Wednesday, October 4, 2023  

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Today’s Scripture Reading 
Matthew 7:13–21

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits.

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. (NRSV)

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Reflection
Bryan Stevenson, in his book, A Just Mercy, writes, “Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.”

If that is true and I think in God’s eyes it is, are there bad trees? Given that Matthew 7 jumps off with “Do not judge so you may not be judged,” this passage that categorizes people as good or bad by the fruit they bear feels a little incongruent. These verses are found at the tail end of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Most likely this wasn’t one sermon but rather a compilation of Jesus’ teachings throughout his ministry. Maybe there isn’t a connection between the admonition to avoid judging and looking for the fruit people bear, but maybe there is.

Perhaps this is more about allowing people to write a new story. At one point maybe the fruit I offered was bitter or poisonous. There are definitely consequences for, that but after apologies and reconciliation, will you allow me to make a better offering and write a new story about who I am? Or will you always wonder if I’ll give you that bitter fruit again? Do you withhold the goodness of relationship because you cannot let go of that one time?

Today I am reading this passage as one about forgiveness — second, third, or even fourth chances. Why does this matter? It’s the only way we can be in community together. We need to stay current with the fruit being offered up and let go of the story about that time when the fruit was mushy, worm-infested, or bitter. None of us is the worst fruit we’ve ever offered up. Let’s look for the sweet fruit being offered by good hearts and expect more of that.

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Prayer
Gracious and merciful God, just as you forgive me again and again, help me to look for the best in people — even when I need to forgive again and again. Help me stay current. Amen.

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Written by Andrea Denney, Executive Director of Operational Ministries

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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