Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. – Matt 7:15

In reading the passage Matt 7:13-23, three ideas are expressed in the text:

• Few find the narrow gate that leads to life.
• False prophets are known by their fruit.
• Not everyone that says ‘Lord, Lord’ will make it to the kingdom of Heaven.

Jesus begins with a warning that many find the path to destruction. The narrow path to life is difficult and few find it. After saying this, he then talks about false prophets. Presumably, the false prophets find their way to the path of destruction, just like many others. Since these false prophets look like one of us on the outside, how can we tell a false prophet from another sheep?

Jesus said to look at their fruit. He doesn’t define it here, instead choosing to make striking analogies.