Judging Others
(Luke 6:37–42;Romans 14:1–12)
1“Do not judge, or you will be judged.2For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but fail to notice the beam in your own eye?4How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while there is still a beam in your own eye?5You hypocrite! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
6Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.
Ask, Seek, Knock
(Luke 11:5–13)
7Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.8For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
9Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?10Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?11So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
12In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.
The Narrow Gate
(Luke 13:22–30)
13Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.14But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.
A Tree and Its Fruit
(Luke 6:43–45)
15Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.16By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?17Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.20So then, by their fruit you will recognize them.
21Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven.22Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
23Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’
The House on the Rock
(Luke 6:46–49)
24Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.25The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock.
26But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.27The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its collapse!”
The Authority of Jesus
28When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astonished at His teaching,29because He taught as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.
Matthew 7, continuing the Sermon on the Mount, tackles aspects of judgement, discernment, decision-making, and obedience. Jesus calls His followers to self-examination, discernment of true and false prophets, choosing the narrow path of righteousness, and building their lives on the firm foundation of His teachings.
• The setting is early in Jesus’ ministry when He is gathering disciples and redefining righteousness beyond the traditions of the scribes and Pharisees.
• “Dogs” and “swine” (7:6) were unclean animals to most Jews—strong symbols for people hostile to holy things.
• Building on rock versus sand (7:24–27) draws on the region’s sudden winter rains that turn dry wadis into raging torrents, sweeping away poorly founded houses.
• City gates (7:13–14) controlled access and commerce. A narrow gate would force travelers to remove baggage, an apt picture of laying aside sin and self-reliance.
• Paul echoes the principle: “For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself” (Romans 2:1).
• The contrast with earthly fathers (7:9-11) highlights God’s surpassing goodness. Even flawed human parents know how to feed their children; how much more the perfect Father!
• Jesus personalizes the choice: following Him means entering the narrow gate, even if few take it.
• Archaeology reveals first-century Galilean builders often dug down to bedrock, setting stone footings to survive flash floods.
• Galilean homes: basalt block walls, mud plaster, and wooden beams for roofs. Without a solid stone foundation, heavy rains could undercut walls.
• Stones used as milestones or gateposts in ancient cities add texture to Jesus’ “narrow gate” metaphor—some preserved examples measure barely two feet wide.
• First-century coins depict pomegranates, figs, and grapes, reinforcing Jesus’ everyday imagery of good and bad fruit.
• Replace criticism with humble self-evaluation, then offer gentle help.
• Guard holy truth yet remain ready to share with those who are open.
• Pray persistently, trusting God’s Father-heart to provide what is best.
• Treat others with the kindness and fairness you crave.
• Choose the narrow path daily—small compromises widen the road to ruin.
• Test teachers by their character and their message. Healthy doctrine produces healthy lives.
• Make obedience to Jesus the foundation of every plan; storm-proof living comes only from doing what He says.
• Stand in awe of His authority. The One who spoke these words still speaks today, calling listeners to build on the rock and live.
Connections to Additional Scriptures
Judgment and HypocrisyRomans 2:1 - Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.
Persistence in PrayerLuke 18:1 - Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart.
The Golden RuleLuke 6:31 - Do to others as you would have them do to you.
The Narrow and Wide GatesJohn 14:6 - Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'
True and False Prophets1
John 4:1 - Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Teaching Points
Judgment and HypocrisyDo not judge, or you will be judged (
Matthew 7:1). Jesus warns against hypocritical judgment, urging us to first examine our own faults.
Discernment in GivingDo not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine (
Matthew 7:6). This teaches us to exercise discernment in sharing sacred truths.
Persistence in PrayerAsk, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you (
Matthew 7:7). Jesus encourages persistent and faithful prayer.
The Golden RuleIn everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you (
Matthew 7:12). This principle summarizes the Law and the Prophets.
The Narrow and Wide GatesEnter through the narrow gate (
Matthew 7:13). Jesus contrasts the difficult path to life with the easy road to destruction.
True and False ProphetsBy their fruit you will recognize them (
Matthew 7:16). We are called to discern true teachings by examining the fruits of those who teach.
The Wise and Foolish BuildersEveryone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock (
Matthew 7:24). Jesus emphasizes the importance of a strong foundation in His teachings.
Practical Applications
Regularly self-reflect to identify and address personal faults before critiquing others.
Practice discernment in sharing your faith, ensuring it is received with respect and understanding.
Cultivate a consistent prayer life, trusting in God's timing and provision.
Treat others with kindness and respect, embodying the Golden Rule in all interactions.
Choose the path of righteousness, even when it is challenging or unpopular.
Evaluate teachings and leaders by their actions and the fruits they produce.
