What is the meaning of Matthew 7:1-2?

Matthew 7:1-2 is a passage that has resonated deeply with Christians and non-Christians alike due to its profound implications on interpersonal relationships and moral conduct. The verses read: "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." (NIV). These verses are part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, a collection of teachings that encapsulate the ethical and spiritual essence of Jesus' message.

To understand these verses fully, it is essential to consider their context within the Sermon on the Mount. This sermon, found in Matthew chapters 5-7, is a comprehensive guide to the values and behaviors that Jesus expects from his followers. It addresses various aspects of life, including anger, lust, divorce, oaths, retaliation, love for enemies, giving to the needy, prayer, fasting, and more. The overarching theme is the call to a higher standard of righteousness that surpasses that of the Pharisees and teachers of the law (Matthew 5:20).

When Jesus says, "Do not judge," He is not advocating for a lack of discernment or the abandonment of moral standards. The Greek word for "judge" used here is "krino," which can mean to distinguish, decide, or condemn. Jesus is cautioning against a hypocritical, self-righteous, and condemning attitude towards others. This kind of judgment is often rooted in pride and a lack of self-awareness. It is the kind of judgment that elevates oneself while looking down on others, failing to recognize one's own faults and shortcomings.

In the broader context of the Gospels, Jesus frequently confronted the Pharisees and religious leaders for their hypocritical judgments. They were quick to condemn others while neglecting the weightier matters of the law, such as justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). In Matthew 7:3-5, Jesus uses the metaphor of the speck and the plank to illustrate the absurdity of this hypocrisy: "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."

Jesus emphasizes self-examination and humility before we attempt to correct others. This doesn't mean we are to ignore sin or wrongdoing, but our approach should be one of humility and love, recognizing our own need for grace and forgiveness. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Galatians 6:1-2: "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

The second verse, "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you," reinforces the principle of reciprocity. This principle is found throughout Scripture and is often referred to as the law of sowing and reaping. In essence, the way we treat others will ultimately come back to us. This is a sobering reminder that our attitudes and actions have consequences. If we are harsh and unforgiving, we can expect to receive the same treatment in return. Conversely, if we are merciful and compassionate, we will receive mercy and compassion.

This principle is vividly illustrated in the parable of the unmerciful servant in Matthew 18:21-35. In this parable, a servant who is forgiven a massive debt by his master refuses to forgive a fellow servant a much smaller debt. When the master learns of this, he is outraged and reinstates the original debt, casting the unmerciful servant into prison. Jesus concludes the parable with a stern warning: "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart" (Matthew 18:35).

The call to refrain from judgment and to exercise mercy is not merely a moral directive but is rooted in the character of God Himself. God is described as compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness (Exodus 34:6). As His followers, we are called to reflect His character in our interactions with others. Jesus' teaching on judgment is an invitation to embody the grace and mercy we have received from God.

Furthermore, Jesus' teaching on judgment is intrinsically linked to the concept of the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). It is a realm where love, mercy, and justice prevail. By refraining from hypocritical judgment and extending grace to others, we participate in the manifestation of God's Kingdom on earth. This is the essence of the Beatitudes, which open the Sermon on the Mount: "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy" (Matthew 5:7).

In practical terms, living out Jesus' teaching on judgment requires a posture of humility, self-awareness, and compassion. It involves recognizing our own need for grace and being willing to extend that same grace to others. It means being slow to condemn and quick to forgive, understanding that we are all in need of God's mercy. It calls for a shift from a mindset of superiority and self-righteousness to one of empathy and solidarity.

Christian literature and tradition offer valuable insights into this teaching. For instance, C.S. Lewis, in his book "Mere Christianity," writes about the importance of humility and the danger of pride. He emphasizes that true humility is not thinking less of oneself but thinking of oneself less. This perspective aligns with Jesus' call to focus on our own faults rather than magnifying the faults of others.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in his book "The Cost of Discipleship," speaks about the importance of bearing one another's burdens and the call to live in community with a spirit of humility and love. He writes, "Judging others makes us blind, whereas love is illuminating. By judging others we blind ourselves to our own evil and to the grace which others are just as entitled to as we are."

In conclusion, Matthew 7:1-2 calls us to a higher standard of interpersonal conduct, one that is marked by humility, self-awareness, and compassion. It challenges us to refrain from hypocritical judgment and to extend the same grace and mercy that we have received from God. By doing so, we not only reflect the character of God but also participate in the manifestation of His Kingdom on earth. This teaching is a timeless reminder of the power of grace and the call to live in a manner that honors God and blesses others.