The Kingdom Isn't Graded On a Curve (Matthew 7:1-6)
Welcome to what is currently the most well-known and oft-misquoted verse of the Bible, “Do not judge, lest you be judged.” Contrary to popular opinion, this is not Jesus telling His followers not to appraise people’s morality. Not entirely.
The whole gist of the “sermon on the mount” has been about what it means to be a part of the Kingdom. Jesus began by describing the undeserved blessing it is to be a part of God’s Kingdom. It is for those who know they do not earn it, and who only rely on God through faith: that is, trusting Him and His goodness, not our own; while following and obeying His lead. That obedience and trust are spelled out in greater detail in the rest of chapter five and all of chapter six.
Now, in chapter seven, we see Jesus add on four more indications and descriptions of those who are a part of the Kingdom: (1) It is not about comparisons. (2) It is all about desire. (3) Most will not be a part. And, (4) the wise foundation rests entirely on Jesus.
In verses 1-6 we see that we cannot determine our place in the Kingdom by comparing ourselves to others. It is not graded on a curve. If that were the case, we could always find someone of whom we are the better. But by that token, we would always worse than another. And, our standard is not just any other person, but the perfect Person of Jesus Himself. We never measure up to Kingdom citizenship. It is all about grace.
That said, we do have a role to play in growing in holiness and even helping each other out. When Jesus warns against helping a brother out, He is not saying that we should just mind our own business. The warning here is an extension of the judging or comparing. We need to watch our own lives, attitudes, and sins. We need to allow God to work in our sanctification. Our tendency may be to show our superiority in pointing out other’s flaws. However, notice Jesus does encourage helping others out when we have the right, humble attitude.
And, finally here, Jesus does open the door for good judgement, or discernment. There are those we encounter in life who are not, and may never be, in the Kingdom. Jesus warns us to not waste our time and effort on those who will not receive them. Not only would it be a waste, but they will consume us along with them. That implies a keen need for a good sense of judgement indeed.
The whole gist of the “sermon on the mount” has been about what it means to be a part of the Kingdom. Jesus began by describing the undeserved blessing it is to be a part of God’s Kingdom. It is for those who know they do not earn it, and who only rely on God through faith: that is, trusting Him and His goodness, not our own; while following and obeying His lead. That obedience and trust are spelled out in greater detail in the rest of chapter five and all of chapter six.
Now, in chapter seven, we see Jesus add on four more indications and descriptions of those who are a part of the Kingdom: (1) It is not about comparisons. (2) It is all about desire. (3) Most will not be a part. And, (4) the wise foundation rests entirely on Jesus.
In verses 1-6 we see that we cannot determine our place in the Kingdom by comparing ourselves to others. It is not graded on a curve. If that were the case, we could always find someone of whom we are the better. But by that token, we would always worse than another. And, our standard is not just any other person, but the perfect Person of Jesus Himself. We never measure up to Kingdom citizenship. It is all about grace.
That said, we do have a role to play in growing in holiness and even helping each other out. When Jesus warns against helping a brother out, He is not saying that we should just mind our own business. The warning here is an extension of the judging or comparing. We need to watch our own lives, attitudes, and sins. We need to allow God to work in our sanctification. Our tendency may be to show our superiority in pointing out other’s flaws. However, notice Jesus does encourage helping others out when we have the right, humble attitude.
And, finally here, Jesus does open the door for good judgement, or discernment. There are those we encounter in life who are not, and may never be, in the Kingdom. Jesus warns us to not waste our time and effort on those who will not receive them. Not only would it be a waste, but they will consume us along with them. That implies a keen need for a good sense of judgement indeed.
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