Invitation Series: Part 3 - True and False Prophets — “By Their Fruit”
Choices at the End of the Sermon on the Mount
The Invitation Series: Choices at the End of the Sermon on the Mount
At the close of the Sermon on the Mount, Yeshua offers a series of transformative invitations—crossroads where every listener must decide the foundation of their faith, the direction of their life, and the nature of their discipleship. In this series, we explore each of these kingdom calls, beginning with the narrow path and now continuing with discerning spiritual leaders.
Part 3: True and False Prophets — “By Their Fruit”
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves... You will recognize them by their fruits." — Matthew 7:15–20
The Orchard Test: Fruit Over Fame
Picture yourself in an orchard. Some trees are unimpressive, yet bear nourishing fruit. Others are beautiful, yet produce bitter or rotten results. This is Yeshua’s test for spiritual leadership: appearances can deceive, but fruit reveals the root.
False prophets—then and now—may appear “anointed,” quote Scripture, or even perform wonders. But Yeshua says the true test of spiritual authority is fruit—what their teaching and character produce over time.
First-Century Context: Competing Voices
In Yeshua’s day, spiritual influence was fragmented. Pharisees, Sadducees, zealots, and messianic hopefuls all claimed to speak for God. The Torah provided the standard:
Test prophets by their faithfulness to Yahweh, not their charisma or success — Deuteronomy 13:1–5
Yeshua’s warning echoes that tradition. Faithfulness, not fanfare, is the measure.
Word Study: What Do "Prophet" and "Fruit" Mean?
Prophet (Greek: prophētēs / Hebrew: נָבִיא): A mouthpiece for God—true prophets reflect His Word, not personal agendas.
Fruit (Greek: karpos / Hebrew: פְּרִי): The visible outcome of a life or ministry—what naturally flows from the heart, over time.
Four Patterns of Bad Fruit in Modern Prophets
1. Celebrity Culture & Self-Promotion
When spiritual leaders build brands instead of bearing burdens, pride and control take root.
Check the fruit: Do they promote themselves—or Yeshua? (See 1 Corinthians 1:12–13)
2. Hypocrisy and Hidden Sin
A polished public life that hides private compromise will ultimately poison the message.
Look for repentance and integrity—not perfection, but transparency. (See Matthew 23:27–28)
3. Neglect of Justice, Mercy, and Love
When teachings overlook the hurting or empower the powerful without compassion, they contradict Yeshua’s kingdom.
Real fruit reflects mercy and justice. (See Isaiah 58:6–7; Matthew 25:42–45)
4. Distortion of Truth
Subtle lies are more dangerous than obvious ones. Truth without love or Scripture twisted for control is rotten fruit.
Measure teaching against the full counsel of Scripture. (See 2 Timothy 4:3–4)
How to Discern True Prophets
Watch for patterns, not isolated failures
Test fruit over time: Does it reflect the character of Yeshua?
Avoid isolation: Seek community and accountability
Value discernment: Don’t settle for what feels good—seek what is faithful
Yeshua’s warning is not to promote suspicion—but vigilance. We are stewards of the flock.
Practical Takeaways
Test all voices against Scripture and the fruit they bear
Discern consistently, not just react emotionally
Beware appearances—wolves wear wool
Discussion Questions
What “fruit” have you observed in spiritual leaders—positive or negative?
What helps you distinguish truth from error?
Why does fruit matter more than miracles or fame?
How does this teaching echo the broader Sermon on the Mount?
Where in your own walk do you need sharper discernment?
7-Day Practice: Fruitful Discernment
❤️ For Yourself
Day 1: Examine the fruit of your habits
Day 2: Reflect on a mentor’s impact on your growth
🤝 For Others
Day 3: Affirm someone bearing good fruit
Day 4: Intercede for someone leading others spiritually
🙏 With Yah
Day 5: Ask Yah to reveal any false roots in your own life
Day 6: Meditate on Galatians 5:22–23
Day 7: Sabbath reflection—praise Yah for the Spirit’s fruit and pray for continued growth
Coming Next: Known or Merely Named?
If fruit is the evidence, what about the heart? Next, Yeshua warns that not all who call Him “Lord” truly know Him. We’ll explore the difference between public profession and personal relationship—and what it means to be known by Yeshua Himself.