Ian Barclay's Thought For The Day

A CHRISTIAN LOOKS AT MATTHEW’S GOSPEL
Discerning judgement
Reading: Matthew 7:6 Click to view passage

In the previous verses we have been looking at unfounded criticism. However, Jesus not only said, “judge not,” he also told us to, “make a right judgement,” (John 7:24). So there is permissible as well as forbidden judgement. We must discriminate, the criminal and the tyrant must be resisted. We are not to be a fault-finder, quick and eager to criticise, when action is unjustified but when laws are broken we need to speak up firmly.

The Early Church linked this verse with the Lord’s Supper and often demanded an exclusiveness that is the reverse of Christian teaching.

John Chrysostom said, “Evangelism is not in question, but we are not to waste time with the incurably ungodly.”

Meditation: Perhaps today my concern shouldn’t be with the “incurably ungodly” but on those who suffer at their hands. Is there someone who needs my help?
Prayer pointer: Help me like Jesus to “preach good news to the poor…proclaim freedom to prisoners…recovery of sight for the blind…and release the oppressed.” (Luke 4:18)



Matthew: 33