We are examining the Sermon on the Mount, divided into 21 sections.
Matthew and Luke begin by addressing the subject of judging others. Although this passage criticizes the behavior of the of the time, it also serves as a warning to all disciples.
We would like to highlight three points:
- The warning against judgment: the Messiah Jesus warns us not to judge others, because in doing so we expose ourselves to the same kind of judgment. This means that if we judge others harshly or unjustly, we will be judged in the same way.
- Reciprocity: the principle of reciprocity lies at the heart of this verse. The way we treat others, including our tendency to judge, will be the way we are treated. This encourages us to be merciful and understanding toward others.
- Humility and self-reflection: this text invites us to adopt a humble attitude and practice self-reflection. Before passing judgment on others, it is crucial to examine our own behavior and attitudes. The Messiah Jesus encourages us to acknowledge our imperfections and treat others with the same kindness.
Matthew recalls the Master’s teaching on judgment through the famous allegory of the speck and the plank. Curiously, he ends this section with a recommendation that seems to depart from the central theme.
The preceding verses reveal a glaring lack of discernment, showing excessive concern for other people’s imperfections, whereas Matthew 7.6 invites us to take the opposite perspective. Thinking that all human beings are good and able to understand spiritual truths would be another kind of error.
Ultimately, the disciple must find a wise balance and cultivate discernment in order to act according to God’s will.
Luke’s treatment seems somewhat different, in that he develops the principle of reciprocity more fully. You will be treated as you have treated others!
He implies the following universal principle: whatever a person sows, they will reap (Galatians 6.7-8, Job 4.8, Hosea 8.7, 2 Corinthians 9.6). These verses illustrate the moral and spiritual principle that our actions have consequences, and we reap the results of what we have sown, whether good or bad.
To grasp these words fully, we must remember the hypocrisy of the who manipulated the people. They considered themselves superior to their fellow citizens, whom they judged to be ignorant (Luke 18.11). From this starting point, Jesus develops the notion of true righteousness that should guide all his disciples.
It is essential to examine every aspect of this discussion and compare it with the actions of the . On one side, we have the righteousness of the , and on the other, God’s righteousness as proclaimed by the Messiah Jesus (Matthew 5.20).
It is therefore crucial to recognize that the Messiah Jesus was not addressing people without spiritual knowledge, but rather individuals deeply influenced by the errors of their religious leaders.