One of the oldest known mirrors is a smooth piece of obsidian from six thousand years ago, found at an archaeological site in Turkey. Technology has come a long way since then, but it still shows only a hairstyle and sleepy eyes, never the state of the heart. This image opens the sermon on Jesus’ words: “Do not judge; first remove the plank from your own eye; do not cast your pearls before swine” (Matt. 7:1-6). It’s not about turning a blind eye to sin, but about serving others with gentleness instead of passing judgment and, when dealing with people for whom the Bible holds no authority, asking God for wisdom about when to speak and when instead to proclaim Christ through your life. Listen, if you want to see whether it’s easier for you to spot a problem in your neighbor’s yard than in your own.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- In Matthew 7:1-5 Jesus talks about the speck in a brother's eye and the plank in our own. What was this exaggeration meant to show the first listeners, and why is it so easy to notice other people's faults?
- The speaker explained that the Greek word krino can mean both evaluating and judging or condemning. How can we tell the difference between discerning good from evil and putting ourselves in the judge's seat?
- The sermon began with the story of the mirror, which shows our appearance but not our heart. What helps you look into your own heart before you start evaluating someone else?
- Galatians 6:1 calls us to restore someone caught in sin gently, while watching ourselves. What does correcting someone with love look like in practice in our community?
- How do you understand the words about not throwing pearls to pigs, and what wisdom do we need to know when to speak about God and when it is better to stay silent?
- The speaker quoted the saying about preaching Christ always and using words if necessary. In what specific situation this week can your life speak about God louder than words?
