Introduction
In Matthew 7, Jesus concludes His Sermon on the Mount with essential lessons on judgment and wisdom. He provides practical guidance on how to live in harmony with others, seek God’s will, and build a life based on a solid foundation. These teachings challenge us to approach our relationships, our spiritual journey, and our actions with humility, discernment, and commitment to God.
Jesus begins with a powerful warning: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 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 7:1-2). The emphasis here is on the attitude with which we judge others. Jesus calls us to avoid harsh criticism and self-righteous judgment, recognizing that we are all in need of God’s grace. Instead of focusing on the faults of others, we should first examine our own lives and address our shortcomings.
Jesus uses the metaphor of a speck and a plank to illustrate this point: “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?” (Matthew 7:3). This teaching reminds us of the importance of humility and self-reflection. It is easy to see the faults in others while ignoring our own, but Jesus calls us to first address our own issues before attempting to correct others. This kind of humility is essential for building healthy relationships and avoiding hypocrisy.
Asking, Seeking, and Knocking
Another important aspect of judgment and wisdom is Jesus’ teaching on asking, seeking, and knocking. He says, “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). Jesus encourages us to approach God with confidence, knowing that He is a loving Father who desires to give good gifts to His children.
This teaching emphasizes the importance of persistence in our spiritual journey. We are invited to continually ask, seek, and knock, trusting that God will respond to our prayers. Jesus assures us that God hears our requests and that He is eager to bless us. “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?” (Matthew 7:9-10). Just as a loving parent provides for their children, God provides for us according to His perfect wisdom and timing.
The Golden Rule
In Matthew 7, Jesus also presents the Golden Rule: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12). This simple yet profound principle is at the heart of Jesus’ teachings on relationships. It calls us to treat others with the same kindness, respect, and compassion that we desire for ourselves.
The Golden Rule challenges us to put ourselves in the shoes of others and consider their needs and feelings. It is a call to selfless love and empathy, reflecting the character of God. By living according to the Golden Rule, we fulfill the essence of God’s law, which is centered on love for Him and love for others.
True and False Prophets
Jesus goes on to warn about false prophets: “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves” (Matthew 7:15). This teaching is an important aspect of judgment and wisdom. Jesus urges us to be discerning and cautious about whom we follow and listen to. Not everyone who claims to speak for God is genuine, and we must be vigilant in evaluating the fruit of their teachings and actions.
“By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:16). Jesus teaches that the true measure of a person’s character and teaching is the fruit they produce. Good fruit—such as love, joy, peace, and righteousness—comes from a heart that is aligned with God. False prophets may appear righteous on the surface, but their actions reveal their true nature. Jesus’ warning encourages us to be wise and discerning in our spiritual journey, ensuring that we are not led astray by deceptive teachings.
True and False Disciples
In addition to warning about false prophets, Jesus also speaks about true and false disciples. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). This teaching emphasizes that mere words or outward expressions of faith are not enough. True discipleship requires obedience to God’s will and a genuine relationship with Jesus.
Jesus continues, “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'” (Matthew 7:22-23). These sobering words remind us that it is possible to do seemingly great things in Jesus’ name without truly knowing Him. What matters most is not the outward acts but the condition of our hearts and our obedience to God’s will.
The Wise and Foolish Builders
One of the most powerful illustrations of judgment and wisdom is the parable of the wise and foolish builders. Jesus says, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24). The wise builder is someone who listens to Jesus’ teachings and applies them in their life, building a solid foundation that can withstand the storms of life.
In contrast, the foolish builder is someone who hears Jesus’ words but does not put them into practice. “But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand” (Matthew 7:26). The foolish builder’s house collapses when faced with adversity because it lacks a strong foundation. This parable serves as a reminder that true wisdom is not just about hearing Jesus’ words, but about living them out in our daily lives.
Building a Solid Foundation
The parable of the wise and foolish builders highlights the importance of building a solid foundation for our lives. A foundation built on Jesus’ teachings is one that can withstand the challenges and trials of life. When we face difficulties, our faith in God and our commitment to His word will keep us steady and secure. Jesus calls us to be doers of the word, not just hearers (James 1:22), and to live in obedience to His commands.
Building a solid foundation requires intentionality and perseverance. It means making choices that align with God’s will, even when it is difficult or countercultural. It means prioritizing our relationship with God, spending time in His word, and seeking to apply His teachings in every area of our lives. When we build our lives on the rock of Jesus’ teachings, we can face any storm with confidence, knowing that our foundation is secure.
The Importance of Discernment
Discernment is a recurring theme in Matthew 7. Whether it is about judging others, recognizing false prophets, or distinguishing between true and false disciples, Jesus calls us to exercise wisdom and discernment in our spiritual journey. Discernment is the ability to see things clearly, to distinguish between truth and deception, and to make decisions that are in line with God’s will.
In a world filled with conflicting messages and voices, discernment is more important than ever. We must be vigilant in evaluating the teachings we hear, the influences we allow into our lives, and the choices we make. Discernment comes from knowing God’s word, spending time in His presence, and relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promises that if we ask, seek, and knock, God will provide us with the wisdom and understanding we need.
Conclusion
The teachings on judgment and wisdom provide valuable insights into how we should live our lives as followers of Christ. Jesus calls us to avoid harsh judgment, approach God with confidence, treat others with love and respect, be discerning in our spiritual journey, and build our lives on the solid foundation of His teachings. By applying these principles, we can live lives that honor God and reflect His love to those around us.
As we reflect on Matthew 7, may we be inspired to cultivate humility, persistence, empathy, and discernment in our walk with God. Let us strive to be wise builders, putting Jesus’ words into practice and building a life that is rooted in His truth and love. May we also seek to treat others with the same grace and compassion that we desire for ourselves, fulfilling the essence of God’s law through love.
By embracing Jesus’ teachings on judgment and wisdom, we can grow in our relationship with Him, make wise decisions, and be a positive influence in the lives of those around us. Let us commit to living out these teachings, trusting in God’s guidance and relying on His strength as we seek to follow Him faithfully.
