Matthew 7
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,Kingdom Perspective
,Kingdom Perspective
“Judge not, that you be not judged.
For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.
And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?
Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye?
Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.
Jesus begins this scripture with a warning
Judge not!
The Greek word "κρίνω" (krino) has a broader root meaning that encompasses various derivatives translated as "judge", "judges", and "judgment". The basic sense of the word is "to part", "to sift", which leads to meanings such as "to divide out", "to select", "to value", and most commonly, "to decide".
The word can also mean:
To judge
To assess
To go to law or dispute
To seek justice
To be accused
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Judge…
This word powerful and has a double edge to it.
Most of the time we see judgment as something good and positive.
But it also has its dark side!
The dark side of this word is found when we apply it against each other.
Jesus warns us against this practice. Once you engage in this behavior you are placing a sentence on yourself.
The same way you judge others you will also be judged.
Judging others is a habitual mistake that we all make at some point or the other.
We tend to perceive others based on our own biases and assumptions, without taking the time to truly understand their perspective.
This can lead to unfair and inaccurate judgments, which can be damaging not only to the person being judged, but also to ourselves.
By recognizing and acknowledging this tendency, we can strive to be more empathetic and open-minded, allowing us to build stronger and more meaningful relationships with others.
Illustration about the Cookies and the airport!
Things aren’ t always what they seem…
Sometimes we are quick to judge others and situations we assume things we shouldn’t.
Gain understanding and wisdom before passing on judgment on anyone! Or you will be the one left looking pretty bad…
The next warning Jesus gives us is about focusing on others weakness’s
And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?
Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye?
Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
If our focus is other people’s weakness’s or faults Our focus or perspective is not Kingdom minded.
The Kingdom of God is not about us proving we are right, but understanding we all have weakness’s and we are called to journey together, growing in love and God.
We help support each other when we are open and vulnerable to each other.
The truth is that we all have “planks” in our eyes. No matter how holy or perfect you might consider yourself we all have a fallen nature in us.
1 john 1:8-9
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
In the New Testament, the word "plank" (Greek: σκανδαλιον, skandalon) refers to a stumbling block or a hindrance that causes someone to fall or trip. In a spiritual sense, it can also mean an obstacle or offense that prevents people from following God or living a righteous life.
Its’ not until we have gone through the process of removing our own plank, which by the way we don’t do it alone. that we will have the grace to help each other with their weakness.
“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.
Now I have seen people try to help people who do not want help or are not ready to receive help.
Just because God has given you the ability to help people doesn’t mean you do it always.
“Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out.
And when you go into a household, greet it.
If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.
And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet.
Jesus instructs us to guard our pearls, and the grace of God inside of us must be guarded otherwise what we bring to the table will be torn down and torn to pieces…
Value the work of God in you and Value the work of God in others!