Matthew 7

• Mercy is a key theme in the teachings and actions of Jesus (Matthew 9:9–13; 12:1–7). But Jesus also clearly opposes sin (18:15–20; 23:13–33). Jesus also warns against controlling or condemning others in the name of care. The kind of judgment he forbids is often harsh criticism of small or trivial matters(23:23–24). Only God has the right to judge (James 4:11–12).

• do not judge, or you will be judged: This may refer to God's judgment at the end of time (Matthew 5:7). God evaluates us based on how we treat others (6:12; 18:21–35).

Jesus encourages his disciples to serve others instead of condemning them. The contrast of a speck (speck of dust, chip of wood) to a log in the eye is an exaggerated image meant to show the huge difference (see Matthew 5:29; 23:23–24; compare Micah 6:6–8).

• Rabbis often referred to important ideas or Scripture verses as pearls. The mysteries of the kingdom of God (13:11) are holy (see Exodus 29:33; Leviticus 2:3; 22:10–16; Numbers 18:8–10).

• do not give dogs what is holy: Jews often referred to non-Jewish (Gentile) people as dogs or pigs because these animals were ceremonially unclean (Matthew 15:26; Psalm 22:16, 20; Leviticus 11). Some think this means that many Gentiles would not accept the message of the kingdom. Others see it as a warning about sharing the message of the kingdom with resistant Jewish leaders (see Matthew 5:20; 10:11–14; see also Hebrews 10:29). It could be a warning to unbelievers in general (see Matthew 18:17; see also 1 Corinthians 2:13–16; 2 Peter 2:21–22).

This passage teaches persistence in prayer. But Jesus does not say God will fulfill extravagant desires. God's people should seek daily needs and spiritual blessings (Matthew 6:10–11).

The Law and the Prophets: The teachings of Jesus in 5:21–7:6 show the true purpose and way to express the law of Moses. Love is central for the disciples of Jesus (see also Galatians 5:13–14, 18).

• Enter through the narrow gate: This means deciding to obey Jesus as the Messiah. The wide gate and broad road represent the choice not to follow Jesus or his teachings.

• This path leads to destruction. This means being thrown into fire, being kept out of the kingdom of heaven, being banished from the presence of Jesus, and finally being ruined (Matthew 7:19–23, 27).

The Sermon on the Mount ends with a call to decide about Jesus and his teachings (see Matthew 4:23; 9:35). Those who hear the message of Jesus about the kingdom must obey him to gain eternal life. Or else, they reject him and God will condemn them. There is no third way (Deuteronomy 30:15–20; Psalm 1; Proverbs 12:28; Jeremiah 21:8).

Only a few people accept the truth shown in Christ (see Matthew 19:23; 20:16; 22:14; see also John 3:19; 6:66–71).

False prophets tell people what they want to hear instead of calling them to obey God's will. Deuteronomy 13:1–5 and 18:21–22 provide guidelines to determine if someone is a true prophet. A prophet's words must match with God's word, and a prophet's prophecies must come true.

Jesus explains the first rule. A prophet's actions must match his words to be trustworthy. So, a true prophet's actions will also match God's word. In the same way that fruit shows what kind of tree it comes from, a person's life shows if their inner being is good or not.

Christians should expect false prophets at the end of time (see Matthew 24:11, 24; Acts 20:28–35; Revelation 13:11–18; 16:13; 19:20; 20:10). Christians can avoid these false prophets misleading them. But Christians must be careful and wise (see 1 Corinthians 12:10; 14:29; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; 1 John 4:1–3; Revelation 2:20).

Good fruit and bad fruit symbolize moral behavior (see Matthew 3:8, 10; 12:33–37; 13:8; 21:43; Galatians 5:19–23).

Spiritual rebirth is essential to produce the good actions that Jesus demands. Good works come from faith, and they are inseparable (see James 2:14–26).

The will of My Father: The teachings of Jesus show what the will of the Father is (see also 12:50; 21:28–32; Romans 2:13; James 1:22–27).

• On that day: The Old Testament concept behind this idea is the "day of the Lord." On this day, God will save the faithful and condemn those who oppress others (Isaiah 13–14; Joel 2:1–32; Zephaniah 1:14–16). In the teachings of Jesus, this day is when everyone will be judged based on how they respond to him (see Matthew 10:15; 11:20–24; 12:36; 24:19–50; 25:13, 31–46; Acts 17:31; Romans 2:16).

• Neither spiritual gifts or public accomplishments in the name of Jesus will guarantee God's approval. The decisive issue is obedience (Matthew 7:21).

I never knew you: These people were never truly converted, even though they did great works in the name of God. They refused to follow the Father's will as taught by Jesus, and they continued to break Gods commands. Because they never knew Christ, they never learned to do what he commanded.

• A wise person realizes that Jesus fulfills the Old Testament promises. So a wise person willingly obeys Jesus and chooses to live in such a way that leads to blessings (Matthew 5:3–12; 7:13–14).

• built his house on the rock: Building a house directly on rock provides a much stronger foundation than would a dry, sandy riverbed or floodplain (7:26).

This entire sermon (Matthew 5:3–7:27) focuses on following the teachings of Jesus by living righteously (5:20). Listening without obedience is like choosing the wide gate and broad way that leads to ruin (James 1:22–25; 2:14–26). A decision is necessary in light of what God has revealed (see Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28, 30).

The storm symbolizes God's all-knowing judgment (see Jeremiah 23:19; Ezekiel 1:4).

• At first, Jesus began teaching only his disciples (Matthew 5:1). But large crowds soon followed him up the mountainside.

• The teachers of religious law based their authority on Scripture they quoted or on the traditions of earlier scholars. In contrast, Jesus taught with direct authority.

  He did quote Scripture in the Sermon on the Mount. Yet his words carried the weight of his own authority as the Messiah (God’s chosen one).