Matthew Chapter Seven
Refrain From Judging Hypocritically
7:1 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.
Perhaps some of the most misunderstood verses in the Sermon on the Mount, but sadly they are also some of the most-often quoted verses for all the wrong reasons, even among Christians. Whenever someone notes or admonishes improper behavior, verse one is often defensively thrown back at the accuser. To understand what Jesus is saying, we should first look at the key words. The root for the words translated as ‘judge’, ‘judged’, and ‘pronounce’ (seen four times in the first two verses) is the Greek noun ‘krinō’,[1] and the word translated as ‘judgment’ is the Greek noun ‘krimati’[2] (derived from the same word), which means to separate, to distinguish, or to discriminate between good and evil. To judge what is right and what is wrong, neither the words, nor the context of the verse imply any form of condemnation.
Jesus is not saying that people should avoid noting inappropriate behavior or wrong action in others nor is He saying they should not be rebuked for such conduct. So, what is Jesus saying? He is saying that when the time comes to judge the behavior of someone else that it should not be offered hypocritically. One should not judge others when they are guilty of the same sin. Jesus it is not admonishing those that judge, nor is He saying judging is wrong, in fact, He will soon describe how to properly discern and judge others in just a few more verses (see verses 15-20).
Jesus uses the literary devices of hyperbole[3] and perhaps a little satire[4] to make His point understood. If someone sees a problem in someone else’s behavior, they should not be guilty of the same sin before any comment is made. Jesus understood how some people can be nitpickers of others while being blind of their own offensive or sinful actions. In simple terms, Christians are not to be hypocrites nor nitpickers. Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to help identify any hidden sins or blindspots in our own lives before talking to or judging others (see also John 7:24).
Discernment Required
7:6 “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.
Here is another verse that is well known and often misunderstood. With the understanding that neither dogs nor pigs can recognize the worth of material objects nor can they appreciate those things that are considered valuable to humans (with the possible exception of food of course), we should begin our study of this verse by asking two questions. What is holy and what is considered a pearl?
The word translated here as ‘holy’ is the usual Greek word ‘hagion’,[5] whose root ‘hagios’ can be found 220 times in the New Testament, referring to anything set apart, clean, pure, without blemish. While the term could easily apply to a large number of things or people, we should consider the word in context to apply to all things holy to God. How does that help here? Giving anything holy, especially the Word of God, to an animal or to someone who, like a dog, could care less about what is holy and what is not, would be truly be foolish and a waste of time. The Greek word ‘margarítas’,[6] does refer to a pearl (see 1 Timothy 2:9; Revelation 17:4; 18:12, 16; 21:21), however, in the book of Matthew it is used three times where it is always used as a metaphor for something precious or of great value (see also Matthew 13:45, 46). Offering something that is precious or valuable to someone who does not respect or appreciate its value, again would be foolishness.
While we should always take the time to lovingly explain God’s Word to non-believers, Christians are not to just ‘throw’ words at them as if in some form of debate or shouting match. People’s hearts need to first be prepared by the Holy Spirit; involving them in a never-ending dialog only results in consuming time and ultimately angering the other person. Prayer that first asks for discernment and guidance followed by asking that the hearts of those being talked to be open to the truth, should always precede any discussion regarding God, Jesus, or salvation.
Ask-Seek-Knock
7:7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? 11 If you then, who are 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!
Jesus presents three actions using three simple verbs to encourage interaction between them and God. First, to ask (Greek ‘aiteite’,[7] request, beg), God wants His people to ask. This request is considered odd to some as they wonder why would God request someone to ask when He already knows what they need. Nonetheless, He still requests that we request! He wants to hear from us, He desires our fellowship, the act of requesting requires us to face Him and ask. We are also to seek (Greek ‘zēteite’,[8] to look for, or strive to find something). While the text does not state what is to be looked for, it implies an action to seek and follow Him, to obey. Jesus wants believers to stay on the path He provides, understanding that finding the right path may require some diligence. Then He encourages them to knock (Greek ‘krouete’,[9] to knock, make noise at a door for entrance). Sometimes when at an impasse or at some roadblock in life, God wants to hear when they are ready to proceed.
God is not cruel and spiteful, He will not give a person a stone if they asked for some food, or a snake if they asked for a fish. Jesus then calls those listening ‘evil’ (Greek ‘ponēroi’,[10] evil in a moral or spiritual sense, wicked), recognizing that man is still sinful by nature and is capable of doing wrong, and if they can recognize and give good gifts to their children, then how much better will a gift from God be when He is asked?