Build your life on the teachings of Christ, ensuring a solid foundation for all circumstances.
People
1.
JudgeDescription: Refers to those who judge others. Jesus warns against judging others to avoid being judged in the same manner. The Greek word used here is "κριτής" (kritēs), which means a judge or one who passes judgment.
Reference:
Matthew 7:1 - "Do not judge, or you will be judged."
2.
HypocriteDescription: Those who criticize others while failing to see their own faults. Jesus uses this term to describe someone who points out the speck in another's eye while ignoring the plank in their own.
Reference:
Matthew 7:5 - "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."
3.
BrotherDescription: Represents fellow believers or people in general whom one might judge or help. The Greek word "ἀδελφός" (adelphos) is used, meaning brother or fellow believer.
Reference:
Matthew 7:3-5 - "Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but fail to notice the beam in your own eye?"
4.
Dogs and PigsDescription: Metaphorical terms used to describe those who are unworthy or unappreciative of what is holy or valuable. Jesus advises not to give what is sacred to dogs or throw pearls to pigs.
Reference:
Matthew 7:6 - "Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces."
5.
False ProphetsDescription: Individuals who claim to speak for God but lead others astray. Jesus warns to be wary of them, as they come in sheep's clothing but are inwardly ravenous wolves.
Reference:
Matthew 7:15 - "Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves."
6.
Wise ManDescription: Someone who hears Jesus' words and acts on them, likened to a man who builds his house on a rock, ensuring stability and resilience.
Reference:
Matthew 7:24 - "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock."
7.
Foolish ManDescription: Someone who hears Jesus' words but does not act on them, compared to a man who builds his house on sand, leading to its collapse.
Reference:
Matthew 7:26 - "But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand."
Places
Matthew 7 in the Berean Standard Bible does not specifically mention any geographical places. Instead, it focuses on teachings and parables of Jesus. However, I can provide a brief overview of the chapter's themes and teachings if that would be helpful. Let me know how you would like to proceed!
Events
1.
Judging Others (Matthew 7:1-5)Jesus warns against judging others, emphasizing that the measure we use to judge will be used against us. He uses the metaphor of a speck and a plank to illustrate the hypocrisy of judging others while ignoring one's own faults.
Greek root: The word "judge" (κρίνω, krinō) implies forming an opinion or conclusion about someone.
2.
Do Not Give Dogs What is Holy (Matthew 7:6)Jesus advises not to give what is holy to dogs or throw pearls before pigs, lest they trample them and turn to attack. This suggests discernment in sharing sacred truths.
Greek root: "Holy" (ἅγιος, hagios) refers to something set apart for God.
3.
Ask, Seek, Knock (Matthew 7:7-11)Jesus encourages persistent prayer, promising that those who ask will receive, those who seek will find, and to those who knock, the door will be opened. He compares God's willingness to give good gifts to that of a loving father.
Greek root: "Ask" (αἰτέω, aiteō), "seek" (ζητέω, zēteō), and "knock" (κρούω, krouō) all imply continuous action.
4.
The Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12)Jesus summarizes the Law and the Prophets with the Golden Rule: "In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you."
Greek root: "Do" (ποιέω, poieō) emphasizes action and conduct.
5.
The Narrow and Wide Gates (Matthew 7:13-14)Jesus contrasts the narrow gate that leads to life with the wide gate that leads to destruction, urging followers to choose the difficult path.
Greek root: "Narrow" (στενός, stenos) suggests constriction or difficulty.
6.
A Tree and Its Fruit (Matthew 7:15-20)Jesus warns against false prophets, comparing them to trees that are known by their fruit. Good trees bear good fruit, while bad trees bear bad fruit.
Greek root: "Fruit" (καρπός, karpos) symbolizes the visible outcome of one's actions.
7.
True Disciples (Matthew 7:21-23)Jesus declares that not everyone who calls Him "Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of His Father. He warns that many will claim to have done works in His name, but He will declare, "I never knew you."
Greek root: "Know" (γινώσκω, ginōskō) implies an intimate, personal relationship.
8.
The Wise and Foolish Builders (Matthew 7:24-27)Jesus concludes with a parable about two builders: one wise, who builds on rock, and one foolish, who builds on sand. The wise builder's house withstands storms, symbolizing the stability of a life built on Jesus' teachings.
Greek root: "Rock" (πέτρα, petra) signifies a strong foundation.
9.
The Authority of Jesus (Matthew 7:28-29)The chapter ends with the crowd's reaction to Jesus' teaching, noting that He taught with authority, unlike the scribes.
Greek root: "Authority" (ἐξουσία, exousia) denotes power and rightful command.
