A Tree and Its Fruit (Luke 6:43-45)
A Good Tree Produces Good Fruit (Luke 6:43–45)
Introduction
Jesus often used metaphors to drive home deep spiritual truths, and in this passage, he turns to the natural world. The image of a tree and its fruit serves as a poignant reminder that our actions, words, and attitudes reveal the state of our hearts. Just as a tree is known by the fruit it bears, our lives are a reflection of what resides within us. This teaching isn’t just about personal reflection; it’s a call to cultivate goodness at the very core of our being.
Verse by Verse Breakdown of A Tree and Its Fruit (Luke 6:43–45)
Luke 6:43-44: Good and Bad Fruit
“No good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; for each tree is known by its own fruit. Figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush.”
Here, Jesus emphasizes an undeniable truth: a tree’s fruit reflects its nature. A healthy tree cannot produce rotten fruit, and a diseased tree cannot yield a good harvest. This agricultural metaphor paints a picture of how our inner spiritual health affects our outward behavior. A life rooted in God’s truth and love will naturally bear fruit that reflects his character—kindness, patience, and humility. On the other hand, a life consumed by selfishness and sin will produce destructive outcomes.
This imagery echoes the teaching in Psalm 1, where the righteous are likened to a tree planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in season. A life connected to God is sustained and fruitful. Similarly, in Galatians 5:22-23, Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are the marks of a life aligned with God’s purposes.
The heart is the target for Jesus, for he understands that grace works from the inside out, changing our motives and desires which leads to a change of outward action.
Luke 6:45: The Overflow of the Heart
“The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks.”
Jesus takes the metaphor deeper, moving from trees to the human heart. The fruit we bear is a direct result of what fills our hearts. Good treasure—nurtured by scripture, prayer, and faithful community—produces good actions and words. But when our hearts are filled with anger, bitterness, or greed, it inevitably spills out in harmful ways. This teaching aligns with Proverbs 4:23, which advises, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”
Our words are especially revealing. James 3:9-10 reminds us of the inconsistency that can exist in our speech: “With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing.” Jesus’ teaching in Luke 6 urges us to align our hearts with God’s truth so that our speech and actions reflect his love and grace.
Luke 6:43-45 and Meaning for Today
The metaphor of a tree and its fruit invites us to examine the state of our hearts. Are we producing the fruit of the Spirit, or is our speech and behavior revealing areas that need transformation? This is not a call to strive for perfection through our own efforts but an invitation to remain rooted in God’s word and his presence. When our hearts are filled with his truth, our lives naturally bear fruit that glorifies him.
In practical terms, this teaching challenges us to consider what we are treasuring in our hearts. Are we allowing God to shape our character, or are we clinging to things that lead to bitterness and division? This reflection isn’t just for our benefit but for those around us. The fruit we bear impacts our families, communities, and beyond. May we take to heart Jesus’ words and strive to cultivate lives that reflect his goodness, grace, and love.
