Session 4

How to know you know the real Jesus

From Matthew: A 28-Day Devotional

When we hear the name of Jesus, it should not make us feel condemned or ashamed. We should feel hope and forgiveness. Unfortunately, some of us grew up hearing that Jesus only saves “good people” from hell. We believe we are “bad people” unworthy of salvation. When we believe that lie, we don’t really know Jesus.

Matthew 7:21 warns against falling prey to false assumptions about who Jesus is, stating those people will not inherit the kingdom of God. “Watch out for false prophets,” Matthew 7:15 says.  “They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” Believing the wrong things about Jesus could keep us from salvation.

But we can know that we know Jesus, without question. In the same way we recognize trees by their fruit, we’ll know we’ve met Jesus by the change happening inside us.Matthew 7:16-19 says, “By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?  Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” God is good; therefore He only produces good fruit. If the fruit in your life isn’t good, it isn’t God.

Reflect

• Have you ever made an assumption about someone that proved untrue once you got to know them? When did you know you’d gotten to know the “real” them?
• What are the good fruits God is producing in your life and in the lives of people you know?  Take a moment to pray that He’ll help you recognize them and give you discernment to steer clear of “bad fruits.”