Why It Matters //
We will be focusing on fruit for the next few weeks. What we observe outwardly in our life (what’s coming out of our hearts) is communicating what’s happening internally (areas that need attention). In this chapter Jesus is speaking about the fruit that a tree bears. A good tree bears good fruit, and a tree is known by its fruit. The same goes for people; our life will bear fruit that reflects whats on the inside.
What It's Talking About //
The author’s name is not mentioned in the book, but much evidence points to Luke, written around A.D. 59–63, or the 70s or the 80s. This Gospel is a companion volume to the book of Acts, and the language and structure suggest that they were written by the same person. Luke was most likely a Gentile by birth, educated in Greek culture, a physician by profession, and a companion of Paul on many mission trips. In this Gospel, Luke presents the works and teachings of Jesus, especially those important for understanding the way of salvation.
Luke 6:43-49 NIV
43 “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.
44 Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers.
45 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
The Wise and Foolish Builders
46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?
47 As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like.
48 They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.
49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”