In Matthew 7, Jesus shares powerful lessons about judgment and discernment, challenging us to look inward before pointing fingers at others. With vivid imagery and relatable examples, He invites us to build our lives on a solid foundation.
The Reading: Matthew 7
World English Bible1 “Don’t judge, so that you won’t be judged.
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2 For with whatever judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you.
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3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but don’t consider the beam that is in your own eye?
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4 Or how will you tell your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye;’ and behold, the beam is in your own eye?
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5 You hypocrite! First remove the beam out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye.
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6 “Don’t give that which is holy to the dogs, neither throw your pearls before the pigs, lest perhaps they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
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7 “Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you.
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8 For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened.
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9 Or who is there among you, who, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone?
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10 Or if he asks for a fish, who will give him a serpent?
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11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
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12 Therefore whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets.
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13 “Enter in by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter in by it.
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14 How narrow is the gate, and restricted is the way that leads to life! Few are those who find it.
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15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.
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16 By their fruits you will know them. Do you gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles?
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17 Even so, every good tree produces good fruit; but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit.
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18 A good tree can’t produce evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree produce good fruit.
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19 Every tree that doesn’t grow good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire.
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20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
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21 Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
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22 Many will tell me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?’
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23 Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.’
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24 “Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock.
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25 The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it didn’t fall, for it was founded on the rock.
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26 Everyone who hears these words of mine, and doesn’t do them will be like a foolish man, who built his house on the sand.
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27 The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.”
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28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the multitudes were astonished at his teaching,
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29 for he taught them with authority, and not like the scribes.
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
Judging Others
Jesus opens this chapter with a striking statement: "Don't judge, so that you won't be judged." He emphasizes that the way we judge others will be the standard applied to us. It's like trying to clear a speck from someone's eye while having a massive beam in your own! He calls out hypocrisy, urging us to first address our own issues before helping others.
Valuable Insights on Prayer
Next, Jesus encourages us to ask, seek, and knock. He assures us that our requests will be heard: those who ask receive, those who seek find, and those who knock will have doors opened to them. He points out that even flawed parents know how to give good gifts to their children, so how much more does our heavenly Father?
The Golden Rule
He then summarizes the essence of moral conduct with the Golden Rule: treat others the way you want to be treated. This principle encapsulates the teachings of the prophets and serves as a guiding light for our interactions.
The Narrow Gate
Jesus contrasts the narrow gate leading to life with the wide gate that leads to destruction, indicating that few find the right path. He warns against false prophets who appear innocent but bear bad fruit, urging us to discern the true nature of those who claim to speak for God.
Wise vs. Foolish Builders
Finally, He concludes with a metaphor about building a house. The wise builder constructs his home on rock, weathering storms, while the foolish builder's sandy foundation collapses in a flood. This illustrates the importance of putting His teachings into practice, highlighting the need for a strong spiritual foundation.
Why It Matters
Reflect Before You Judge
Jesus teaches us the significance of self-reflection. Before criticizing others, we should examine our own lives. This humility can foster compassion and understanding, encouraging us to support rather than condemn.
Keep Asking and Seeking
The assurance that our prayers are heard serves as a reminder to boldly approach God. Whether in times of joy or struggle, we can seek guidance and support, trusting that He cares for our needs.
Live the Golden Rule
Living by the Golden Rule not only enhances our relationships but also creates a more compassionate world. By treating others with kindness and respect, we contribute positively to our communities.
Choose Your Path Wisely
The metaphor of the narrow gate encourages us to seek the truth and navigate life carefully. It's a call to deliberate choices that lead to spiritual fulfillment and deeper connections.
Build on Solid Foundations
Ultimately, the parable of the builders challenges us to act on Jesus' teachings. Just as a house needs a strong foundation, our lives require solid principles to withstand adversity. If you're looking to explore faith communities where you can build that foundation, find a church near you.
Coming Up Next: Matthew 8
In the next part of our journey in Matthew 8, we'll witness Jesus' miraculous healings and profound interactions that reveal His authority. Prepare for powerful moments that challenge and inspire.