Sound Judgment And A Firm Foundation (Matthew 7:1-20)

Matthew 7:1-5: The Process of Sound Judgment

Judges render decisions in courts of law based upon evidence presented by advocates for both accused and accuser. He examines both sides of the arguments and their merit. He consults with both parties if need be as well as do research on similar cases and respective decisions. Only then will he issue a verdict. What the Lord Jesus is teaching here is that people all too often rush to "judge" someone's words and actions without having heard all sides of the situation. Evidence is cast aside in favor of opinions or other factors. Lives and reputations have been ruined by self-proclaimed "judges" who tend to "shoot from the hip" and neglect that which gives a fuller picture. (Note: I believe that we witnessed such proceedings happen this past year with President-Elect Trump.) Jesus warns against making decisions and conclusions of this type. We need to take a look at ourselves and see whether our own deeds and words truly reflect the love of God in us. The plank in our eye needs to be eliminated before our neighbor's speck can be given care.

Verse 6: Pearls Before Swine - Some People Are Not Worth the Trouble

What is meant by the phrase, "pearls before swine"? This is a harsh statement, but true. We are not to waste time presenting the Gospel to someone who refuses to listen and treat Jesus' words like so much trash. The Holy Spirit needs to work in the heart of the individual, correcting them of their sins in order for the gospel to take root (Mark 4:4, 13-15). Specifically, Jesus is referring to those who have already made up their minds against God and it would be futile to tell them otherwise (Luke 9:1-6). Jesus instructed His disciples to leave any town that would not hear them, but the fact is that those who refuse to consider the truth of the Gospel are without excuse on the Day of Judgment (Romans 1:18-23). We cannot "press for decisions" nor force someone to "receive Jesus", lest you have a false convert. We are the messengers, and the Holy Spirit is the One who draws those willing to repent to the Father. A prime example of the "swine" were the hard-hearted Pharisees and Herod Antipas, who saw the works and heard the words of the Lord Jesus, yet turned away, calling Him a devil and other slanderous names.

Verses 7-12: Persistence in Prayer

We are to ask God for what we specifically need and seek Hs counsel through studying the Scriptures along with prayer (Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15, 3:16-17). Jesus says for us to keep "knocking at the door" until God provides the answer. The Scriptures instruct us to persist in prayer because it develops maturity in our walk with Him and to show that we can trust Him to provide us with what we need. Persistent prayer gets our minds off of the idea that "we can do it" alone. Pride and the false teaching of self-esteem are in opposition to authentic discipleship. The apostles showed no such attitude. Why should we be any different? Persistency will be rewarded by the LORD, perhaps materially, but definitely spiritually. By comparison, Jesus said that any loving parent will provide their children the food and care they need, avoiding giving them anything that would harm them. If we, in our sinful state can do right by our children, then wouldn't our Heavenly Father give to us the things we need?

Verses 13-14: Entering Through the Narrow Gate

This is a clear reference for those "with ears to hear" that Jesus is the ONLY way that we can enter heaven. Too many people choose instead to walk down the "broad road", relying upon their own efforts to get there. The Bible says otherwise (Isaiah 53:1-12, 64:6; John 3:16, 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:8-9). The tragic thing is that few people will make the effort to get off the broad road, listen to the LORD, and turn to Him. Salvation is for all people, yet the majority will reject it, to their eternal regret. In the original Greek, the word "narrow" means one way, which runs contrary to natural inclinations, referring to the gate that leads to eternal life. Jesus' offer of salvation runs counterintuitive to the world system that teaches the relativistic idea of "all roads lead to heaven", or "whatever works for you". God has made only one way by which we enter heaven, and it through Jesus Christ alone. He gives no other option nor caters to our demands for another way, as if we have some kind of authority to tell Him otherwise. It is by the sheer mercy and grace of God that we even have a chance of eternal life and true peace. He offers you the gift of salvation, but you have to rid yourself of the notion that you can go at it alone. That idea is the foundation of the broad road that leads far too many people to hell. Surrender your life to Jesus today and turn to the narrow road before it is too late.