Luke 6:43-49
Q.1. Why did Jesus speak about fruit trees? How do people reveal what is in their hearts? – (Lk.6:43-45)
Jesus taught the crowds lessons about people, using the characteristics of fruit trees. He stated that a good tree does not produce bad fruit, nor does a bad tree produce good fruit– Each tree is known by its own fruit (Lk.6:44). We find fruit on fruit trees, not on thorn or briar bushes (Lk.6:43). What people produce depends on what is in their hearts. – 45 The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart (Lk.6:45).
Q.2. What is the difference between a wise and a foolish man? How can you protect yourself from life’s trials? – (Lk.6:46-49)
Jesus inserted the Greek work – μη (‘may’ meaning not) to highlight the difference between a wise and a foolish man. The wise man – comes to Me and hears My words and acts upon them (Lk.6:47). Whereas a foolish person – has heard and has NOT acted accordingly! (Lk.6:49). This is why Jesus warned, – Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? (Lk.6:46). Matthew made it even more emphatic when he recorded Jesus as saying – Not everyone who says to Me – ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day – ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophecy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ and then I will declare to them – ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness’ (Mt.7:21-23). It is not what we claim, but how we live, that God will or will not commend.