# 27. 2017 Dev. Mt.7:1-2. Judging Others! Read vs 1-6. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God by memorizing selected passages of Scripture. Further, to view the passage in context and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living with family, friends and others. All passages are taken from the NIV.
Matthew 7:1-2
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
The Beatitudes is the introduction to the Kingdom of Jesus that include the gifts of the Kingdom (blessings). In the second section are the ethical expectations of the Kingdom, ending at the end of Ch. 5. Chapter 6 begins the comparison of Jewish legalism and the ways of the world to the Kingdom. Chapter 7 continues Jesus’ comparison of the ways of the world to the Kingdom of God.
Jesus is concerned about judging, hypocritical judging. How easy it is for Christians to see people around us with the eyes of self-righteousness. This passage is important for today because while we may mean well, we often do not realize we judge hypocritically. Jesus is talking about God’s judgments when he says: “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you”. In that case it may be better if we do not judge at all.
However, Scripture demands that we are discerning about people’s character and actions. Also, Jesus is talking about interaction between brothers and sisters who follow Jesus. We must not judge each other because we all have short comings when it comes to the Kingdom of God.
The pearls of the Kingdom are not for the secular, those who reject the Kingdom and those who oppose believers and reject any mention of the God’s love. Who are the dogs and pigs Jesus is talking about? He knows, but we are not sure because we know that Jesus loves all. Therefore, judgment and condemnation of them is God’s business. But we must discern character and actions and we see they do not belong to the Kingdom of God. God protect us from them and keep us close to Jesus even as we reach out to those who reject you. Thank you Lord Jesus!
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