Matthew 7:20
New International Version (NIV)
“Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”
For Meditation
The old CNN program called ‘Revealed’ probed the lives of famous individuals to highlight their achievements. But it failed to explore their flaws. In contrast, the Bible openly presents both the merits and weaknesses of its figures, as seen in the stories of Joseph and Judas.
Joseph’s father loved him, and that made him an enemy of his brothers, who sold him into slavery and falsely told their father he was dead. Despite false accusations and imprisonment in Egypt, his faith in God stayed steadfast. Even when the chief cupbearer, whose dream Joseph interpreted, forgot him, Joseph’s devotion did not falter.
Yet adversity did not break Joseph. The dreams that brought him trouble with his brothers led to more trouble in Egypt, but were ultimately fulfilled when he rose from prison to become Prime Minister. His firm faith probably stemmed from his upbringing and deep love for God. Joseph’s close relationship with his father exposed him to stories of God’s faithfulness to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, strengthening his trust in God’s promises. Adversity revealed his firm character (Gen. 37:1-36; 39:1-41:1-45).
Judas, by contrast, revealed his character through his betrayal of Jesus, who chose him as one of the twelve disciples (Lk. 6:16). Despite his trusted position as treasurer in Jesus’ ministry (Jn. 13:29), empowered to preach, heal, and drive out demons (Lk. 9:1-2), his heart was far from Christ. Judas was a thief (Jn. 12:6). Though he spoke as if he cared for the poor (4, 5), he only looked out for his own interests. Ultimately, he betrayed Jesus to the Jewish officials for financial gain (Lk. 22:4). He later returned the money out of remorse, went away, and took his life (Matthew 27:1-5). This tragically revealed Judas as greedy and a deceiver (Jn. 6:70).
Adversity alone does not reveal a person’s identity. Position and comfort can do the same. In the two stories, adversity revealed Joseph’s authentic faith and godly identity, while position and comfort exposed Judas as a traitor and a son of perdition. As Jesus said, “Thus, by their fruit, you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:20). We cannot hide either way. So let us live authentically, bearing the fruit of the Spirit as children of God for His glory(Gal. 5:22, 23). Otherwise, you may be sure that your sin will find you out (Nu. 32:23), and it may not look good for you or be hardly flattering.
But thank God there is forgiveness for the repentant who ask God for forgiveness through Jesus Christ. They will receive the gift of life from Jesus, who is Savior and Lord (Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:23; Col. 1:13-14).
So what is your life, and what fruit are you bearing?
Let Us Pray Together
Father, thank you for your gift of life through Christ Jesus. May your Holy Spirit bear His fruit in me in abundance, and may my walk witness to others about Jesus.
Lord, reveal to the unbeliever their dark heart so that they may know their standing in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Heal their heart, O Lord, and claim them as Your own by the power of Your Spirit. May they lay themselves on Your altar, crying out for salvation, and may You forgive and save them. Make them Yours also, and grant them the hope of glory in Christ. In Him. Amen.
