Dr. Andrew C S Koh
Setting
Matthew 7 is a continuation of Jesus’ sermon on the Mount where Jesus taught on judging others, spiritual discernment, relationship, and wisdom.
Matthew 7:1-5
1 Don’t judge, so that you won’t be judged. 2 For with whatever judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but don’t consider the beam that is in your own eye? 4 Or how will you tell your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye,’ and behold, the beam is in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite! First, remove the beam out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye.
Reflection
We cannot judge other people because we are sinners under God’s judgment, Romans 3:22. If we judge we are like pots calling kettles black. We cannot judge others righteously because we are not righteous. Judging others will only bring judgment to ourselves because God will judge us.
Jesus asked two rhetorical questions. These are questions to emphasize a point and do not require any answers.
Why are we so fast to see a speck of sawdust in other people’s eye but could not see the log of wood in our own eyes? How are we going to remove the speck of sawdust in other people’s eye when our vision is blocked by a log in our own eyes?
Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.”
Application
There are practical instructions to obey and apply.
Do not be a hypocrite. Remove the log in your own eye first before attempting to remove the speck of sawdust in other people’s eyes. Examine yourself first. Are you perfect? Are you qualified to judge?
Confess, repent, and ask God to forgive your sins. Claim the promise of 1 John 1:9.
Do not take the law into your own hands. Let God be the judge, instead of judging others. Forgive others as God has forgiven you. Do not take vengeance on others. Let God deal with it.
1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help us not to be judgmental and self-righteous. Thank You for reminding us that we are sinners under Your judgment. Thank You for redemption, reconciliation, justification, sanctification, salvation and eternal life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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