By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph. D.
Professor of Biblical Studies, University of Mobile
AUTHORITY ACKNOWLEDGED
Matthew 7:15–29
Jesus distinguished His teachings from that of the scribes and Pharisees earlier in the Sermon on the Mount. The religious leaders quoted the oral law from the rabbis who cited rabbis who interpreted the Torah. “You have heard that it was said … but I say to you.” Jesus spoke directly to the people about the letter and the spirit of the law. By the end of His sermon, the listeners remarked about how Jesus taught with authority.
Fruit (15–20)
Jesus warned against false prophets. He built on the foundation of Deuteronomy, in which Moses recorded tests for discerning false prophets in Israel. (See Deut. 13:1–5; 18:9–22.) Forbidden actions were the fruit of false prophets.
Jesus previously described other people who would not receive His teaching: “Don’t give what is holy to dogs or toss your pearls before pigs” (7:6). Here, Jesus adds to be on guard against “ravaging wolves” pretending to be sheep. Their actions betray their pretense.
“Ye shall know them by their fruits.” This familiar passage from the King James Version summarizes this paragraph. Both in the Sermon on the Mount and elsewhere in Jesus’ teachings in Matthew, the fruit borne by the tree indicates the quality of the tree (12:33–37).
Throughout Church history, false teachings — Christological heresies — have arisen concerning the nature of Jesus. “New information” about the deity or humanity or historicity of Jesus is usually rebranded ancient heresy. Beware of false teachings and bad fruit.
Obedience (21–23)
“Lord, Lord.” Here, Jesus distinguishes between those who use this phrase from those who do God’s will. In Luke 6:46, Jesus asks, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and don’t do the things I say?” Jesus expects obedience.
Throughout the gospels, Jesus taught that those who trusted Him, followed Him or loved Him must obey Him. Obedience is the fruit of faith.
When someone claims to be acting in the name of Jesus, the actions must be in alignment with the nature of Jesus to do God’s will. It is not sufficient to simply claim the name. Instead, we must align our will with the Father’s.
Wisdom (24–29)
Wisdom builds on the rock. There are lighthouses in the northeastern United States that are pummeled by winds and rains, yet they stand firm year after year. How do they stand the beating from the weather? They are built on solid stone. Their foundations are firm.
Jesus compares those who listen to His teachings and live according to them to wise men who build on stone. They will face difficulties, yet they will stand firm because of their foundations.
Folly builds on the beach. Living on the Gulf Coast for more than two decades, I have seen buildings go through the devastation caused by high winds, heavy rains, hurricanes and storm surge. Homes and condominiums overlooking the coast offer beautiful and serene vistas during calm weather. When the rains and the winds and the flash floods come, those buildings are ruined. To hear the words of Jesus and not heed them is spiritual folly.
What a sermon ending! Earlier, Jesus said that teachers of His day quote others who quote others. By contrast, Jesus says here that those who heed Him are wise, and those who ignore Him are fools. Jesus spoke with an authority beyond the scribes.
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