Trees That Bear Fruit

Comments today will focus on our reading from Matthew 3. God's blessings on our study.

Read Psalm 50

Read Matthew 3

John the Baptist warns the Pharisees and Sadducees that God is looking for fruit. Trees that do not bear fruit will be cut down and thrown into the unquenchable fire. God is looking for people who live a godly life and are righteous in words and actions. He is looking for "one who orders his way rightly," as our psalm said.

The problem with the religious leaders of the day is they were putting too much confidence in their man made rules, and also in their bloodline. Because they were "children of Abraham," they thought they were automatically on the right path. John the Baptist, sent by God to prepare hearts, tells them that, no, this is not the case. They are a brood of vipers, headed for judgment.

We don't have the same problem as those religious leaders, but we do have a similar problem. We aren't capable of being righteous on our own. John the Baptist's warning is one that we all need to heed. We need to take a long hard look at our own lives and ask ourselves if we are bearing fruit.

Now, chances are if you are participating in this Bible study, you are a Christian. If so, then you are bearing fruit. If we believe, then we have the Holy Spirit in us, and we do live for the Lord. We serve in many, many ways, in all our various vocations (or callings) in life.

However, we do not bear fruit perfectly, that is, as abundantly as we should. We all have a sinful nature still clinging to us.

That's why Jesus' baptism is crucial for us. Jesus 1) does this to "fulfill" all righteousness. In other words, he is fulfilling the plan of the Father. He is executing it perfectly, doing all things well, staying free from sin, bearing fruit in all he does. That is why the Father is "well pleased" with him.

This baptism is also about us, we must remember. Yes, Jesus was bearing fruit for the Father, but he was doing on our behalf. So we see 2) that Jesus is identifying with sinners, receiving a baptism of repentance (for our sin not ours), and living a perfect life for us. In his baptism, perfect life, death, resurrection, he instituted all waters to be a blessed flood and a lavish washing away of our sins.

Yes, though our sins had been like scarlet, they are now washed away and cleansed in our baptism. This washing is living water for our new life. This living water meets our spiritual thirst so that we can grow and bear fruit, fruit that will last.

Now God sees in us the righteousness that he requires. Now God helps us to say no to sin, to overcome our weakness, and to live for him.

This week, I want to bear fruit for the Lord.

Ask Yourself:

Is there an area of your life where the fruit is not readily visible (that is, you are falling short as a spouse, parent, child, student, or worker)?

What can I do differently this week to bear fruit for God?

What things can I do this week to remind myself that I am baptized into Christ, and therefore have forgiveness and strength for holy living?

Pray:

Pray from your heart today concerning the answers to the questions you just asked yourself.

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!