“He answered, ‘Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up.’” (Matthew 15:13 ESV).
Matthew recorded that Jesus spoke these words after the Pharisees were offended by His teaching that true defilement comes from the heart, not from ignoring man-made traditions. The disciples had warned Jesus about the Pharisees’ reaction, likely fearing the growing hostility of these powerful religious leaders. In response, Jesus used an agricultural metaphor, echoing His earlier Parable of the Wheat and Tares (Matt. 13). Just as weeds were not sown by the farmer but by the enemy, so religious systems built on human tradition were not planted by the heavenly Father. Though such systems might appear strong for a season, Jesus declared that their end was certain. They would be uprooted. His words pointed beyond the immediate conflict with the Pharisees to the reality of divine judgment. False religion may flourish for a time and even persecute those who hold to God’s truth, but its foundation is not divine and therefore cannot endure. At the same time, Jesus reassured His disciples that His teaching carried the authority of the Father and would stand, no matter the opposition.
We live in a world full of impressive-looking “plants.” We see belief systems, movements, and even churches that claim spiritual authority, but are rooted in human ideas rather than God’s Word. We can feel worried when false teaching grows popular or fearful when faithfulness to Scripture brings criticism or rejection. Yet Jesus reminds us not to be shaken. If the Father did not plant it, it will not last. Our calling is not to try and root out false teachings, but to stay rooted in what God has truly planted—His truth in Christ. Even when standing firm invites resistance, we can rest in the promise that error is temporary, but truth is eternal. So let us ask ourselves: are we rooted in Christ Jesus? For all doctrines, religions, churches, and human institutions that are not will ultimately be uprooted. They will not stand.
PRAYER: Dear Father, help us to love and cling to what You have truly planted. Give us discernment to recognize false teaching and courage to stand in Your truth, even when it costs us. Keep our hearts rooted in Christ and Your Word. Let our lives bear fruit that will last. In Jesus’ name, amen.