending in with true believers. However, inwardly, they are “ferocious wolves,” meaning their true intent is to harm and exploit.
The Old Testament frequently warns against false prophets. Jeremiah 23:16 states:
“This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord.’”
False prophets often claim divine authority, yet their words contradict God’s truth. Their deception is subtle and dangerous, leading many astray.
2. The Spread of Deception
False prophets do not operate in isolation—they have followers who embrace their distorted teachings. Jesus later warns in Matthew 24:11:
“Many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.”
The widespread influence of false teaching demonstrates its power to corrupt entire communities. Paul reinforces this in 2 Timothy 4:3–4:
“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”
This highlights the responsibility of believers to remain anchored in biblical truth and resist doctrines that appeal to worldly desires rather than godly obedience.
Recognizing False Prophets by Their Fruit
1. “By Their Fruit You Will Recognize Them”
Jesus provides a practical test for identifying false prophets:
“By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?” (Matthew 7:16)
A person’s character and conduct reveal their true nature. Just as a tree is known by its fruit, so too are teachers identified by their actions and teachings. A false prophet may speak eloquently and appear outwardly pious, but their life and influence will ultimately expose them.
The Bible offers key indicators of false teachers:
- Twisting Scripture: They distort God’s Word to fit their agenda (2 Peter 3:16).
- Immorality: Their lives often reflect greed, pride, and a lack of self-control (2 Peter 2:1–3).
- Worldly Appeal: They preach messages that please people rather than convict them of sin (Galatians 1:10).
- Denial of Christ’s Authority: Many deny essential truths about Jesus (1 John 4:1–3).
These characteristics contrast with the fruit of genuine teachers, who demonstrate humility, faithfulness, and obedience to God’s Word.
2. Good Trees and Bad Trees
Jesus expands on the metaphor:
“Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.” (Matthew 7:17–18)
The distinction between good and bad trees highlights an important principle: a person’s true spiritual condition is revealed by their actions and teachings. A godly teacher will produce righteousness, while a false prophet will ultimately be exposed by their corruption.
Galatians 5:22–23 describes the fruit of the Spirit, which marks true believers:
“Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
In contrast, false prophets exhibit the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19–21), including greed, deception, and arrogance.
The Consequences of False Teaching
1. “Every Tree That Does Not Bear Good Fruit Is Cut Down”
Jesus issues a severe warning:
“Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Matthew 7:19)
This statement echoes John the Baptist’s warning in Matthew 3:10, emphasizing that false teachers will face divine judgment. Their influence may seem successful for a time, but ultimately, they will be held accountable before God.
Peter echoes this warning in 2 Peter 2:3:
“Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.”
False teachers may deceive many, but they cannot escape God’s justice.
2. The Eternal Consequence of Deception
The danger of false prophets extends beyond this life. Their influence leads others away from the truth, resulting in spiritual destruction. Jesus’ warning in Matthew 7:21–23 follows this passage, reinforcing that many who claim to serve God will ultimately be rejected because they followed falsehood rather than truth.
This serves as a sobering reminder for believers to be discerning and to hold firmly to the gospel. As Paul exhorts in 1 Timothy 4:16:
“Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”
Practical Applications for Believers
1. Testing All Teachings Against Scripture
Believers must measure all teachings against the Bible. Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans for examining Scripture daily to verify the truthfulness of Paul’s teachings. This model encourages Christians to evaluate every message against God’s Word.
2. Seeking Godly Wisdom and Discernment
James 1:5 promises that those who seek wisdom from God will receive it. Believers must pray for discernment to recognize truth from error and avoid being deceived by persuasive but unbiblical teachings.
3. Evaluating Leaders by Their Fruit
Christians should carefully examine the lives and ministries of spiritual leaders. Are they marked by humility, integrity, and love, or do they exhibit greed, arrogance, and manipulation? The presence of the Holy Spirit will be evident in true teachers.
4. Guarding the Church Against Falsehood
The church is called to protect sound doctrine. Paul instructs Titus in Titus 1:9 to “hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.” Believers must stand firm in the faith and confront false teachings with biblical truth.
The Gospel and the Call to Truth
Jesus’ warning about false prophets ultimately points to the gospel. True salvation comes only through Christ, and any message that distorts His work is dangerous. Paul warns in Galatians 1:8:
“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!”
The gospel calls believers to a faith rooted in truth. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6), and only by abiding in His Word can believers remain secure from deception.
Conclusion
Jesus’ teaching on false prophets serves as a crucial warning for all who seek to follow Him. Deception is subtle, and those who distort the truth often appear righteous on the surface. However, their fruit will ultimately reveal their true nature. By remaining vigilant, grounded in Scripture, and committed to truth, believers can guard against falsehood and walk in the light of Christ.
For Christians today, this passage is both a challenge and an encouragement. It calls for discernment and boldness in upholding God’s truth while reminding us that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, protects His flock from harm. May we remain steadfast in the faith, bearing good fruit that testifies to the power of the gospel.
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:15–16)
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
For Further Reference: A Detailed Study on the Entire Sermon on the Mount
