Episode Description: The Sermon on the Mount has introduced several phrases now common in Western culture. Today’s passage introduces another: A wolf in sheep’s clothing. In earlier verses, Jesus warned His followers that they must enter the narrow gate and walk the difficult road that leads to life (Matthew 7:13–14). Most people, He said, choose the wide gate and walk the easy path toward destruction. Christ Himself is the narrow gate (John 10:9; 14:6) and the only way to salvation (Acts 4:12). A life of inner righteousness is more challenging than the shallow, performance-based hypocrisy that many exhibit (Matthew 5:20). Key points1. Jesus starts with a twofold warning. Here, Jesus tells His followers to beware of false prophets. Jesus will go on to warn about the danger of fooling ourselves (Matthew 7:21).2. You will know them by their fruit. Grapes and figs were common fruits in the diet of Jesus’ listeners. People quickly learned that the little berries on thorn bushes were not grapes, and the flowers on thistles were not like fig tree petals. In the same way, people may seem impressive at first. They may appear religious and holy. Over time, though, a person’s character is revealed. 3. The Summary of Jesus’ warning concerning false prophets. Jesus has also made it clear that those who truly fit the category of “false prophets” are not just mistaken in their beliefs. The worst and most dangerous wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15) are intentionally deceptive. Main Text Matthew 7:15-20 (ESV)

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