Matthew 7

Matthew 7 is the final chapter of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Here, Jesus addresses practical issues concerning judgment, prayer, the narrow way to life, and the dangers of false prophets. He emphasizes the importance of a solid foundation in obedience to God’s word and concludes with a powerful illustration about the wise and foolish builders, highlighting the lasting impact of applying His teachings.

Matthew 7:1 (NKJV)
1 “Judge not, that you be not judged.”

"Judge not, that you be not judged," cautions against hypocritical judgment—condemning others while ignoring our own faults. Jesus critiques those who elevate themselves by harshly judging others, as the Pharisees did, without recognizing their own greater flaws. The verse emphasizes humility and self-reflection, urging us to first examine our own actions before pointing out the faults of others. However, this does not mean judgment is entirely forbidden; rather, it should be righteous, gracious, and aimed at restoration rather than condemnation. As other scriptures affirm, judgment within the community is necessary, but it should be done with gentleness and a spirit of correction, not arrogance or self-righteousness (John 7:24, Galatians 6:1, 1 Corinthians 5:12-13).

Matthew 7:2 (NKJV)
2 “For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”

This verse emphasizes that our treatment of others sets a standard for how we ourselves will be treated. If we judge harshly or unfairly, we can expect the same measure in return. This teaches the importance of mercy and humility in how we view others.

Matthew 7:3-5 (NKJV)
3 “And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?
4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye?
5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

Jesus uses a powerful metaphor here to show the danger of hypocrisy. Before pointing out minor faults in others, we must examine our own lives and deal with our own, often larger, issues. Only when we are self-aware and humble can we help others effectively.

Matthew 7:6 (NKJV)
6 “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.”

This verse advises discernment in sharing spiritual truths. Not everyone will appreciate or respect the gospel’s value, and we should be wise in sharing it with those who are genuinely open. Sharing sacred truths with those who scorn them can lead to disrespect and harm.

Matthew 7:7-8 (NKJV)
7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”

Jesus encourages persistence in prayer and assures us that God is attentive to our needs. Asking, seeking, and knocking represent increasing levels of earnestness in our approach to God, and He promises that genuine, sincere pursuit of His will is always rewarded.

Matthew 7:9-11 (NKJV)
9 “Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?
10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?
11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”

Jesus illustrates God’s loving character by comparing it to human parental love. Even flawed people provide good things for their children, so God, who is perfect, will certainly give us what is truly good when we ask with faith and sincerity.

Matthew 7:12 (NKJV)
12 “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”

Known as the Golden Rule, this teaching summarizes Jesus’ instructions on love and compassion. Treating others as we want to be treated fulfills the essence of God’s law. This principle encourages empathy and respect in our relationships.

Matthew 7:13-14 (NKJV)
13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.
14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

Jesus contrasts the easy, popular path that leads to destruction with the narrow, challenging path to eternal life. He warns that true discipleship requires commitment and sacrifice, which few are willing to pursue, but it ultimately leads to eternal reward.

Matthew 7:15-20 (NKJV)
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?
17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.
19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.”

Jesus warns against deceptive leaders who appear harmless but have harmful intentions. Their actions, or “fruits,” reveal their true character. Just as a tree is identified by its fruit, a person’s true nature is shown through their actions, which we must discern carefully.

Matthew 7:21-23 (NKJV)
21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’
23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”

Jesus warns that performing supernatural acts, such as prophesying, casting out demons, and doing wonders, does not guarantee entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven if one's life is marked by lawlessness. These individuals may have been deceived by the power of Satan, who is capable of performing counterfeit miracles to mislead people, as seen in passages like 2 Thessalonians 2:9 and Revelation 13:13-14, where false signs and wonders are used to deceive people into following false teachings. Despite the apparent supernatural power, Jesus declares, "I never knew you," indicating that true discipleship is not about outward signs but about obedience to God's will and a genuine relationship with Him. Thus, these individuals were likely misled into thinking their abilities were from God when, in reality, they were being used to deceive them and lead them astray.

Matthew 7:24-27 (NKJV)
24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:
25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
26 But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand:
27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

Jesus concludes with a parable about two builders. The wise builder, who represents those who follow Jesus’ teachings, stands firm during life’s trials. The foolish builder, representing those who ignore His words, faces ruin. Obedience to God’s word provides stability and strength.

Matthew 7:28-29 (NKJV)
28 And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching,
29 for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

The crowd recognizes the authority with which Jesus speaks, distinguishing Him from other religious teachers. His words carry divine authority, leaving a lasting impression on those who hear.