What to ask for? Actually anything (see Philippians 4:6), but we need to understand that even though prayer is always answered, the answer may be ‘no’ or ‘not now’. If we pray in alignment with God’s will, the answer to those prayers are more likely to be answered with a ‘yes’. The book of Romans offers insight on God’s will (see Romans 12:1-2), plus Paul offers some insight during those times when we do not know what to ask for as the Holy Spirit will intercede for us (see Romans 8:26-27). Prayer may be a somewhat of a mystery to us, but we know prayer works just as He promised it would, making prayer the most important and certainly the most powerful thing Christians can do. Perhaps that is why Jesus spoke twice about prayer in this sermon.
Interaction with Others
[Text parallels Luke 6:31]
7:12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Often referred to as, “The Golden Rule,” although it is never called that in Scripture, is a basic and fundamental premise of mutual interaction. While frequently compared to other religions and philosophies, this ‘rule’ focuses on doing something, a proactive deed for the benefit of others, not a caution of what should not be done. This instructs us on how to treat others, not how to be treated ourselves. Jesus connects this principle to the law and the words of the prophets, meaning we serve God by serving others.
Understand the Route to Heaven Will Not Be Easy
7:13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
Jesus is not saying that the entrance to heaven is literally a narrow opening that is difficult to find. He understood that the lures of the world and the devil are indeed great, and that people often follow the easier and more comfortable path in life. A path that is typically shared with many others, each seeking similar goals (such as the obtaining of wealth, career, status, influence, etc.) The path to heaven begins with the understanding that we are all sinners and that we need to repent of those sins in order to be forgiven. While accepting Jesus’ plan of salvation may be simple (believe and you will be saved), it is not an easy path. Temptations and ridicule line the path of every disciple that follows Jesus’ route to heaven. The path that leads to hell, on the other hand, is much easier, with little to no resistance.
Considerations
Many perceive Christianity as a long list of what they cannot do, and since they desire and insist on doing what they want, when they want to do it, and don’t want to be accountable to anyone, they reject the gospel message, often without knowing what it is. Why is that? Sadly, the answer is most often because of some interaction with a Christian.
God chose people, Christians, to be His ambassadors as the primary method to announce salvation to the world (see 2 Corinthians 5:20). Why? Good question. But one very critical thing we need to remember is that the world is keeping their eye on Christians. Probably for all the wrong reasons, they would love to see a Christian fail and undoubtedly joyfully say, “See, you’re no different!” Once when Mahatma Gandhi was asked about Christianity, he made the observation that Christians are so unlike their Christ. While Gandhi was certainly no expert on Jesus (had he really studied the Bible, he would have heard who Jesus truly is), but his observation that many Christians act like they are unaffected by the Word of God is sadly valid.
All Christians know they are not perfect, as this is where forgiveness comes into the picture. If a Christian fails, falls, or fumbles in life they can seek forgiveness, repent of their disobedience and Jesus will pick them up, clean them up and restore them. But the world does not understand that. This is how people judge other people, through their actions. You can see it in politics and other ideological subjects. Liberals judge conservatives, the poor judge the affluent, and vice versa. It’s how people think, and sadly it makes sense to them that if a Christian can’t live the way they think they should live, then their ideas and ideals are wrong…end of discussion. So, what’s a Christian to do?
Have you ever tried to swim upstream or walked one direction when everyone else is going the other way? You have? Okay, have you ever walked up an escalator going the opposite direction? Being a Christian is much like that; the world wants them to conform to its point of view and do everything like everyone else, but God is saying, “No, don’t do that.” But just like these examples, going the opposite direction takes time and a lot of effort. Sure, Christians will fail, fall, and fumble once in a while, but it is important to keep trying. Always remember that you are His ambassadors, and while you might not have a special license plate or flags on your car identifying you as an ambassador, the world should know you belong to Him.
False Teaching Corrupts
[Text parallels Luke 6:43-45]
7:15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
Jesus offers a profound warning to be aware that false prophets and teachers not only exist, they desire to intentionally deceive. They can be spotted by their fruits (Greek ‘karpōn’,[11] fruit or produce from either trees or plants, often used, as it is here, as a metaphor for work, deeds, or conduct). Jesus asks a two-part rhetorical question, “Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?” He then points out that healthy (Greek ‘agathon’,[12] good, beneficial, useful) trees bear good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. Good teaching produces good fruit and false teaching produces bad fruit.
