On Sunday, we looked through Matthew 7:1-12 to see how disciples of Jesus can learn to live according to the ways of God’s kingdom, navigating life in a fallen world filled with conflict and sin. This section wraps up Jesus’ re-teaching of the law and the prophets, highlighting how righteous living is the outcome and appropriate response of citizens who have been accepted into God’s kingdom. Jesus warns against harsh and hypocritical judgement. Followers of Jesus are urged instead to humbly reflect upon their own sins and shortcomings before pointing out the faults of others, looking to Christ the ultimate judge for forgiveness and grace. Jesus also teaches that we can seek and ask the Father to enable us to live out the ways of His kingdom. Come to the loving Father who has graciously accepted us through Jesus’ perfect obedience. Come with assurance that the Father gives us His spirit, along with the motivation and ability to live His way, for the glory of His kingdom.
