Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. The repetition of the fruit-recognition principle from verse 16 frames the diseased-tree teaching as a unit. The thus-you-will-recognize-them is the confident assertion that the diagnostic works: false prophets will be identifiable to those who pay attention over time. The Sermon's ethic of fruit-examination applies first to the disciple's own life (log-and-speck) and then to the evaluation of teachers and leaders (sheep's clothing and ravenous wolves). Both applications require sustained attention and the courage to act on what the examination reveals.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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