Matthew 21:43, 44  “I tell you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation that will produce the proper fruit. Anyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone it falls on.” (NLT)

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Jesus wants us to live fruitful lives. Matthew 21 and John 15 stand close together in this teaching. 

In Matthew 21, we see what fruitfulness is not. It is not a parade without a purpose. It is not unrestricted exchanges of goods and services that prevent proper prayer and worship. It is not the appearance of fruit without its substance. It is not going through the rituals of religion without a faithful life and a trusting heart. It is not saying you will do the right thing and then refusing to do it. It is not killing the King’s Son to keep control of the reins of power. 

In John 15, we see what fruitfulness is. It is a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus that restores, reshapes, and renews lives. It is a heart of prayer connected to the very heart of God that seeks his highest good for all people and helps them see how good he is.

It is a life characterized by overflowing joy. It is a sacrificial love that surrounds, protects, and even lays itself down when necessary. It is the assurance of answered prayer and motives shaped by God’s perfect love. It is a life of confident testimony guided by God’s own presence working within us. 

Inspect your own fruitfulness today without comparing it with others. See where you stand. Consider where you need to be. Ask God for his guidance across this gap into a fruitful life that honors him and blesses others. He loves to answer this prayer with his Greater Yes.

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I will live a fruitful life.

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Our Father, take me as I am, and lead me where I need to go. Empower me to live a fruitful and effective life. I want everyone to see how good you are and to experience your perfect love for themselves. I want to honor you and serve others in your name, in your strength, and for your glory. Amen.