Matthew Chapter 12

“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 the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.” (Matthew 12:33-35 NIV)

Matthew 12 challenges us to examine the condition of our hearts. Jesus, addressing the Pharisees, draws a connection between our inner lives and the outward evidence of our words and actions. Just as a tree is recognized by its fruit, our lives reveal the true state of our hearts. This teaching invites us to ask: What kind of fruit am I producing?

When we hear Jesus say, “The mouth speaks what the heart is full of,” it prompts a deeper question: What fills our hearts? Is it the Word of God, gratitude, and love for others? Or is it worry, anger, or selfish ambition? The fruit of our lives—our words, choices, and relationships—reveal the source of nourishment our hearts are receiving.

What does the “fruit” in your life—your words and actions—say about the state of your heart?
What are you allowing to fill your heart each day? Are you feeding it with God’s truth, or are you allowing negative influences to take root?
How can you ensure that the “tree” of your life is good, producing fruit that glorifies God and blesses others?

Jesus’ words in this chapter aren’t meant to shame us but to guide us into self-reflection and transformation. He offers us a way to bear good fruit: by abiding in Him. Remember, Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.” The key to living a fruitful, God-honoring life is remaining in Him.

The Pharisees throughout this chapter were quick to criticize, accuse, and reject Jesus, despite witnessing His miracles. Are there areas in our lives where we, like the Pharisees, resist Jesus’ authority or ignore His work? What would it look like to surrender those areas fully to Him? Would He be leading us into the miraculous?

Can we join in this prayer? Lord Jesus, thank You for Your words that challenge and transform us. Help us to examine our hearts and the fruit of our lives with honesty. Reveal anything in us that doesn’t honor You, and allow us to flourish in Your truth and love. Fill our hearts with what is good, pure, and life-giving, so that our words and actions reflect Your glory. Teach us to abide in You daily, trusting that You are the source of all good things. We surrender to You, Lord, and ask for Your guidance to live fruitful lives. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

Please leave a comment: What stood out to you in this passage? How are you working to store up good in your heart and produce fruit that glorifies God? Share your reflections, experiences, or prayer requests in the comments below. Let’s encourage one another as we grow in faith!