Matthew 7:20
Afrikaans DB 2006 (Die Boodskap)
“Daar is baie mense wat maak asof hulle My dien. Hulle noem My om elke hoek en draai ‘Here en Meester’. Daar wag egter ’n groot verrassing op hulle. My Vader gaan glad nie vir hulle plek hê in sy nuwe wêreld nie. Net daardie mense wat doen wat Hy vra, sal by Hom welkom wees.
What Does This Mean?
In Matthew 7:20, Jesus says that the true character of someone can be known by their actions and outcomes. He's speaking to his followers, emphasizing that one should judge others not just by what they say, but also by what they do.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a lemon tree and an apple tree. You know which is which because the lemon tree gives lemons and the apple tree gives apples. Jesus is saying we can tell if someone is good or bad by looking at what they do.
Historical Background
Matthew, one of Jesus' disciples, wrote this verse around 80-90 AD. It was aimed primarily at his fellow Jews who were trying to understand the new teachings of Christ in light of their traditional beliefs and practices.
Living It Out Today
In today’s world, consider a politician promising better healthcare but voting against bills that would improve it. Their actions reveal their true intentions rather than just their words or promises.
Topics
judgmentactionscharacterfruitfulnessdiscernmenttruth
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 'fruits' in this context?
The fruits Jesus refers to are the outcomes of someone's actions, which reflect their true character and beliefs.
How can we apply this in our daily lives?
We should look at how people act consistently over time rather than just what they say. This helps us discern genuine character and intentions.
Can you give an example from the Bible where this was applied?
In Acts 8, Simon the Sorcerer tried to buy spiritual power but his actions betrayed his selfish motives, showing he wasn't genuinely converted.
Why is judging based on fruits important according to the Bible?
It prevents us from being deceived by mere words and helps in making wise decisions about who we trust and follow.