RSV ~ Matthew 7 Notes
Mt 7:1-6 | ISB Notes
Jesusâ teaching on judgment is two-sided. (1) He condemns judging otherâs faults (7:1-2; Lk 6:37). We are incapable of judging with fairness and accuracy since God alone knows the heart (Prov 21:2; Lk 16:15). (2) However, Jesus commands us to exercise critical discernment (7:6, 15-19; 1 Thess 5:21). Examination is necessary to avoid profaning what is holy (7:6) and embracing what is false (7:15).
Mt 7:2 | ISB Notes
you will be judged: i.e., by God (theological passive). We set the standards of our personal judgment by our own conduct toward others (cf. 18:35).
Mt 7:6 | ISB Notes
dogs ⌠swine: Derogatory Jewish epithets for pagans (15:26-28). Dogs were generally undomesticated in Jewish culture, and most were stray scavengers. Swine were especially contemptible to Jews; they were unclean and could not be eaten (Lev 11:7-8; cf. Is 66:3). Jesus redirects these insulting labels to anyone inhospitable to the gospel, Jew or Gentile (cf. Phil 3:2; Rev 22:15).
what is holy: In Judaism, holiness characterized anything consecrated for covenant worship. To treat holy articles in a common manner would profane them (Ex 29:37; Lev 22:10-16). Jesus carries this same notion into the New Covenant. The early Church applied this statement to the Holy Eucharist, a sacrament rightly withheld from the unbaptized (Didache 9:5).
Mt 7:7 | ISB Notes
Ask ⌠given you: Jesus advocates perseverance in prayer (cf. Lk 18:1; Col 4:2; 1 Thess 5:17). Answered prayers stem from upright and faith-filled intentions (Jas 1:5-8; CCC 2609).
Mt 7:11 | ISB Notes
you then, who are evil: Indicates the pervasive sinful-ness of man.
how much more: A rhetorical device familiar to Jewish rabbis and used also by the Apostle Paul (Rom 5:1517). See note on Mt 6:28-30.
good things: i.e., the material necessities of life, as well as the grace to live as Godâs children. The Lk 11:13 parallel identifies the gift as the âHoly Spiritâ.
Mt 7:12 | ISB Notes
do so to them: The âGolden Ruleâ. It is similar to statements in the OT (Tob 4:15; Sir 31:15) and other world religions. While normally a negative statement (based upon not doing to others), Jesus states it positively (CCC 1970).
Mt 7:13-14 | ISB Notes
the narrow gate: An image with various associations. (1) Cities surrounded by a fortified wall had gates to permit access. Main gates were wide and tall enough for caravans of people and animals; smaller gates permitted only pedestrian traffic. Jesus envisions the many passing with ease through a main gate. The few must exert greater effort to enter a narrow pedestrian gate (cf. 22:14). (2) The Jerusalem Temple had a series of gates that prohibited entry for the unqualified; only a privileged few had close access to God. This teaching of the âtwo waysâ is common in the OT (cf. Deut 30:15-20; Ps 1; Wis 5:6-7; CCC 1696).
Mt 7:15 | ISB Notes
false prophets: These so-called prophets appear harmless, yet their ministry breeds error, division, and immorality (cf. 24:24; 2 Pet 2:1-3). The distinction between true and false prophets is rooted in the OT (Deut 18:20-22; Jer 14:13-16).
Mt 7:22 | ISB Notes
On that day: The Day of Judgment. Jesus is portrayed as the divine Judge (cf. 25:31-46; Jn 5:25-29; 2 Cor 5:10; CCC 678, 682).
⢠Godâs sanctifying grace enlivens the soul, making it fit for heaven; it is the grace of divine Sonship. It is manifested through conformity with the Fatherâs will by knowing and obeying Jesus (7:23; cf. Jn 17:3; 1 Jn 2:36). In Catholic tradition, sanctifying grace is distinct from graces that are manifest through miraculous works such as prophecy and exorcism. These charismatic graces are also heavenly gifts but are not conclusive evidence of oneâs personal sanctity or membership in the family of God (CCC 2003).
Mt 7:24 | ISB Notes
like a wise man: True wisdom puts Jesusâ teaching into practice and prepares for the future (cf. 25:1-13; Jas 2:14-26).
his house: The parable reflects building conditions in NT Palestine. Houses made of mud brick were generally built during the dry season. When torrential rains arrived, only the house with a solid foundation resisted erosion and ultimate destruction (cf. Prov 14:11).
⢠Jesusâ reference to the wise man and his house alludes to King Solomon. He was known for his wisdom (1 Kings 3:10-12) and built the Lordâs house (i.e., Temple; 1 Kings 8:27) upon a great foundation stone (1 Kings 5:17; 7:10; cf. Is 28:16). See note on Mt 16:18.
⢠Morally: the enduring house (7:25) is like the soul; it is maintained only through labor and the materials of prayer and virtue grounded on Christ (Ps 127:1; 1 Cor 3:11). The foolish man neglects sound construction and maintenance, building on a weak foundation of wealth and earthly success. The Day of Judgment will expose the foundation and destiny of every spiritual builder (Prov 10:25; 1 Tim 6:17-19).
Mt 7:29 | ISB Notes
one who had authority: Jesusâ teaching differs from that of the scribes, who taught the already-existing traditions of Judaism. Jesus, cast as a new Moses, delivered ânew teachingâ (Mk 1:27) that excelled even the Mosaic Law in perfection (5:21-48). Jesus later denounced traditions that were incompatible with Godâs word (15:3-6) (CCC 581).