THE KINGDOM AND JESUS' ILLUSTRATIONS - THE TWO ANIMALS

Text: Matthew 7:15 (CSB) – “Be on your guard against false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves.”

We are continuing our study of the Sermon on the Mount in the Book of Matthew. We are drawing this study to a close over the next few days. I pray that it has been encouraging and challenging.  Now we are looking at the topic of the Kingdom and Jesus’ Illustrations. An illustration we said is something that serves to illustrate such as

·      A picture or diagram that helps make something clear or attractive

·      An example or instance that helps make something clear

·      Something that illustrates, like a picture in a book or magazine.

·      A comparison or an example intended for explanation or corroboration.

·      The act of clarifying or explaining; 

Jesus is in this passage giving us 5 illustrations for what we need, how to treat others, and how to live as a true child of God. Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount continually keeps bringing us back to our motives over our actions. Remember that God looks at the heart, not the outward designs. Being the Master Teacher of all times – He has given us what He wants us to learn. And, to close this lesson He is using some illustrations to cement the concepts into our minds – and lives.

Next, He illustrates with Two Animals. The two animals He contrasts are sheep and wolves. This is a condemnation of false prophets. A prophet is one who is to deliver the words of God to others. Sometimes it is about the future – but in the New Testament, it is applied to those who share the message of God to others. As a Pastor and Chaplain, I am a prophet – not a foreteller, but a forth teller of God’s Word. Jesus tells us that we are to determine their truth with the Word of God. I always ask people to compare everything I say with God’s Word. I do not want to preach or teach anything that is incorrect.

Jesus warns us that false prophets pretend to be sheep (verse 15a). They try to look like one of the flocks. They appear to be harmless. You see, Sheep are meek. They don’t appear to cause any conflict. So, they take on the “religious appearance” of one we can trust. But, Jesus says that they are not what they seem.

Instead of sheep, false prophets prove to be wolves. Wolves were one of the sheep’s worst enemies in Jesus' day. He called them ravenous – extremely hungry; famished; voracious: like a jungle beast; intensely eager for gratification or satisfaction. Given the opportunity, they will ultimately tear you apart. They will not draw you to God, but destroy your relationship with Him.

Muse over those that you are learning from. Do they teach only the unaltered word of God as found in the Scriptures? How can I know, you ask? Good question. The first step is to have a personal relationship with God through the shed blood of Jesus. Next, spend time each day in reading the Bible and Praying. Don’t worry at this point on what you don’t understand – focus that which you do. Then apply what you have learned. And, as you apply what you learn – God will disclose more to you.