Jesus warns of false prophets and teachers in this passage. But those false prophets are performing miracles! Wait… How can that be? How can one doing “good works of God” be a false prophet?

People are often swayed, attracted by exhibitions of power and success. We tend to flock to someone “doing” something. Once enthralled, we place trust into that person or organization. We become blinded by the notion that “he must be special”. We assume that power comes from purity.

But Jesus says no. Look closely, these false prophets do miracles in the name of Jesus! Yet, Jesus never knew them. How can this be?

Stolen identity.

Yes, identity theft! They use Jesus name and authority to “do things” when they are not actually connected to the person of Jesus at all. Just like a common thief today, they pretend to be someone they are not. They practice lawlessness. They are working for their own desires not God. They do their own will, not the Father.

How can we tell? They look so real! I mean, miracles even!

Answer? Fruit. What is the end result? Don’t look at the miracles, nor the words. Look at the fruit! Are they humble? Kind? Loving? Forgiving? Patient? Generous? These are fruit.

Those that they touch and influence, do they exhibit good fruit? Are they people surrounding these becoming more like Jesus or more like the world? Are they giving more than receiving? Is their heart yearning to reach a lost and dyeing world? Or are they seeking comfort for themselves? Do they sell all that they own to follow Jesus? Do they visit the widows, the orphans, the jailed? Do they feed and clothe the poor? Are they growing more humble?

Look for fruit. Falsehoods can not produce good fruit.

But fruit takes time. You can not always tell the fruit of a plant before harvest season approaches. We must be careful, slow to jump on board, cautious and watchful. The Holy Spirit will lead us in all truth, when we are listening to the still small voice of wisdom.