Matthew 7:1-12

Jesus and Hypocrisy – Monday 29^th November to Sunday 5^th December, 2010

Introduction

It is often said, “All Christians are hypocrites!” Would you agree? How would you respond to a non-Christian who said this to you?

Studying the passage - Read Matthew 7:1-12

1) Why does Jesus warn us about judging others (verses 1-2)? How do these verses relate to Jesus teaching about being merciful (Matt 5:7)?

2) Why did Jesus think that we would make poor judges (verses 3-4)? What kind of steps do we need to take to be of help to a brother or a sister (verse 5)? What does this mean in practice?

3) Verse 6 appears difficult to understand and has had a variety of interpretations in the years since Jesus spoke it. However, in the context of verses 1-5, “what is sacred” and “pearls” is probably referring to what we do with our lives (both thoughts and actions), which are sacred and precious because we belong to God. What then does Jesus mean by “dogs and pigs” (compare with Matthew 6:19-24)?

4) How might devoting ourselves to “dogs” and “pigs” come back to bite us (verse 6)?

5) What encouragement does Jesus give for those who ask, seek and knock (verses 7-8)? How may we be sure of these promises (verses 9-11)?

6) Put the ‘golden rule’ (verse 12) in your own words.

7) How does this rule sum up the Law and the Prophets?

Response

Think of relationships in your own lives that may be strained and difficult. How may this passage help to mend them?

Do you think non-Christians would see you as a “hypocrite”? Which areas of your life do you need to work on? Which areas do we as a church need to work on?

If we asked God to help us change, would He? Explain (hint: verses 7-12).

Spend some thanking God for his mercy and praying for His help in these areas.