Discernment is needed to know the difference, we are to identify false teachers by what they teach and by the outcome of their teaching and influence. Essentially Jesus is calling us to be fruit inspectors. He further states that every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire, referring to their ultimate destination, the false prophets and teachers will, regardless of their sincerity be condemned. We need to understand that sincerely believing something to be true is often completely different than believing in the truth. There can only be one truth, it is absolute, not relative or flexible. It does not matter how little the falsehood is, as any pilot can tell you that being off by one degree can result in not reaching your destination.
To be a good fruit inspector, one needs to know the legitimate article, the real thing really well. Just as any Secret Service agent will tell you, the way they spot counterfeit money is by intimately knowing real money. Christians are to know God’s Word so that they can recognize incorrect teaching. The apostle Paul noted that the Bereans had the right attitude when they checked the Scriptures to make sure what Paul was teaching was the truth (see Acts 17:11). We have a responsibility to study the Bible for ourselves.
Considerations
Follow God’s Word[13]
If a person is unaware of God’s Word or has only partial understanding, they could easily be fooled by a false prophet. That is why Moses often repeated the need for the people of Israel to learn God’s law and to teach it to their children. This is also true for Christians, if they are unaware or have only a cursory understanding of the Bible, they can be misled by false teachers, false pastors, or false prophets. There is no substitution to learning and growing in the Word of God. Not everyone who call themselves Christians are all true followers of Jesus. Sadly, this has lead to the existence of several denominations, each claiming to offer the true interpretation of Scripture. Often through the promotion (or use) of some man-made document or unique interpretation that is elevated above the Bible. Which can potentially lead people away from Jesus or perhaps render them effectively useless in His kingdom. We must remember that the only document that matters when it is time to enter heaven with Jesus, is the Bible. If you are not sure that what you believe is in the Bible, or you do not believe you have an adequate understanding of God’s Word, that problem can be easily remedied, start reading the Bible today. It is imperative that we understand that there are no shortcuts or substitutes, ask God for guidance and discernment, He will answer (see James 1:5).
A great deal is written on the subject of false teaching in the Bible. Every epistle writer warns their readers to watch out for false prophets and teachers. Here Jesus calls our attention that good fruit does not come from bad trees. In summary Christians will bear fruit (Paul provides a list of Spiritual fruit in Galatians 5:22-23), so if fruit does not exist in a person’s life then, per Jesus’ instruction, we know that they are not a child of God. The fruit of any fruit tree provides visual evidence that the fruit tree is alive and functioning as intended. The Biblical metaphor of a Christian bearing fruit refers to external evidence of a changed heart that lives for Jesus. If we are truly disciples of Jesus then fruit will be visible in our lives, fruit that others can and will take notice. Spiritual fruit should be seen in all Christians, however, one should not confuse Spiritual fruit with Spiritual gifts. As stated above, Spiritual fruit provides external evidence of God living inside the person. Spiritual gifts are special abilities that God provides to Christians to enable them to do as He calls them to do, two different things.
Scariest Words in the Bible, "I Never Knew You.”
7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
Following the warning about false prophets, Jesus illustrates what could happen if someone listens and adheres to false teaching. Even if they think Jesus is their Lord, they run the risk of forfeiting their salvation for a lie. Can there be anything more frightening than that? Jesus says that not everyone who says to Him, “Lord, Lord,” will be saved! He continues by saying that they might try to convince Him that they were wrongfully judged by bringing up the point that they had in the past spoken prophesy in His name (see 1 Corinthians 14:1-5), casted out demons in His name (see Mark 9:38; 16:17; Luke 10:17), and did mighty things in His name. Only to hear in response from Jesus the most chilling words ever written, “I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.” (verse 23b, NLT)
Jesus says that there will be people who may go through life sincerely thinking they are Christians. Even though they may seem to be good people, being selfless and regularly giving and serving others, these actions will not restore them before God. Who then goes to heaven? Jesus says, “the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” Another way to translate would be, “but only the person who does what my Father in heaven wants,” (Matthew 7:21b, GW). What does God the Father desire? The Bible makes it very clear that, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9, see also 1 Timothy 2:4; 4:10) If He desires that none should perish, then doing His will would mean believing in Jesus as their Savior. The phrase “poiōn to thelēma”[14] (translated as “one who does the will”) does not imply a physical action, but could simply be a willingness of accepting a gift.
Note how Jesus again makes it clear that He has the authority to condemn by using words like: “who says to me,” “many will say to me,” and “I never knew you.” He does not refer to another entity or act as a “go between,” He plainly states that He has the authority to make the decision as to who goes to heaven and who does not. If you are wondering if you are truly a believer or have any doubt at this time, go to Him right now in prayer and seek His grace today since it will be too late if you wait until the Day of Judgment!
