Matthew 7:15-20
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Take a few moments to think back over what you have learned from Jesus about life in the Kingdom of God in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). Then read Matthew 7:15-20.
In the Older Testament, prophets were people chosen by God to speak God’s truth to God’s people. The test of a true prophet of God was whether or not the prophecy he or she spoke came to pass.
It’s interesting that Jesus says in this passage that false prophets can be identified by their actions. Jesus tells us that the words of a false prophet may sound good and true, but if we use the rest of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount as a litmus test for a true prophet, we will see whether or not their words result in actions fitting for a citizen of God’s Kingdom.
Stop to meditate on some of the teachings Jesus has given regarding the motives and behavior of Kingdom citizens. Below are a few, and you may have had others stand out to you in Matthew 5-7. Go through these slowly and prayerfully, stopping to listen to Jesus when one especially strikes you.
Kingdom citizens do good deeds
Kingdom citizens deal with their anger before it becomes contempt
Kingdom citizens repent and make restitution when they have wronged someone
Kingdom citizens offer dignity and respect to those with less power
Kingdom citizens don’t seek revenge
Kingdom citizens love, pray for, and bless those who are against them
Kingdom citizens are generous to those with less resources
Kingdom citizens resist drawing attention to themselves through a show of spirituality
Kingdom citizens use their financial resources to build the Kingdom of God
Kingdom citizens strive to be self-aware and resist judging other people
Kingdom citizens treat others in the way they, themselves, would like to be treated
Read Matthew 7:15-20 again with these lessons in mind.
Take a moment to think about the people you look up to and respect. Think especially of any spiritual leaders to whom you listen on a regular basis.
Look back over the teachings on the motives and behavior of Kingdom citizens above and consider how the people you respect and follow exhibit these. Rather than use this as a time to be critical, turn your thoughts into prayers.
As you end this time of reflection, get quiet and listen to Jesus.
Is there an action to which Jesus is calling you?
What will you do to respond?
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