The Way - Day 239 (Matthew 7)

Pastor Tom's Journal on Today's Reading:
Matthew 7:1-6
This is the kind of passage where Jesus wants His disciples to be real with themselves. All of us have a natural tendency to compare ourselves to others, especially those who struggle through their Christian life. We say things like "I would never do what they are doing" or inwardly we may think "I must be more spiritual than they are." But Jesus is demanding honesty from His followers helping them to understand that no one has it all figured out and no one is above sin or weakness. With this in mind, Jesus says judge not. Jesus doesn't want believers to compare themselves to others for the purpose of finding themselves better. Jesus is not condemning every type of judging, in fact, just a few verses later He challenges His followers to discern between true and false teaching (vv.15-20); however, He does condemn the kind of judgment that is arrogant and prideful. Verse 1 warns that whatever standard you hold someone else to will be the same standard by which you also will be judged. In other words, you think you are perfect while at the same time pointing out the weaknesses in others. Then Jesus poses a question, as only He can do. Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye (vv.3-4)? The imagery is humorous - a guy with a 2x4 sticking out of his eye has the audacity to point out (or sit is judgment) of a speck in someone else's eye. Jesus then calls a person who would do this a hypocrite, which means actor or one who plays a part that is not really himself. Instead of judging others, w should closely examine ourselves first. I'm sure that taking care of our own sin and weaknesses will not leave any time to sit in judgment of others. We need to learn that we are no better than anyone else. All of us have known or unknown things in our lives that need to be sorted out. Let's quit thinking that we're "all that" and other people need to catch up with where we are. Have a humble view of yourself and remember that if you do anything good, it is because of God, not you. Let us not fool ourselves into thinking that we are righteous. Take off your mask of spirituality for long enough to see who you really are.

Matthew 7:7-11
I've heard these verses my whole life, but for some reason they have not impacted me in the way they should. If I understand these verses literally, without trying to draw my own conclusions and conditions, these verses are declaring that persistence in prayer results in answers from God. Let me get a little technical. The words ask, seek, and knock are in the present imperative (Greek language), which means a continuous or repeated action. Literally these verses say "keep on asking, seeking, and knocking." Jesus is referring to a constant attitude of prayer about a certain matter (vv.7-8). He promises that the result of continuous asking will be receiving. The result of continual seeking will be finding. The result of repeated knocking will be that the door will be opened. Wow! It seems like Jesus is saying that the main key to getting God to respond is persistence (never quitting). Then Jesus explains why God responds to continuous prayer - He loves to give good things to those who ask (v.11). Verses 9-10 reveal God's character to us by asking two questions...if a son asks his father for bread will he give him a stone and if a son asks for a fish will he give him a snake? The assumed answer is NO! A good father would never give his son something opposite of what he asks. Then Jesus says something totally profound - If earthly (evil, sinful) fathers know how to give good gifts, then how much more will God (good, perfect) give to those who ask Him (v.11). I need to let that settle in my mind... Maybe the reason I don't receive things is because I don't ask in the first place or maybe because I give up too soon. What is it today that you desire from God more than anything...I mean what do you really want God to do? Start by asking, start by seeking, start by knocking. If God doesn't respond today, maybe He'll respond tomorrow. If He doesn't respond tomorrow then I need to keep asking until He intervenes. God promises to give good gifts to those who ask, so I'm going to start today realizing that every good gift and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:17). God is the provider of all that is good, I just need to show that I really desire it and He'll answer. It really comes down to this - do you believe God is making a promise to His children in Matthew 7:7-11? If you do, then you KNOW that He has promised to answer. Don't give up and don't lose heart! Meditate on these verses for a few minutes...