Build Your Life on Jesus, the Rock
[Text parallels Luke 6:47-49]
7:24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount with a two-fold illustration regarding wisdom and trusting in Him. He associates those that listen to these words and applies them in their life, to those that wisely build on solid ground, the rock. When the weather changed and the rain fell, flood waters came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, it still stood. Then He compares those that also hear these words but rejected the truth and refused to follow, to those who foolishly build their homes on sand. When the weather changed and the rain fell, flood waters came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, it fell in a big crash.
The illustration can also be interpreted as trusting in Jesus, as He is the Rock (see below). If someone builds their life on Jesus, trusting Him for everything (provision, guidance, safety, discernment, etc.) Then when trouble comes (temptations, sufferings, anxiety, pressure, ridicule, etc.) they will be able to persevere and survive, because their lives were built on the firm foundation of Jesus. Those that trust in the world and not Jesus, will ultimately collapse and fail to enter heaven.
Considerations
Jesus is the Rock[15]
Throughout the Bible the Messiah is referred to as the Rock. Here are a few examples: The Rock of my Salvation (see 2 Samuel 22:47; Psalm 89:26); my Rock and my Redeemer (see Psalm 19:14); my Rock and my Fortress (see Psalm 62:2-6); Rock of my Refuge (see Psalm 94:22, see also Isaiah 17:10); Everlasting Rock (see Isaiah 26:4); Rock of Israel (see 2 Samuel 23:3; Isaiah 30:29); House on the Rock (see Matthew 7:24-27; Luke 6:46-49); Stone not cut by human hands (see Daniel 2:45); the Stone of offense and a Rock of stumbling (see Isaiah 8:14); the Stone that the builders rejected has become the Cornerstone (see Psalm 118:21, cited in Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10-11; Luke 20:17; Acts 4:11; Ephesians 2:20; 1 Peter 2:4-7). Each one pointing to Jesus.
The apostle Paul clearly states who the Rock was, “For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ.” (1 Corinthians 10:4b) The water at Horeb gave life to the Israelites just as Jesus offers living water (see John 4:10-11).
The Authority of Jesus Recognized
7:28 And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, 29 for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.
The people undoubtedly never heard someone teach like Jesus, especially with the authority of God, Creator, and Savior. Let alone hear the subject material, as they learn about living a life devoted to God. Hearing these things directly from God, must have stirred up quite a commotion. The religious leaders could not afford to ignore Jesus.
The scribes, in the Old Testament period they were known as the Sopherim, being essentially only copyists of the law and during the New Testament time they were also known as the Tannaim, being the primary teachers of the law, and as such would only assert God’s authority, not their own (although that later changed during the Rabbinic period).
Outwardly the teaching of our Lord must have appeared to men different in many ways from both. While they repeated the traditions of the elders, he “spake as one having authority,” “not as the scribes” (Matt. 7:29; comp. the constantly recurring “I say unto you”). While they confined their teaching to the class of scholars, he “had compassion on the multitudes” (9:36). While they were to be found only in the council or in their schools, he journeyed through the cities and villages (4:23; 9:35; etc.). While they spoke of the kingdom of God vaguely, as a thing far off, he proclaimed that it had already come nigh to men (4:17)[16]
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[1] Strong’s Greek 2919.
[2] Strong’s Greek 2917.
[3] A hyperbole is an obvious and often humorous exaggeration in order to emphasize a point.
[4] Closely related to hyperbole and sarcasm, satire holds up human vices and follies to ridicule or scorn, used typically to expose foolishness.
[5] Strong’s Greek 40.
[6] Strong’s Greek 3135.
[7] Strong’s Greek 154.
[8] Strong’s Greek 2212.
[9] Strong’s Greek 2925.
[10] Strong’s Greek 4190.
[11] Strong’s Greek 2590.
[12] Strong’s Greek 18.
[13] Adapted from author’s book, “Everything a Christian Should Know About the Torah, A Commentary on the First Five Books of the Bible.”
[14] Strong’s Greek 4160, 3588 and 2307.
[15] Adapted from author’s book, “Everything a Christian Should Know About the Torah, A Commentary on the First Five Books of the Bible.”
[16] M’Clintock, J., & Strong, J. (1880). Scribes, Jewish. In Cyclopædia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature (Vol. 9, p. 472). New York: Harper & Brothers, Publishers.