Disciple (n./v.): The Gospel of Matthew
Matthew 7:1-14
This passage of the Sermon on the Mount is famous for its turns of phrases and images. “Judge not.” The speck and the log. Pearls and swine. Fish and a serpent. A rule that is golden. The narrow way.
Monday, May 6
Read Matthew 7:1-14. Often “Judge not, that you be not judged” is used as a justification for tolerance. Does Jesus call for us to be tolerant of things that are clearly against God’s created intent? Does the Golden Rule apply to those who want us to accept their sin?
Tuesday, May 7
After reviewing Matthew 7:1-14, read Romans 14. Paul is dealing with the delicate issue of Christian Jews and Christian Gentiles judging one another for the cultural things they do. What is Paul’s advice about judging one another? How then are we to treat one another?
Wednesday, May 8
After reviewing Matthew 7:1-14, read Ezekiel 35. What does God have against Mount Seir? How does this display that “with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged?” Would it be right for Ezekiel to declare this judgment apart from the word of the Lord? Why or why not?
Thursday, May 9
After reviewing Matthew 7:1-14, read Jeremiah 29:1-14. Imagine being yanked out of your land and brought into the heart of enemy territory. All you want is to go home. God tells his people to settle in and trust in Him. What are the people to “seek and find?”
Friday, May 10
After reviewing Matthew 7:1-14, read Romans 13:8-14. Go through the 10 Commandments and check. Does the Golden Rule really sum up the law? What is it like to “owe love” to others?
Saturday, May 11
After reviewing Matthew 7:1-14, read John 14:1-14. Way, truth, and life… If ultimate life is the perfect creation, and truth is the original order of creation, what is the way? Why is it so narrow?
Bethel Lutheran Church, St. Paul, MN – bethelstpaul.com