Matthew 7:15-20
Key Verse: “Be on your guard against false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves. 16 You’ll recognize them by their fruit.” (Matthew 7:15-16a CSB)
If you use certain platforms on social media, you may be familiar with the blue checkmark. This icon, located beside someone’s name, indicates whether or not the account has been verified as being authentic. Why is this necessary? The reality is that on social media there are people pretending to be someone who they are not. There are those falsely claiming to speak for others. So we need to be able to recognize who is real and who can be trusted.
Similarly, Jesus provides an important warning to us about those who claim to be leaders in His kingdom. Jesus says, “Be on guard against false prophets.” Watch out. Be careful. Keep alert to the reality that there are pseudo or fake prophets among you. In the Church, there will be those who will masquerade or pretend to be someone they are not. They will claim to truly speak for God when in reality they are mere counterfeits.
What do we learn from Jesus about these false prophets? First, we learn that they are deceptive. Jesus describes them by using the illustration of a wolf that comes “in sheep’s clothing.” These “prophets” will look the part. They will say and do all the right things. They will appear to be authentic and trustworthy. But they aren’t actually who they claim to be. They are slick and subtle. They are like a wolf dressed in sheep’s clothing that has crept in among the flock.
The second thing that we learn about these false prophets is, not only are they deceptive, but they are dangerous. Jesus says that they are like “ravaging wolves.” A wolf is no friend to a sheep. While they may appear to be safe and trustworthy, they are ferocious and vicious. They have one goal in mind – the destruction of the sheep.
This is why the Apostle Paul told the church leaders in the city of Ephesus to “be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock.” Paul warned them that after he had departed from them, “savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Men will rise up even from your own number and distort the truth to lure the disciples into following them” (Acts 20:28-30). While the “false prophets” will appear to be harmless, they are very dangerous and left unchecked will damage or destroy the flock.
So how can we recognize those who are “false prophets”? How can we tell if someone who is claiming to speak for God is legitimate and authentic? Switching the metaphor, Jesus says, “You’ll recognize them by their fruit.” In the same way, that thorn bushes don’t produce grapes, or thistles don’t produce figs, the way to recognize a false prophet is by examining the fruit of his or her life.
The fruit of a person will be revealed in their character, conduct, and teaching. Is his or her character becoming increasingly consistent with that of someone who is filled with the Holy Spirit (Galatian 5:22-23)? Does his or her conduct reflect someone who is seeking to be obedient to Christ? Is what they are teaching in line with the truth of what God has revealed in the Scriptures (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21)? Are they seeking to exalt Jesus? If not, then be careful. Be on guard.
Who are you are listening to as you seek to follow Jesus? Invite God today to give you a discerning mind so that you can recognize what is true and what is false.
Prayer: Father, fill me today with your Holy Spirit. Give me a discerning mind to distinguish truth from error. Help me not to be led astray into what is false and ultimately destructive. Guide me into all that is good and true. Amen.
