In Matthew 7:1–6, Jesus addresses the topic of judgment, calling His followers to practice discernment and humility in their interactions with others. His teaching contrasts the hypocritical and condemning judgment of the religious leaders with the thoughtful, grace-filled discernment required of kingdom citizens. While Jesus warns against unjust judgment, He also emphasizes the need for spiritual clarity and wisdom in dealing with others. This passage reminds believers of their responsibility to examine their own hearts before addressing the faults of others, promoting a spirit of humility and love. This essay will explore the meaning of Jesus’ teaching, its practical implications, and how believers can apply it in their daily lives.
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The Command: “Do Not Judge”
1. “Do Not Judge, or You Too Will Be Judged”
Jesus begins with a clear and often-misunderstood command:
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged” (Matthew 7:1).
The term “judge” in this context refers to a condemning, critical, or self-righteous attitude toward others. Jesus is not prohibiting all forms of judgment but rather warning against harsh, hypocritical, and unloving evaluations.
This teaching does not negate the need for moral discernment or accountability. Scripture affirms the importance of evaluating actions and exercising wisdom, as seen in passages like John 7:24: “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” However, Jesus condemns a judgmental spirit that elevates oneself while tearing others down.
2. The Standard of Judgment
Jesus continues, “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Matthew 7:2). This statement highlights the principle of reciprocity: the standard we apply to others will be applied to us.
This warning reflects God’s justice and calls for humility in evaluating others. James 2:13 reinforces this idea: “Judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” Believers are called to approach others with the same grace and compassion they desire from God.
Examining the Heart
1. The Parable of the Speck and the Plank
Jesus illustrates His teaching with a vivid parable:
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3–4).
The “speck” represents a minor fault in someone else, while the “plank” symbolizes a significant sin or blind spot in one’s own life. Jesus highlights the hypocrisy of focusing on others’ flaws while ignoring one’s own. This tendency often stems from pride and a desire to deflect attention from personal shortcomings.
The parable calls believers to self-examination and repentance before addressing the faults of others. Psalm 139:23–24 provides a helpful prayer: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
2. “First Take the Plank Out of Your Own Eye”
Jesus instructs, “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:5). This command emphasizes the importance of personal accountability. Only after addressing one’s own sins can a believer approach others with humility and clarity.
This teaching aligns with Galatians 6:1, which says, “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” Restoration requires both spiritual maturity and a spirit of gentleness.
The Call to Discernment
1. “Do Not Give Dogs What Is Sacred”
Jesus concludes this section with a call to discernment:
“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces” (Matthew 7:6).
The “dogs” and “pigs” in this metaphor represent those who are hostile to the gospel or resistant to spiritual truth. While believers are called to share the good news with all people, Jesus acknowledges that there are times when continued efforts may be met with outright rejection or hostility.
This teaching calls for wisdom in knowing when to speak and when to refrain. Proverbs 9:7–8 warns, “Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers, or they will hate you; rebuke the wise, and they will love you.” Discernment is essential in determining how to engage with others effectively.
2. Balancing Grace and Truth
While Jesus warns against casting pearls before swine, His teaching does not absolve believers of their responsibility to share the gospel. Instead, it emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that combines grace and truth. Colossians 4:5–6 instructs, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Believers must rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment, seeking opportunities to share God’s love while recognizing when to step back and entrust the outcome to Him.
Practical Applications for Believers
1. Practicing Self-Examination
Believers are called to examine their own hearts and motives before addressing others’ faults. This involves prayer, repentance, and a willingness to confront personal blind spots. As 2 Corinthians 13:5 urges, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.”
2. Approaching Others with Humility
When addressing someone else’s sin, believers should do so with humility and gentleness, recognizing their own need for God’s grace. Ephesians 4:2 encourages, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” A spirit of humility fosters restoration rather than division.
3. Exercising Discernment
Jesus’ teaching calls for discernment in how and when to address issues with others. Believers must seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance, balancing a commitment to truth with sensitivity to individual circumstances.
4. Extending Grace and Mercy
As recipients of God’s grace, believers are called to extend the same grace to others. This includes being slow to criticize, quick to forgive, and eager to promote reconciliation. James 3:17 describes godly wisdom as “peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
The Gospel and Judgment
Jesus’ teaching on judgment ultimately points to the gospel, where God’s justice and mercy converge. Through Christ’s atoning sacrifice, believers are freed from condemnation and invited into a relationship of grace. Romans 8:1 declares, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
This truth empowers believers to approach others with humility and love, recognizing that all have sinned and are in need of God’s forgiveness (Romans 3:23). By reflecting the grace they have received, Christians bear witness to the transformative power of the gospel.
Conclusion
Jesus’ teaching on judging others calls believers to a higher standard of discernment, humility, and love. By examining their own hearts, addressing others with gentleness, and exercising wisdom in their interactions, they reflect the values of the kingdom of heaven. This passage reminds Christians that true judgment begins with self-reflection and is always tempered by grace.
For believers today, this teaching serves as a guide for navigating relationships in a way that honors God. As we practice humility, seek spiritual clarity, and extend grace to others, we demonstrate the character of Christ and point others to the hope of the gospel.
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged” (Matthew 7:1–2).
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
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For Further Reference: A Detailed Study on the Entire Sermon on the Mount
