Matthew 7:1-12 Judging Others - by Jeff Byerley
Study on Matt 7:1-12 Judging Others
Outline of Passage
7:1-5 Judging Others Inappropriately.
7:6 Judging Others Appropriately.
7:7-11 Keep Asking, Seeking and Knocking.
7:12 The Golden Rule
Our Reflections
1. What is the chief reason we should not judge others (VV.1-5)?
2. What does it mean “Do not give dogs what is sacred” and “do not throw your pearls to pigs” (v.6)?
3. Isn't there a contradiction between verses 1-5 and 6?
4. Why do we have to keep asking, seeking and knocking (vv.7-11)?
5. What does the Golden Rule mean (v.12)?
Our Conclusions
Jesus has warned his disciples about the dangers of temptation about choosing their rewards and treasure. Now he warns them about temptations in their dealings with others and avoid hypocrisy.
What is the chief reason we should not judge others (VV.1-5)?
The Greek word used here is “krino” and has a variety of meanings from discern, evaluate, judicial judgement to the absolute determination of a person's fate. It is in this last sense that Jesus is warning against here. Jesus makes it clear that only God is able and will make these type of judgements. James 4:12 says “There is only one lawgiver and judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you – who are you to judge your neighbour?” Humans lack the knowledge and holiness of God to make these judgements. Their own spiritual state that has a plank in their eyes, means they are totally blind in comparison to God. Just as God forgives our debts so we must forgive others their debts (5:7). This was brought home in the episode of the woman caught in adultery, where Jesus challengers the accusers “He who is without sin, let him throw the first stone” (John 8:7).
What does it mean “Do not give dogs what is sacred” and “do not throw your pearls to pigs” (v.6)?
In those days dogs lived in the streets and were scavengers, sometimes feeding off decaying bodies. Sometimes, their hunger would drive them to attack people. Similarly with pigs, so to call someone a dog or a pig was very offensive term to the Jews. Thus. Jesus was warning his disciples to discern the people they re approaching with the Gospel message. If they repeatedly reject this message and mockingly treat God's word with contempt, ridicule and hostility, these people are to be treated as wild dogs and boars that could also represent a danger to the disciples. This would apply to all that is sacred and of value (pearls) in the faith. The Didache (or “The Teachings of the 12 Apostles”) written in about 100AD warns to keep holy communion for holy people and quotes this verse. We accept this warning of Christ to be taken broadly, but it is not something we would quote to people outside the church. We also noted this truth in the rare exercise of excommunication. But this is for the purpose of making the ex-communicant recant of his/her foolishness and return to the fold.
Isn't there a contradiction between verses 1-5 and 6?
No. The discernment required in verse 6 is is not like judging people described above in terms of their ultimate fate (vv.1-5). This is up to God, who may yet turn their life around. Paul is a good example of this. The discernment here is for the practical outworking of the Gospel.
Why do we have to keep asking, seeking and knocking (vv.7-12)?
Michael J Wilkins describes this as a “manner of life” for Christians as we journey through life. There will be all manner of problems, uncertainties and struggles to pray about. However, we can have perfect confidence in God who knows what is best for us and our loved ones as we seek to serve him. This is made clear in Jesus' examples of the their common food items, bread – stone, fish-serpent. In Jesus' time these things could look similar. Yet “evil” fathers (historically tainted by “original sin”), can discern the difference as to what is good for their children. Jesus then uses an a fortiori argument to explain how much better our heavenly Father discerns what is best for us.
What is “The Golden Rule” (v.12)?
Jesus said “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” The verse begins with the Greek word “oun”, meaning so or “therefore” and thus builds on what has gone before. The reference to the Law and the Prophets shows an inclusio with those words used in 5:17. Jesus is coming to a close of his Sermon on the Mount. He is summing up his heart teaching of the Law and the Prophets with these words. This summary is expressed positively, but it had also been expressed elsewhere in a negative form. In Jesus' time, the great Rabbi Hillel, the Elder, had supposedly said: “What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour. That is the whole Torah. The rest is commentary. Go and learn!” (b. Sabb 31). Indeed, the basic saying is found in Chinese, Roman and Greek religions. Emperor Alexander Severus had it painted in gold on his bedroom wall. Yet expressed in this negative way, we thought it was very limited. It is relatively easy to not do something. Theoretically, one could obey it perfectly and be the most useless person in society. What Jesus said positively is without borders. In its context of loving God, it reflects the great commandment (Matt. 22:37-40).