of trees and treasures

Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit.

Matthew 12:33

Jesus spoke these words about the Pharisees immediately after they accused Him of having power over demons only because Satan had empowered Him. This was blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. And it was a great evil… one that Jesus said put them at extreme peril on judgment day for their calloused hearts.

Jesus goes on to say that such words could only proceed from corrupt hearts (Matthew 12:34-35). He began His discourse on human motivation with this picture of two trees. A good tree is known as good because from it comes good fruit. Likewise a bad tree is deemed worthless and fit for destruction when it produces fruit that is bad. He then gives an even deeper picture of the treasure chest of the inner person (Matthew 12:35-36). A good person brings good treasure from the righteousness in his heart that he treasures. And an evil person’s dark treasure chest can only bring out evil. A life filled with evil will be miserable, hateful, and never satisfied. Only a heart transformed by Christ can bring out good.

Lord,

Help me understand and evaluate my heart by life fruit and the treasures that come out of my heart. I want to make the tree good as You transform me. I want my treasures to be Your treasures, truth and life that lasts for eternity. Teach me, lead me, heal me, and bless me thus, Lord!

Amen