Lessons from Matthew 7
1. Judge with Discernment, Not Condemnation
InMatthew 7:1, Jesus instructs, "Do not judge, or you will be judged." This isn't a call to abandon discernment but a reminder to approach others with grace and humility. When we judge, we must remember that we, too, are under the same divine scrutiny. Instead of condemning, let’s seek to understand and uplift, reflecting the love and mercy that Christ shows us.
2. The Measure You Use Will Be Measured to You
Verse 2 warns, "For with the same measure you use, it will be measured to you." This principle encourages us to extend the same grace and forgiveness to others that we hope to receive. By practicing empathy and kindness, we create a cycle of compassion that mirrors the heart of God.
3. Remove the Plank from Your Own Eye
Before pointing out the faults in others, Jesus advises in verses 3-5 to first address our own shortcomings: "First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye." This lesson teaches us the importance of self-reflection and humility, reminding us that personal growth precedes helping others.
4. Do Not Give Dogs What Is Holy
In verse 6, Jesus says, "Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine." This metaphorical language encourages us to be wise stewards of the truth, sharing it with those who are open and receptive. It’s a call to discernment, ensuring that our efforts to share the Gospel are fruitful and respected.
5. Ask, Seek, Knock
Verses 7-8 promise, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you." This is an invitation to persistent prayer and active faith. God delights in our pursuit of Him, and He promises to respond to our earnest seeking with His presence and provision.
6. The Golden Rule
Verse 12 encapsulates a profound ethical teaching: "In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you." This principle, known as the Golden Rule, is a call to proactive love and kindness. By treating others as we wish to be treated, we embody the love of Christ and foster a community of mutual respect and care.
7. The Narrow and Wide Gates
In verses 13-14, Jesus contrasts the narrow gate that leads to life with the wide gate that leads to destruction. "Enter through the narrow gate," He urges. This lesson highlights the importance of choosing the path of righteousness, even when it’s challenging, knowing that it leads to eternal life with God.
8. Recognize Them by Their Fruits
Verses 15-20 warn against false prophets, teaching us to discern truth by examining the "fruits" of one’s life. "Every good tree bears good fruit," Jesus explains. This lesson encourages us to evaluate teachings and actions by their outcomes, ensuring they align with God’s truth and righteousness.
9. Not Everyone Who Says 'Lord, Lord' Will Enter the Kingdom
In verses 21-23, Jesus emphasizes the importance of genuine faith over mere words: "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven." This is a call to authentic discipleship, where our actions reflect our professed beliefs, and our relationship with Christ is sincere and transformative.
10. Build Your House on the Rock
The chapter concludes with the parable of the wise and foolish builders in verses 24-27. "Everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." This lesson underscores the importance of a solid foundation in Christ, ensuring that our lives withstand the storms of life through obedience and faith in His teachings.
Topics
1.
Judging Others (Matthew 7:1-5)This passage warns against hypocritical judgment. Jesus says, "Do not judge, or you will be judged" (
Matthew 7:1). The Greek word for "judge" is "κρίνω" (krinō), which implies making a decision or forming an opinion. The emphasis is on self-examination before criticizing others.
2.
The Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12)Known as the Golden Rule, this verse states, "In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you" (
Matthew 7:12). This principle is rooted in the Greek word "ποιέω" (poieō), meaning "to do" or "to make," emphasizing proactive kindness and empathy.
3.
Ask, Seek, Knock (Matthew 7:7-11)Jesus encourages persistent prayer with the promise that God will respond: "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you" (
Matthew 7:7). The Greek verbs "αἰτέω" (aiteō), "ζητέω" (zēteō), and "κρούω" (krouō) suggest continuous action, highlighting perseverance in prayer.
4.
The Narrow and Wide Gates (Matthew 7:13-14)This teaching contrasts the difficult path to life with the easy path to destruction: "Enter through the narrow gate" (
Matthew 7:13). The Greek word "στενός" (stenos) for "narrow" implies constriction, symbolizing the challenges of true discipleship.
5.
A Tree and Its Fruit (Matthew 7:15-20)Jesus uses the metaphor of trees and fruit to illustrate the importance of discernment: "By their fruit you will recognize them" (
Matthew 7:16). The Greek word "καρπός" (karpos) for "fruit" signifies the visible outcomes of one's actions and character.
6.
True and False Disciples (Matthew 7:21-23)This passage warns that not everyone who claims to follow Jesus will enter the kingdom of heaven: "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven" (
Matthew 7:21). The Greek term "κύριος" (kyrios) for "Lord" underscores the necessity of genuine submission to Christ's authority.
7.
