A Tree and Its Fruit

Luke 6:43-45

Key Verse 6:44a

1. Consider what Jesus says in verse 43. What does Jesus mean by: 1) a tree; and 2) fruit? In this passage Jesus gave only two categories of trees: 1) good; and 2) bad. What does this observation suggest about the reality we are in?

2. Verse 44 consists of two sentences: 1) Each tree is recognized by its own fruit; and 2) People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. Remember that Jesus is talking to his disciples (who were all Jews). What do you think Jesus is trying to say here especially by adopting words like "figs", "grapes", "thornbushes", or "briers"? 

3. In verse 45a the expression, "stored up in his heart" is repeated twice. What does "store up" mean? What does this tell us about the function of one's heart?

4. Verse 45b reads, "For out of the overflow of his heart, his mouth speaks." What does this passage indicate about: 1) the importance of "speech" (the words that come out of one's mouth); and 2) the way to control what comes out of his mouth?

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