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This sermon is part XII of a series of messages on the Sermon on the Mount. This message is based on Matthew 7:1-6.
Written Excerpts:
Introduction:
We have been doing a series of messages concerning the Sermon on the Mount. Today we are ready to begin the third and final chapter where Jesus’ sermon is recorded. We are also trying to connect the topics of His sermon with the lesson at the end regarding the wise man and the foolish man.
Today’s topic is judgment and its opposite quality – mercy. Jesus wants us to understand that having mercy and showing mercy is necessary in order for us to build a solid foundation that will help us survive the fiercest storms in life. William Barclay states that when Jesus spoke these words recorded here in verses 1-5 He spoke words that were very familiar to the Jewish people who were listening, for they would have repeatedly heard sayings like this from the Rabbis and teachers in Judea .
As I contemplated these words, I too felt that these might be some of the most familiar words of the Bible. At least, it seems like this phrase “judge not that you be not judged” is quoted almost as often as John 3:16 or some other well-known text. So with the help of the Holy Spirit, I want to explore the meaning of Jesus’ command that introduces the final chapter in this Sermon on the Mount.
As I have read and re-read these verses this week, I think I would characterize this text as the “Golden Rule” in regards to judgment and mercy. Judge others as you would have others to judge you. Be merciful as you would have others to be merciful to you.
Let us analyze these words of Jesus to discover His truth for our spiritual growth and benefit.
I have to admit, that I had a tough time trying to put this passage into some sort of logical outline that could help us remember its message. So, here’s what I’ve come up with.
I. The Command Against Judging Others
II. The Reasons for the Command
III. An Unexpected Application of the Command
I. The Command Against Judging Others
Jesus says to those listening to His message that they are not to engage in the business of casting judgment on others. The word judge has various uses and applications that stem from its root word. It emphasizes the existence of a divine law and the consequence of retribution and punishment for those who violate the law.
A. Judging others is wrong essentially because it is a task that ultimately belongs to God.
Over and over throughout the Bible, God is portrayed as the righteous Judge who will finally judge everyone without bias or prejudice. Jesus himself stresses the fact that He will judge the wicked and the righteous. (see John 5:18-30) John seems to be emphasizing that Jesus is in fact equal with God because He will be the one that performs the role of judge over the righteous and the wicked.
B. This command does not mean that Christians or disciples of Jesus must condone wicked and ungodly behavior.
There are plenty of other references in the NT that give instructions to the church and believers on how they should handle those in the church that are blatantly disobeying the Word of God. Those who often quote this verse do so because they do not want anyone telling them that they are in violation of God’s law. They want to live their lives as they please without any guilt or condemnation. That may be possible and they might achieve their goal of not having anyone point out their sin. But that doesn’t mean they will avoid the judgment of God in the end.
II. The Reasons for the Command
A. Judgment given becomes judgment received.
As I stated at the beginning, I believe that Jesus is stressing the Golden Rule in regards to judgment and mercy. (See Matt 7:12) Jesus seems to be telling them that however they treat others will be the way others treat them in return. Those who are hard and harsh toward others will generally receive harsh judgment in return. Those who are kind and merciful toward others will generally receive kindness and mercy in return.
B. We are unqualified to judge.
We are partial, prejudiced and biased, but God isn’t. (John 5:30) We are blinded by our own errors. When we have “beams” in our own eyes, we are completely unqualified to take “splinters” out of anyone else’s eye. In this context Jesus defines hypocrisy as the practice of trying to straighten out the errors of others while ignoring the blatant errors in our own lives. There are a lot of professing Christians that would have far less time to examine the faults of others if they would simply focus on their own faults and failures and seek God’s divine grace and remedy.
III. An Unexpected Application of the Command
v. 6 – Do not give that which is holy to dogs… Do not cast pearls to the pigs…
Many writers believe that Jesus may have been speaking about specific holy things such as the emblems of communion. Early church fathers are quoted as applying this quote in guarding the purity of the sacrament of communion.
In any case, the point is obvious that some “judging” and distinguishing must be done in order for His disciples to follow this instruction. I would use another biblical term to describe what Jesus seems to be telling them – they need “discernment.” “When seeking to help another, one must exercise care to do what is most helpful.” (Bible Background Commentary)
The consensus seems to be that some people are simply unable or unfit to receive or understand sacred truth.
(Barclay) “It may be that their minds are shut; it may be that their minds are brutalized and covered over with a film of filth; it may be that they have lived a life which has obscured their ability to see truth; it may be that they are constitutional mockers of all things holy; it may be, as sometimes happens, that we and they have absolutely no common ground on which we can argue.”
Do we then decide that they must be abandoned to their sin and condemned to the judgment of God? No. We can still live a life of Christian holiness and love before them in hopes that their minds will become open.
Conclusion:
If I could summarize the truth of this message today, it would be that we simply need to live like Jesus. We need His tenderness; His mercy; His love.
We also need His righteousness and holiness in our lives. Let’s not worry so much about how others are measuring up; but let’s seek to bring our own lives into alignment and agreement with His teachings and His example.
Let us sing the old hymn: “Oh, to Be Like Thee”
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