Lesson 19 – Judging Others

Matthew 7:1-3

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 

 Judging Others - Matthew 7:3-5“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. 

 Judging Others - Matthew 7:6

“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. 

In the first passage, Jesus addresses the issue of judging others. He instructs his followers not to engage in judgmental behavior towards others. Jesus warns that when we judge others, we ourselves will also be judged by the same measure.

This teaching emphasizes the importance of humility, compassion, and self-reflection. Jesus encourages his disciples to avoid passing harsh judgments on others, as such judgments can lead to negative consequences for themselves. Instead, he advocates for a posture of understanding, forgiveness, and empathy.

The passage does not imply that there should be no discernment or evaluation of behavior or actions. Instead, it cautions against a self-righteous and condemning attitude that disregards the complexities of individuals and their circumstances. Jesus reminds his followers to consider their own flaws and shortcomings before casting judgment on others.

In the second passage, Jesus uses a metaphor to illustrate the importance of self-reflection and humility when dealing with the faults of others. He highlights the irony of someone being critical of a small flaw (a speck of sawdust) in another person's life while ignoring their own significant flaw (a plank) that obstructs their own vision.

The passage emphasizes the need for individuals to examine and address their own faults and shortcomings before trying to correct or judge others. Jesus calls out hypocrisy and urges his listeners to practice self-awareness, acknowledging their own imperfections before attempting to assist others. Only by first removing the plank from their own eye can they gain clarity and perspective to help their brother remove the speck from theirs.

This teaching encourages a spirit of humility, empathy, and self-improvement. It warns against self-righteousness and urges individuals to approach others with grace and understanding. By addressing their own flaws and seeking personal growth, believers can better support and guide others in a loving and non-judgmental manner.

The passage serves as a reminder to focus on personal growth and self-reflection rather than being overly critical of others. It teaches the importance of cultivating a humble and compassionate attitude in our relationships, always striving to remove our own barriers before offering help to others.

In Matthew 7:6, the third passage, Jesus uses metaphorical language to convey a deeper message. The reference to dogs and pigs is not meant to devalue or dehumanize individuals, but rather to illustrate a broader point. Dogs and pigs were considered unclean animals in Jewish culture, and pearls symbolized something precious and valuable.

The verse encourages discernment and wisdom in sharing valuable truths or spiritual teachings. It advises against casting pearls before those who would not appreciate or understand their worth. Just as dogs and pigs would not recognize the value of something sacred, there may be people who are unreceptive or hostile to the message being shared. By sharing profound truths or sacred teachings with those who are unappreciative or hostile, one risks having their message disregarded or even turned against them.

The passage underscores the importance of discernment in sharing wisdom and spiritual insights. It suggests that one should be mindful of the audience and their readiness to receive and appreciate the message. While believers are called to share the Good News and help others, this verse advises caution and discernment in doing so. It emphasizes the need to recognize and respect the receptiveness and readiness of those with whom we interact.

However, the underlying message highlights the importance of discernment and wisdom in sharing valuable truths and spiritual teachings with others, ensuring that they are received by those who are receptive and ready to appreciate their worth. Jesus also encourages believers to approach others with humility, grace, and a willingness to understand rather than harshly judging them. By doing so, they align themselves with the teachings of Jesus and foster a spirit of love and reconciliation in their interactions with others.