Casting Pearls Before The Swine Series

Casting Pearls before the Swine

Matthew 7:6

As I began to consider the words of our Lord in our text, I was reminded of His holiness. As we consider Christ the Lord, many attributes come to mind, but His holiness has to rank at the top of the list. His very essence is comprised of holiness. All that He is, all that He has done, continues to do, and will perform in the future are consistent with His holiness. If one looks at Christ apart from His holiness, they have missed the essence of who He is. Christ cannot be separated from His holiness.

We have read a controversial passage for many in our day. You will have to admit that the words of our Lord here are not “politically correct.” In fact they stand in distinct contrast to the teachings of many today. As we consider what our Lord has said, we must keep His holiness in mind. The holiness of Christ demands a righteous standard that this world knows little of. We live in a day where anything goes, and that attitude has even found its way into the church. If we are to live as Christ would have us to, we must be aware of His holiness and promote His righteous standard in every aspect of life.

I know that we are called to be salt and light in this dark and sinful world. We are to share the gospel with those who have not heard. However, we must use wisdom and discretion as we serve the Lord among the world. I want to consider the principles our Lord presents as we think on: Casting Pearls before the Swine.

I. The Presentation of this Truth (6) – Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. Notice:

A. The Discernment – As we begin to consider what our Lord has presented, we must understand that He is dealing with our witness and conversation within the world. He is referring to how we view, respect and guard that which we have received of Him. He came into this world to provide redemption for mankind. He preached a message that was radically different than what the Scribes and Pharisees taught. He is providing instruction for our interaction with unbelievers.

We must understand the great spiritual application that is given. There could be application for being good stewards of our possessions, but if that is all we see in these words, we have missed the fundamental truth our Lord has taught. This passage deals with how we regard and share the glorious gospel.

B. The Desirables – Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine. Jesus speaks of pearls and that which is holy, things of great value. The pearls Jesus spoke of have application for a genuine pearl. Even in that day, pearls were highly valued. They also speak of “proverbs, words of great value.” Jesus is referring to the gospel message, the Word of the Lord, and even our holy character and righteous standard.

Of all things, these should be the most valuable to the believer. We ought to value the gospel message, God’s infallible Word, and our relationship with Christ. Most people guard and protect the things that are valuable. The believer must guard and protect those things that are given of the Lord. As we considered a few weeks ago, these are the only ones that will last. The blessings of the Lord and our relationship to Him are the most valuable possessions we own.

C. The Defiled – We are not to give that which is holy unto the dogs, or cast our pearls before the swine. Jesus presents a sharp contrast. He has contrasted the most prized possessions with the most defiled. Dogs in that day were not regarded as they are today. They were not domesticated and kept as house pets. With the exception of those that were trained to herd and guard sheep, dogs were considered unclean, dirty, defiled animals. The average Jew had no use for a dog. In fact, the term was often used to describe men of impure mind and motives. Swine were unclean and considered the vilest of all animals. The Jews regarded swine less than a dog.

These represent the most defiled of humanity. I know that all are born in sin, defiled due to their sin, and condemned of God. We cannot “lump” all lost people into this category, but many are so depraved that they have lost all regard for anything holy. They despise the Word of God and the very mention of Jesus. They have shunned the pleading of the Spirit so long that they have become reprobate, Rom.1: 21-31.