Are you the tree or chaff in Matt 3 and Luke 3?

Are you the tree in Matt 3? We are all trees.

Mat 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

In context, John is addressing everyone who has gathered to listen to his sermon and who are interested in being baptized in water to receive forgiveness of sins. He begins by saying, “the axe is laid upon the root of the trees.” This sentence specifically refers to “trees” rather than “tree.”

In the Bible, trees are metaphorically humans. 

Words can have multiple meanings. The “ROOT” here refers to the Mosaic Law, and the “TREES” are the guardians of the Law.  

The Law, as you are aware, served as the cornerstone of everything the Israelites and Israel are built upon, akin to our Declaration of Independence. Jesus was on the verge of completing the Law from its very foundation by proclaiming the Law of the Righteous.

The “TREE” that is being “HEWN DOWN” are those individuals who refuse to bear “FRUIT.” This includes people who were not Pharisees or Scribes. As it stands today, if you fail to produce fruit, the Bible instructs us that those who do not do so will be cast into the Lake of fire or face eternal damnation.

This scripture, Matthew 3:10, is not relevant to the year 70 AD. The sermon in question was not delivered until Mark 13:14-23, which was exclusively spoken by Jesus. The only other prophet who mentioned the Abomination was Daniel. If John had delivered the same sermon, I am certain Jesus would have referenced him..

The sermon John delivered was intended to condemn the people present and highlight those who were particularly egregious. In this instance, the Pharisees and scribes were the ones who stood out. The “fire” referenced in this scripture symbolizes death without repentance.

Are you the chaff?

Luke 3:17  Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.

Chaff, the inedible residue left behind after harvesting fruit, is not considered a fruit. It can only be discarded or burned. In this context, the chaff will be burned, serving as a metaphor for those who refuse to repent. It represents anyone, at any time, who fails to repent.

Everyone, before they became followers of Christ, had flaws. Followers are like grains of wheat that contain chaff. These followers are both “just and unjust” and “good and evil.” They are sinners who have not yet achieved perfection and overcome their flaws.

So, repent and be baptized in Water, Holy Ghost and Fire.