A Lenten Reading of Matthew - Day Ten

Scripture Reading: Matthew 7:1-12 (NRSVUE)

This portion of the sermon is very popular for people seeking to justify or excuse their behavior.  "Doesn't the Bible tell you not to judge?"

These verses can be difficult to understand.  Right after we hear the admonition not to judge, we hear Jesus tell us not to give what is holy to the dogs and not to throw our pearls before swine.

That sounds like we would need to judge people (and not in a flattering way) to determine if they are dogs or pigs!

We also have judgments later in Matthew for people depending on what kind of fruit they bear.

Ever feel that this is your life?

It may be that we need to be careful how we judge people.  We must do so in a humble way (blessed are the meek) that views people out of the lens of our own misdeeds.  Most people know the difference between judging and being judgmental.

It may be that when Jesus refers to the dogs and swine, he is referring to the hypercritical.  If you offer wisdom to the hypercritical, they may tear holes in it due to shallow reasons rather than engaging with it.

When we follow this with asking God for things, it may be that we need to ask for a little humility or some patience or mercy as we deal with other people.  We must put the request in context of the whole sermon.  It isn't the First Bank of God that we are holding up, rather as we are in tune with God, the Holy Spirit strengthens us in the ways we need.  We may think of praying the Beatitudes here.

And then, we come upon the Golden Rule in verse twelve.  This reiterates our rationale when seeking to offer judgment upon others.  How would we want someone to deal with us?  Crashing in like a wild bull or offering a little finesse?  

And so, as we reflect spiritually on this passage, we may ask ourselves, "Who is it that I have judged harshly in the last week?"  Have I been a dog or a swine to someone else?  

I find that harsh judgment doesn't often change the behavior as much as it builds up walls and sometimes even reinforces the behavior we dislike!  How might we reengage with the people we have in mind with a recommitment to today's passage?

Prayer for the day:

Bestow on me, O Lord, a genial spirit and unwearied forbearance; a mild, loving, patient heart; kindly looks, pleasant, cordial speech and manners in the exchanges of daily life; that I may give offence to none, but as much as resides within me, live in charity with all.  Amen.

Prayer by Johann Arndt, German Lutheran theologian, 17th century

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