Sermon on Matthew 7:1-6

1. Judging Others Mathew 7:1-6 @2018. Followers of the Way

2. Introduction • Judging others • We do this in judicial and church courts! • So, what is the difference? What is Jesus talking about? @2018. Followers of the Way

3. What does it mean to judge? • “Not judge” – no judging of people’s habits, weaknesses or actions • Jesus knows that everyone has shortcomings @2018. Followers of the Way

4. What does it mean to judge? • NO • Gossip • Criticism • Slander @2018. Followers of the Way

5. Verse two - “by your standards” Verse two - “by your standards” • Merchants did not have precise measuring tools • Cloth was measured by the arm length of the merchant • Buy with a long arm • Sell with a short arm @2018. Followers of the Way

6. Verse two - “by your standards” • Dry goods – measuring box – shake grain, press it down, fill box until it spills over • Liquids (milk and oil) – fill container until it starts to overflow @2018. Followers of the Way

7. Verse Three to Five – “Logs” • Semitic use of exaggeration to create humor and to make a point • Verse six – “dogs and pigs” • Dogs were despised • Pigs are an abomination @2018. Followers of the Way

8. Verse Three to Five – “Logs” • Church usage of this verse • Didache 9:5 - But let none eat or drink of your Eucharist except those who have been baptized in the Lord's Name. For concerning this also did the Lord say, "Give not that which is holy to the dogs. @2018. Followers of the Way

9. For Us Today • Do not initiate or spread gossip • Learn to overlook another person’s habits and ways • Maintain community • Golden rule – explained from another point of view @2018. Followers of the Way

10. For Us Today • Do not get into a deep religious discussion with people outside the faith, for example, atheists @2018. Followers of the Way