Matthew 7 – Enter Through the Narrow Gate

Chapter seven begins with a warning against judging other people. This verse is often used to argue against any form of judgment. Yet it appears to be more nuanced than that. I am not to throw what is holy to dogs nor my pearls to pigs (Matt. 7:6). How can I determine who qualifies as a dog or pig without some form of judging? How can I beware of false prophets if I cannot judge (Matt. 7:16)? And how can I determine that my brother has sinned without some form of judgment (Matt. 18:15)?

The judgment Jesus is referring to here might be better understood as having a critical spirit. If I have a negative spirit toward other people, I should expect to receive the same treatment myself.

Rather than trying to ‘fix’ other people and their perceived flaws, it would be better to focus on my own. Only when I have removed the log from my own eye will I be in any position to help others.

Finishing Up

Jesus follows this with a series of short sayings. Seek, ask, and knock. Go to the Father in prayer. He gives good gifts to His children when they ask.

Treat others the way you want to be treated. This ‘golden rule’ sums up the law and prophets. It is essentially what Jesus later says is one of the two greatest commandments: to love your neighbor as yourself (Matt. 22:39).

Enter the narrow gate that leads to life. Just ‘going with the flow’ will lead to destruction. Jesus is the way (John 14:6). So get off the beaten track and follow Him.

Beware of false prophets, those who will lead you astray. How do you recognize a false prophet? Be a fruit inspector. If their lives and words are not in alignment with the Scripture, have nothing to do with them. They may, on the surface, be very appealing. But don’t be taken in by them.

There are many people who claim to be Christians who will stand in the judgment someday and hear Jesus disown them. They may have done a lot of good ‘Christian’ things. But if they have not done the Father’s will, they do not belong to Christ and are facing destruction.

Put Jesus’ Teaching into Practice

This sermon closes with a short parable. What do you do with Jesus’ teaching? Do you put them into practice? If so, they will provide a strong foundation that will enable you to stand strong when the storms of life come up.

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