Sunday 7 December 2025
"Bear fruit worthy of repentance." (v. 8)
Background
John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus. He comes preaching repentance: literally calling people to change the way they think. So what needs to change?
Verse 8 gives us the heart of his message: “Bear fruit worthy of repentance.” Matthew twice later uses the metaphor of a good tree that bears good fruit. The image of fruit might remind us of Proverbs 11:30: "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life".
Good spiritual fruit grows out of a fundamental disposition of the heart, rather than being something that is just done. Our lives can become life-giving for others; a source of blessing nourishment and hope. We become, in ourselves, a gift to the world.
If we’re wondering what this 'fruit' means in practice, Paul’s list in Galatians 5:22-23 gives us a good clue: He says the fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
This is the kind of fruit everyone longs to receive. Like the tangerine at the bottom of a traditional Christmas stocking, these are gifts that are familiar, but are nevertheless fresh and joyful.
The food imagery continues with John the Baptist's warning about winnowing. (v. 12) Just as a tangerine must be peeled before it can be enjoyed, grain must be threshed and winnowed before it becomes useful. In the ancient world, this meant beating the wheat and tossing it into the air so the wind could carry away the chaff – leaving behind only what nourishes and sustains.
We are currently in the season of Advent, when we prepare for Christmas. We are invited to take that image of the wheat being prepared seriously. What in us needs to be cleared away? What coverings, distractions, or attitudes need to be stripped back? Can we let the the Holy Spirit move freely through us, removing all that is fruitless, and leaving only what brings life?
The Methodist Church is running an Advent campaign, Gifted. To find out more, please follow this link: methodist.org.uk/for-churches/christmasresources
To Ponder:
- Which of the fruits of the Holy Spirit do you see growing in yourself – or long to see more of?
- Are there habits, fears, or priorities that distract us from bearing fruit?
Prayer
God of grace, clear away what is fruitless in us and let your Holy Spirit move freely through our lives. Help us to bear fruit that brings hope and joy: love, peace, kindness, and all that reflects your goodness. Make us gifts of blessing for the world. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Andy Fishburne
Andy is a Discipleship and Faith Formation Officer for the Methodist Church in Britain. He works to support individuals and communities in deepening their life of faith and discipleship, helping people explore what it means to live a Methodist Way of Life. His role includes developing resources and encouraging creative approaches to faith formation across the Connexion.