The Wise and Foolish Builders (Matthew 7:24-27)Jesus concludes with a parable about building on a solid foundation: "Everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock" (
Matthew 7:24). The Greek word "σοφός" (sophos) for "wise" highlights the importance of applying Jesus' teachings.
Themes
1.
Judgment and HypocrisyJesus warns against judging others hypocritically. He emphasizes self-examination before criticizing others: "For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you" (
Matthew 7:2). The Greek word for "judge" (κρίνω, krinō) implies a critical and condemning judgment, which Jesus cautions against.
2.
Discernment and CorrectionThe passage encourages discernment in correcting others, using the metaphor of removing a speck from a brother's eye while ignoring the plank in one's own: "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 highlights the importance of humility and self-awareness.
3.
Prayer and Trust in GodJesus assures believers of God's willingness to answer prayer: "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you" (
Matthew 7:7). The Greek verbs for ask (αἰτέω, aiteō), seek (ζητέω, zēteō), and knock (κρούω, krouō) are in the present imperative, suggesting continuous action and persistence in prayer.
4.
The Golden RuleJesus presents the principle of treating others as one would like to be treated: "In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you" (
Matthew 7:12). This encapsulates the ethical teachings of the Law and the Prophets, emphasizing love and empathy.
5.
The Narrow and Wide GatesJesus contrasts the narrow gate leading to life with the wide gate leading to destruction: "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it" (
Matthew 7:13). The imagery underscores the difficulty and commitment required to follow Christ.
6.
False Prophets and True DiscipleshipJesus warns against false prophets, identified by their fruits: "By their fruit you will recognize them" (
Matthew 7:16). The Greek word for "fruit" (καρπός, karpos) symbolizes the visible outcomes of one's life and teachings, serving as a test of authenticity.
7.
The Wise and Foolish BuildersThe parable of the wise and foolish builders illustrates the importance of putting Jesus' words into practice: "Everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock" (
Matthew 7:24). This theme emphasizes obedience and the foundation of faith.
Prayer Points
Pray for humility and wisdom to recognize and address personal shortcomings.
Ask for discernment in sharing the Gospel and interacting with others.
Seek God's guidance and strength to persist in prayer and faith.
Pray for the ability to treat others with love and respect, following the example of Christ.
Request courage to walk the narrow path and stand firm in faith.
Pray for discernment to recognize true teachings and leaders.
Ask for a firm foundation in Christ's teachings to withstand life's challenges.
Answering Tough Questions
1.
In Matthew 7:1, how can “judge not” be reconciled with biblical commands to discern between good and evil?2.In Matthew 7:7, why do prayers often go unanswered if the passage promises, “ask and it will be given”?
3.In Matthew 7:13–14, does the “narrow gate” imply limited salvation and conflict with the idea of a loving God who desires to save all?
4.In Matthew 7:15, how do we reliably identify “false prophets,” and why has this led to so much division throughout church history?
5.In Matthew 7:21–23, how can “not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’” align with faith-based salvation taught elsewhere in the New Testament?
Bible Study Discussion Questions
1. How does Jesus' caution against judging others influence your interactions with people?
2. Reflect on the metaphor of the speck and the plank. How does this speak to self-examination?
3. How can Jesus' teaching on asking, seeking, and knocking encourage your prayer life?
4. What does the analogy of the narrow and wide gates teach about decision-making in your spiritual journey?
5. How does the metaphor of the tree and its fruit aid in your discernment of true and false teachings?
6. How does the warning against false disciples challenge your understanding of spiritual activities?
7. In what ways does the parable of the wise and foolish builders affect your approach to applying Jesus' teachings?
8. What does "casting pearls before swine" mean in your present context?
9. How can the warning about the wide and easy path influence your life choices?
10. What steps can you take to ensure you're a "tree" producing good fruit?
11. How does the assertion that not all who say 'Lord, Lord' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven challenge your perspective on salvation?
12. How can the teaching on wise and foolish builders inform your approach to the challenges of life?
13. What measures can you implement to ensure you're not a false disciple, but a true follower of Jesus?
14. How does the teaching on judgement inform your approach to discerning right from wrong?
15. How can the principles in Matthew 7 guide you in your relationship with God and others?
16. How does Jesus' teaching on the effectiveness of prayer impact your faith and trust in God?
17. What are the implications of the teaching that only those who do the will of God will enter His Kingdom in your life?
18. How can you practically apply the teachings of Matthew 7 in your day-to-day life?
19. How does the principle of recognizing false prophets by their fruits guide you in discerning truth in today's world?
20. How can the teachings of Matthew 7 shape your spiritual growth and commitment to Christ-like living?
Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions
