Introduction

Matthew 7:1–12: Chapter 7 concludes Jesus’s “Sermon on the Mount.” In today’s reading, he warns about judging others and encourages his followers to ask, seek, and knock in prayer to God. Jesus sums up God’s commands in the teaching known as the “Golden Rule” (verse 12).

Today’s Key Verse: Matthew 7:12 GNT

[Jesus said:] “Do for others what you want them to do for you: this is the meaning of the Law of Moses and of the teachings of the prophets.”

Read

1 “Do not judge others, so that God will not judge you, 2 for God will judge you in the same way you judge others, and he will apply to you the same rules you apply to others. 3 Why, then, do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the log in your own eye? 4 How dare you say to your brother, ‘Please, let me take that speck out of your eye,’ when you have a log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite! First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will be able to see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

6 “Do not give what is holy to dogs—they will only turn and attack you. Do not throw your pearls in front of pigs—they will only trample them underfoot.

7 “Ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks will receive, and anyone who seeks will find, and the door will be opened to those who knock. 9 Would any of you who are fathers give your son a stone when he asks for bread? 10 Or would you give him a snake when he asks for a fish? 11 As bad as you are, you know how to give good things to your children. How much more, then, will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

12 “Do for others what you want them to do for you: this is the meaning of the Law of Moses and of the teachings of the prophets.

Reflect

What does Jesus say about the danger of judging others (verses 1–5)? Reread verses 7–11. What do you need to ask of God today? Reread verse 12. How might you apply this teaching in your community?

Pray

Lord Jesus, teach me to ask, seek, and knock in accord with your will. May my actions toward others reflect your love and the life of your Kingdom. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Matthew 7:13–29: All who hear Jesus’s teachings are amazed.