"Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.“ Matthew 12:33-37 (NIV)

It is important to remember the context here.

The Pharisees had accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of the prince of demons: Beelzebub.

It is important to remember the context here. The Pharisees had accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of the prince of demons: Beelzebub. Jesus responds by telling the Pharisees that they are very close to committing blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.

It is important to remember the context here. The Pharisees had accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of the prince of demons: Beelzebub. Jesus responds by telling the Pharisees that they are very close to committing blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. In this passage Jesus makes on observation followed by a warning.

"Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.“ Matthew 12:33-37 (NIV)

Observation

A tree will be known by its fruit.

Observation A tree will be known by its fruit. Jesus attributes their behavior to the evil in their heart.

"Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.“ Matthew 12:33-37 (NIV)

Two Problems with Our View of Jesus

1.We sentimentalize him.

Two Problems with Our View of Jesus 1.We sentimentalize him. 2.We feel entitled to act as he acted in this particular.

Who is the Jesus we see in Matthew 12?

He is filled with compassion for the sick and demon possessed. He heals them and restores them to wholeness.

Who is the Jesus we see in Matthew 12? He is filled with compassion for the sick and demon possessed. He heals them and restores them to wholeness. He also announced that judgment is coming. His pronouncements regarding this are warnings. Nowhere does Jesus distance himself from these warnings.

Who is the Jesus we see in Matthew 12? He is filled with compassion for the sick and demon possessed. He heals them and restores them to wholeness. He also announced that judgment is coming. His pronouncements regarding this are warnings. Nowhere does Jesus distance himself from these warnings. This should alert us to the serious of sin.

A Warning

"Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.“ Matthew 12:33-37 (NIV)

A Warning Jesus tells the Pharisees that they will have to explain themselves on the day of judgment.

A Warning Jesus tells the Pharisees that they will have to explain themselves on the day of judgment. In doing so he points to the fact that all will need to face judgment.

A Warning By delivering a warning Jesus implies an opportunity for grace.

How should we approach the world in light of Jesus?

We should administer grace to those who are victims of sin.

How should we approach the world in light of Jesus? We should administer grace to those who are victims of sin. We should never lose sight of sin’s grip on people, and God’s hatred of that sin.

How should we approach the world in light of Jesus? We should administer grace to those who are victims of sin. We should never lose sight of sin’s grip on people, and God’s hatred of that sin. Even as we warn people we should always hold out hope for grace.