From Judgement to Grace

Text: Matthew 7:1–12 Series: The Sermon on the Mount

Introduction

One of the most misquoted verses in the Bible is Matthew 7:1—“Judge not, that you be not judged.” Many use this verse to argue that Christians should never judge others, but is that what Jesus meant? If we look at the context of Matthew 7:1–12, we see that Jesus is not condemning judgment altogether but rather warning against hypocritical, self-righteous judgment.

In this passage, Jesus teaches about the right and wrong way to discern truth, correct others, and live in a way that reflects God’s grace and wisdom. He also ties this discussion to the principle of treating others as we would want to be treated—the “Golden Rule.”

Matthew 7:1–5 NKJV

1 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 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? 5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

1. The Danger of Hypocritical Judgment (Matt. 7:1–5)

“Judge not, that you be not judged.” (v. 1)

At first glance, this sounds like an absolute command not to judge at all. But as we read further, Jesus clarifies that He is speaking about a specific kind of judgment—one that is hypocritical and self-righteous.

A. The Standard of Judgment (vv. 2–3)

Jesus warns that the way we judge others is the way we will be judged.

This does not mean God conforms His judgment to ours, but rather, our harshness toward others will come back on us (see James 2:13).

James 2:13 “13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”

If we are quick to condemn others, we invite the same level of scrutiny upon ourselves.

B. The Plank and the Speck (vv. 3–5)

Jesus uses a humorous analogy: a person with a log in their own eye trying to remove a speck from someone else’s.

The problem is not that the speck should never be removed, but that we must first address our own sin before helping others.

True discernment begins with self-examination.

C. Application: How Should We Judge?

We are called to righteous judgment, not superficial or hypocritical judgment.

John 7:24 “24 Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”

Before correcting others, we should examine our own hearts (Galatians 6:1 “1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.”

The goal is restoration, not condemnation.

2. Exercising Discernment in Correction (Matt. 7:6)

Matthew 7:6 NKJV

6 “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.

After warning against hypocritical judgment, Jesus now commands wise discernment in judging.

A. Who Are the “Dogs” and “Pigs”?

In Jewish culture, dogs and pigs were symbols of impurity.

Jesus is not calling people worthless but warning against giving sacred truth to those who persistently reject it.

This aligns with Proverbs 9:7–8, which warns against correcting a scoffer who will only mock.

Proverbs 9:7–8 NKJV

7 “He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself. 8 Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.

B. Application: When to Speak and When to Refrain

Jesus is teaching us wisdom in correction—some people are not ready or willing to receive the truth.

Paul applied this principle in Acts 13:46 when he turned from the Jews to the Gentiles after repeated rejection.

Acts 13:46 ESV

46 And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.

We must share the gospel boldly but recognize when to move on.

3. Seeking God’s Wisdom in All Things (Matt. 7:7–11)

Matthew 7:7–11 NKJV

7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

This passage shifts to our dependence on God’s wisdom and provision.

A. The Promise of Answered Prayer (vv. 7–8)

Jesus gives three progressive commands: Ask, seek, and knock—each showing increasing persistence.

These are not blank-check promises, but encouragements to seek God’s will.

James 1:5 teaches that God gives wisdom generously to those who ask.

James 1:5 ESV

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

B. God’s Goodness as a Father (vv. 9–11)

Jesus uses a father-child analogy: If earthly fathers give good gifts, how much more will our Heavenly Father?

God knows what is best for us and gives accordingly (Rom. 8:32).

Romans 8:32 NKJV

32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

C. Application: Praying for Wisdom in Discernment

Before we judge others, we must pray for wisdom.

God delights in giving wisdom to those who humbly seek it.

4. The Golden Rule: The Heart of True Righteousness (Matt. 7:12)

Matthew 7:12 NKJV

12 Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

This verse summarizes Jesus’ teaching on relationships.

A. The Positive Command

Unlike other moral codes that say, “Do not do to others what you wouldn’t want them to do to you,” Jesus’ command is active—we are called to do good proactively.

B. Fulfilling the Law and the Prophets

This principle sums up God’s ethical demands (see Matt. 22:37–40).

Matthew 22:37–40 NKJV

37 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

True righteousness is not just about avoiding sin but actively loving others.

C. Application: Living Out the Golden Rule

Treat others with grace and mercy, just as you desire.

Be as patient with others’ faults, stumbles or mishaps, as you want them to be with yours.

This applies to judgment, correction, and daily interactions.

Conclusion: Living with Righteous Judgment and Mercy

Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:1–12 challenges us to:

Avoid hypocritical judgment by first examining our own hearts.

Exercise discernment in correction and not waste truth on those who mock it.

Seek God’s wisdom in all things through persistent prayer.

Live by the Golden Rule, treating others with the grace and love we desire for ourselves.

As followers of Christ, we must balance truth and love, correction and compassion, judgment and grace. Let’s commit to walking in the wisdom and righteousness Jesus calls us to.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to be humble, discerning, and merciful. Teach us to judge righteously, seek Your wisdom, and love others as You have loved us. May we be a reflection of Christ’s grace in all our relationships. In Jesus’ name, Amen.