Calvary Baptist Church - Weimar, Texas

As Jesus was finishing His Sermon on the Mount, He spoke to His disciples while a large crowd from Galilee, Judea, and beyond gathered to hear His teachings. In this sermon, He addressed both moral and civil laws, as well as our relationships with God and others. The mountain was near the ministry headquarters of Jesus and His disciples in Capernaum, the hometown of James, John, Peter, Andrew, and Levi (Matthew). Jesus even referred to Capernaum as “His city” after being driven out of His hometown of Nazareth, as noted in Matthew 9:1.

In Matthew 7:1-5, Jesus warns people—whether everyday folks, seekers, or religious critics—against making arrogant, hypocritical, and unfair judgments of others while ignoring the obvious sins, flaws, and imperfections in their own lives and relationships. The original Greek word used is “Krinos,” meaning “unfair or hypocritical judgments.” This teaching doesn’t refer to the fair or righteous judgments made by pastors, teachers, leaders, friends, or parents who aim to guide and protect others from mistakes, teach them the Bible, and help them make wise decisions, as mentioned in John 7:24. Specifically, this is often misquoted and misused by others as an excuse to ignore parents, godly counsel, or others, in order to justify sinful behavior or live recklessly.

Jesus emphasized that as Christians, we should avoid judging others or actively seeking out their flaws and mistakes, knowing we have greater spiritual “skeletons in our closet.” He warned that the judgment we use to measure others will be measured back to us—meaning, if we criticize, we should expect criticism in return. Jesus also taught that the Bible calls for self-examination rather than judgment, and for mercy and grace instead of harsh assessments. In fact, the New Testament mentions exhorting and encouragement 25 times, and even renamed the apostle Joseph to Barnabbas, meaning “Son of Encouragement” (Bar-Son, Encourage/Exhort, Nabba).

Most importantly, Christian, our ministry isn’t about going around the world “showing off,” “criticizing” others, or being “super spiritual.” Rather, it’s about showing the world that we too were “lost” and “undone,” and in need of God’s mercy. The Bible also warns us to be careful, because one day we might find ourselves in the same circumstances we once criticized, now longing for mercy. The Bible says, “we will not get that mercy.” Remember, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy” (Matthew 5:7).

Finally, Peter teaches that those who are critical and self-righteous need to examine themselves, realizing they have lost sight of “who they were” and “where they came from.” Christian, remember “who you were,” and choose mercy over judgment. They will know you are Christians by your love—not your knowledge, gifts, or judgments, 2 Peter 1:5-7 & Psalms 165:23,24.