The Verse Everyone Knows and Nobody Understands
An Introduction to Matthew 7:1–6
Here’s a question: what is the most quoted verse in the Bible?
It might not be John 3:16. It might not be Psalm 23. There’s a strong case that the most quoted verse in the entire Bible, quoted often even by people who have never opened a Bible in their lives, is from the Sermon on the Mount: “Judge not.”
People pull it out like a trump card the moment anyone questions their choices. A Christian expresses concern about a friend’s direction, and the reply comes immediately: “Didn’t Jesus say judge not?” And that’s the end of the conversation, as far as they’re concerned.
The only problem? Most people who quote it have no idea what Jesus actually meant.
Because, just a few verses later in the very same passage, Jesus tells His disciples to identify “dogs” and “swine.” That requires judgment. In Matthew 7:15, He tells them to watch for false prophets and recognise them by their fruit. That requires judgment too. So clearly, Jesus is not issuing a blanket ban on making assessments.
So what is He saying?
This: Jesus doesn’t call us to stop making judgements. He calls us to stop being judgemental. There’s a world of difference between those two things. One is wisdom. The other is a disposition of the heart that is harsh, superior, and dismissive, that Jesus calls out with striking clarity in Matthew 7:1–6.
Over the next four blogs, we’re going to work through this passage together. What does it mean to be censorious? What is the plank in our own eye? And when, if ever, should we simply walk away?
The answer might challenge you. It certainly challenged the first people who heard it.