Written by Clinton Wahlen
In Matthew 7, Jesus continues expounding on the ethics of the kingdom of heaven and includes some wonderful promises. But He also challenges us personally and individually regarding how we relate to God’s law and His teachings. Our attitude toward judging, asking, and giving, culminating with the Golden Rule, reveals whether we have a right relation to God (vv. 1–12). Then, in view of the coming judgment, Jesus makes two personal appeals (vv. 13–23). He concludes this most famous sermon with the parable of the two builders (vv. 24–27), the first parable found in this Gospel. Matthew concludes this section with the impact of Jesus’ teaching on the crowds who heard Him (vv. 28–29).