Question 1

What does Jesus mean by "Judge not, that ye be not judged"?

Accepted Answer

Jesus is not saying we should never call sin wrong or use wise judgment. He is warning against a harsh, fault-finding spirit that loves to condemn others while ignoring our own sins. The measure we use on others will in some way come back on us. Instead of sitting over people as if we were judges, we are to be humble, careful, and aware that God will judge us. We should correct others only with mercy and honesty about our own weaknesses.

Question 2

Why does Jesus talk about the mote and the beam in the eye?

Accepted Answer

The picture of a tiny speck in one eye and a big beam in the other shows how easy it is to see small faults in others while being blind to larger sins in ourselves. Jesus calls this hypocrisy. He tells us to first deal with our own “beam” through honest self-examination and repentance. Only then can we see clearly enough to help a brother or sister with their “mote.” The goal is not to ignore sin, but to correct others from a humble and cleansed heart.

Question 3

What are the "dogs" and "swine" in "pearls before swine" about?

Accepted Answer

When Jesus says not to give what is holy to dogs or throw pearls before swine, he is talking about people who stubbornly despise holy truth. Pearls picture the precious message of God. Some people not only reject it, but trample it and turn in anger against those who share it. Jesus is not telling us to be proud or uncaring, but to be wise. There are times when we should stop pressing truth on those who only mock and attack it and instead speak where it may be received.

Question 4

How should we understand "Ask, seek, knock" and God giving good gifts?

Accepted Answer

“Ask, seek, knock” is a strong call to keep coming to God in prayer. Jesus is saying God is not cold or distant. Like a kind father who gives bread instead of a stone, God gives what is truly good to his children who ask. Everyone who asks, seeks, and knocks in faith will receive, though God answers in his way and time. This invites us to trust his fatherly heart, come with real needs, and keep praying instead of giving up when we do not see an answer at once.

Question 5

What is the narrow gate and broad way that lead to life or destruction?

Accepted Answer

The narrow gate and narrow way picture the hard but right path that leads to life with God. It is narrow because it calls for turning from sin and following Jesus’ teaching, which can be costly and lonely. The wide gate and broad way are easy, popular, and seem pleasant, but they end in destruction. Jesus says many choose the broad way and only a few find the narrow one. He is urging his hearers to enter the narrow gate now and keep walking in obedience, even when it is hard.

Question 6

How can we recognize false prophets by their fruits?

Accepted Answer

False prophets appear gentle and safe, like sheep, but inside they are like hungry wolves. Jesus says we will know them by their fruits, just as a tree is known by the fruit it bears. Good trees bear good fruit, bad trees bear bad fruit. In practice this means looking at a person’s teaching and way of life over time. Does it match Jesus’ words and lead to love, holiness, and truth, or to sin and error? Empty talk and showy works cannot hide bad fruit forever.

Question 7

Why does Jesus say, "Lord, Lord" is not enough to enter the kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Jesus warns that not everyone who calls him “Lord” or even does impressive works in his name truly belongs to him. Some will point to preaching, casting out demons, and great deeds, but he will say, “I never knew you; depart from me, you that work iniquity.” This shows that outward religion and gifts are not what he is looking for. True disciples do the will of his Father. Real faith shows itself in obedience to Jesus’ words, not just in religious words or activities.

Question 8

What does it mean to build your house on the rock instead of sand?

Accepted Answer

The wise builder who builds on rock is the person who hears Jesus’ teaching and does it. When storms and floods come, that house stands because it has a solid foundation. The foolish builder hears the same words but does not do them. His house, built on sand, falls with a great crash. The picture warns us that life’s trials and God’s final judgment will test how we have responded to Jesus. Safety is found in taking his words seriously and shaping our lives by them.

Question 9

What does this passage teach about God as Father?

Accepted Answer

Jesus speaks of God as a Father who gladly gives good gifts to his children. He points out that even flawed human parents know how to give bread and fish, not stones and snakes, to their children. If that is true of us, how much more is it true of God. This shows God is generous, kind, and ready to hear prayer. He is not trying to trick or harm his people. Knowing God as Father encourages us to come to him with our needs and to trust that what he gives is truly good.

Question 10

How does the Golden Rule fit with the rest of this passage?

Accepted Answer

When Jesus says, “Whatever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them,” he sums up how we should treat others. This fits with his warning against harsh judgment and hypocrisy. Instead of measuring people by a hard standard we would not want for ourselves, we are to act toward them as we hope they would act toward us. He says this reflects the heart of God’s commands and the messages given through his servants. It calls for active kindness, fairness, and mercy.

Matthew 7:1

Judge not, that ye be not judged.

Judging Others

Ask, Seek, Knock

The Narrow Gate

A Tree and Its Fruit

The House on the Rock

The Authority of Jesus

Judging Others

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Matthew 7:1

Judge not, that ye be not judged.

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Judging Others

Ask, Seek, Knock

The Narrow Gate

A Tree and Its Fruit

The House on the Rock

The Authority of Jesus

Judging Others

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