Every Tree

Matthew 7:17-20 (ESV)

17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

A tree signifies a person in this parable. The fruit is who we are and what we are becoming relative to the commandments of God. Good fruit only grows from the seed of His word. Even a branch attached to the vine of life must bear the fruit of the Spirit. John 15:2  His abiding Spirit allows us to know God and be known by Him. The fruit of His Spirit brings us ever closer to the image of the nature of Christ.