Matthew 7:12
In our society people talk all the time about living by the rules of life. I've often wondered what are the rules and who makes them, but I believe Jesus gives something simple yet profound which should characterize our daily life. We call it the golden rule because is brings richness (not financial, but fullness) into the hearts of those who practice it. Jesus demands that His followers do to others what they want done to them; furthermore, He says that this rule defines the Law and the Prophets. Doing to others what we desire them to do to us sums up the entire Old Testament. When you examine just the ten commandments, you'll find many of them have to do with human relationships. Honor your father and mother (Exodus 20:12) - treat your parents the way you want to be treated when you are a parent. Don't kill (Exodus 20:13) - have respect for the life of others as you would want others to have respect for you. Don't commit adultery (Exodus 20:14) - be faithful to your wife as you would want her to be faithful to you. Don't steal (Exodus 20:15) - value the possessions of others as you would want them to value your things. Don't lie (Exodus 20:16) - tell the truth to others as you would want others to be honest with you. What if all of us spent our life practicing the golden rule? We wouldn't gossip about others because we don't want to be talked about. We would not be bitter against someone else because we don't want them to be angry with us. We would share with others who have needs because when we are in need we want others to do the same for us. How about this...someone shared the Gospel with you, so why not pass it on to someone else? Someone is praying for you by name, so why not pray for someone else? People have spent time investing in your life, so why not give your time to others? Humanly speaking, we don't practice the golden rule. We will never be able to do it on our own. In fact, Isaiah 64:6 reveals that even our best efforts to do good are like filthy rags. So what needs to happen. Romans 4:5 concludes that works do not bring righteousness, but faith in the One (Jesus Christ) who forgave all of our sin through His death and resurrection. Romans 6:18 says that when we have been set free from sin, we become slaves to righteousness. Even then, it's still not about us, it's it about what God can do through us. Commit today to treating others the way you would like others to be treated.

Matthew 7:13-29
As Jesus closes out the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7), he draws a final application to what He has been communicating to His listeners. Throughout His talk He has been trying to distinguish between the righteousness of the "religious crowd" (self-righteous, based on works) and true righteousness (humility, based on grace or unmerited favor). The religious people created a system of rules and regulations designed to gain favor with God ultimately leading to heaven; however, Jesus shattered their thinking by setting up a righteousness impossible to humanly attain. His intention was not to frustrate people, but provide solid answers for a relationship with God. Some people look at these verses and are disenchanted with such a limited view of salvation, but after careful examination we can be thankful to God that the way to Him is not confusing. Jesus presents several illustrations of His ultimate point. First, He speaks of two gates (7:13-14). These gates represent ways to enter God's kingdom. The narrow gate is difficult to enter because it requires accepting the truth about Jesus Christ and repentance of sin. This gate leads to the kingdom of God. There is also the wide gate. Contrasted with the narrow gate, the wide gate is opened by many but leads to destruction (hell). In case that offends you, remember that Jesus is not trying to be narrow minded, but providing solid answers for how people can enter His kingdom. The second illustration speaks of two types of teaching (7:15-20). Jesus warns of false prophets who seem to have the truth, but are really wolves in sheep's clothing (v.15). The only way to distinguish between true and false teachers is to examine whether their life reflects the truth of God's word. The false teachers teach an erroneous way to God's kingdom. The third illustration speaks of two final destinations (7:21-23). Those headed for destruction are convinced that their good works will guarantee them a place in God's kingdom, but in reality only those who do God's will (acknowledge the truth of Jesus Christ and repent of sin) have a place in the kingdom of God. Jesus' final illustration speaks of two types of foundations or builders (7:24-27). A wise man builds his foundation on the truth while the foolish man builds his foundation on his own works. Jesus wants those who are listening to understand that there is only one way into His kingdom - repentance and faith in God's grace, which was demonstrated by His death, burial, and resurrection. Again, if you think that Jesus is being narrow minded about who can have a place in His kingdom, you must remember Jesus said that those who come to Him, He will not turn away (John 6:37). He is throwing the door wide open and welcoming anyone who is willing to repent (turn away) of their sin and trust in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Do you need to enter that door today? Are you trusting in your own works or are you willing to admit your need for another way? Jesus declared Himself as the ONLY way to God (John 14:6)...are you willing to walk down His way?

Dear God, thank You for providing the way to heaven through Your Son, Jesus Christ. I'm glad it doesn't depend on me because I fall so short. Help me to not just accept the truth about Jesus Christ but also demonstrate through my works.