Matthew 7 — “The Way That Leads to Life”
Matthew 5 revealed the righteousness of the Kingdom.
Matthew 6 revealed the heart of the Kingdom.
Matthew 7 now reveals the decision of the Kingdom.
This chapter presses one question upon every soul:
Will you enter, or only listen?
1. Judgment and Mercy
“Judge not, that you be not judged.” (Matt 7:1)
Christ does not abolish moral truth.
He forbids self-exalting condemnation.
The one who judges his brother from pride places himself on God’s throne.
St Augustine writes:
“To judge is not to discern, but to usurp the seat of God.”
(Sermons)
The Kingdom demands truth,
but truth spoken in humility.
2. The Log and the Speck
“First take the log out of your own eye…” (v. 5)
Christ exposes hypocrisy.
The sinner who repents sees clearly.
The self-righteous are blind.
The Gospel never excuses sin —
but it begins with self-examination.
3. What Is Holy
“Do not give dogs what is holy…” (v. 6)
The Kingdom is merciful,
but not careless.
Sacred things require reverence.
The Church has always guarded the holy mysteries because grace must be received with faith.
4. Ask, Seek, Knock
“Ask, and it will be given…” (v. 7)
Prayer is not a ritual.
It is relationship.
God is not reluctant.
He is a Father.
St Cyprian writes:
“He who invites us to ask has already prepared to give.”
(On Prayer)
5. The Golden Rule
“Whatever you wish that others would do to you…” (v. 12)
This is not social advice.
It is Kingdom law.
Love measures itself by self-giving.
6. The Narrow Gate
“The gate is narrow and the way is hard…” (v. 14)
Truth is not chosen by majority.
Life is not found by ease.
The Kingdom is costly — but it leads to life.
7. False Prophets
“You will know them by their fruits.” (v. 16)
Not all who speak of God speak for God.
Truth reveals itself by holiness.
Doctrine and life must agree.
8. “Lord, Lord”
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord…’” (v. 21)
Religion without obedience is empty.
The Kingdom is not entered by words —
but by doing the Father’s will.
9. The House on the Rock
“Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them…” (v. 24)
Christ claims divine authority.
He is not merely a teacher.
He is the Rock.
Those who obey Him stand firm.
Those who do not fall.
10. Authority Revealed
“He taught them as one who had authority…” (v. 29)
The Sermon ends not with debate,
but with awe.
The King has spoken.
Theological Summary
| Theme | Meaning |
| Judgment | Humility |
| Prayer | Trust |
| Truth | Discernment |
| Obedience | Faith made real |
| Rock | Christ |
| Kingdom | A choice |
Christ in Matthew 7
Christ does not point to a path.
He is the path.
He does not offer a foundation.
He is the Rock.
Spiritual Application
- Choose the narrow way.
- Build on Christ.
- Obey the King.
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ,
Rock of our salvation,
give us hearts that not only hear, but obey.
Lead us through the narrow gate,
and establish our lives upon You,
that when storms come
we may stand firm in Your truth
now and forever.
Amen.
St. Mary's, St. John Bosco and St. Edward's 