Sermon on the Mount - judging

This lesson is a continuation of the Sermon on the Mount and is taken from Matthew 7:1-6 and Luke 6:37-42.  Jesus builds on the concept of “seeing” which was in the prior lesson.  We see with the eyes of our understanding in our heart (Eph 1:18).  This kind of sight lets God’s light inside and makes our body “whole”.  Jesus  cautions us against judging others for we might not have the insight needed to help them.

Jesus uses 2 illustrations of when our sight is not complete; blindness, and having a plank in one’s eye.  The blind man is the one whose eye is “bad” and therefore his “whole body is full of darkness” (Mt 6:24). The man with a plank in his eye is one who has matter, or an issue, in his eye.  This could be a sin not dealt with.  In neither of these circumstances could a man see, or gain understanding.   Without understanding a man would not have discernment, and therefore his judgment would be poor. 

A third illustration of poor sight which Jesus speaks about is immaturity.  He says that a “student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.” (Lk 6:40) Experience and study bring a pupil into the practice of what he is being taught.  Spiritual sight grows, and one day the pupil will be able to teach and minister as his Teacher.

The concept of spiritual sight, (insight) growing is also applicable to those who have a plank in their own eyes.  With the removal of the plank, Jesus admonishes them that “then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (Mt 7:5).  We should be as concerned with our brother’s sight as we are with our own.  And who better to help someone than a brother or sister whom the Lord has just helped?

One caution that the Lord gives in the area of ministering to people in need is that we do not share our sacred “pearls” with those who do not love the “light”.  When we cast our pearls before pigs they will harm us, for they will not value light.  A dog is also symbolic of one who does not value the things of God.  If a man does not value the Kingdom he will twist the stories of God’s glorious work in you and hurt you with the very words you spoke to bring him healing.