In this parable, Jesus states the obvious to make his point: a good tree bears only good fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. One would not go to a thorn tree to pick apples nor to a cactus plant to pick grapes! You would naturally seek out a tree known for its good apples and a vine yielding juicy, sweet grapes.
The
point of being a Jew in Jesus’ day and being a Christian – a follower of Christ – today is that God wishes to produce genuinely human beings. People formed in Jesus’ image who are like him, behaving and doing as he does.
Just being a moral person—a good person—is not enough. Moral reformation, which leaves the heart untouched, is about as helpful as tying bunches of grapes onto a cactus plant. Jesus is inviting us to a way of life so
utterly new that it will require a change of heart and personality. Only then will we consistently bear good fruit and be known for our good and righteous deeds.
There are many moral alternatives to Jesus’ invitation on the market today, but he encourages us to follow his way to eternal life.
Am I a good tree bearing good fruit, or am I a moral person trying to be a good tree bearing good fruit?
I invite Jesus to form me into a valuable, productive person for his glory.
Reflections by Reggie Venter
