In everything MOTIVE is everything. Why was the herald of the King delivering this message? What was his motive? To answer that question in one sentence; it seems to me that John was doing it because he knew the King, and that His kingdom was coming, and he wanted the people to be prepared for the King. He also knew that those without repentance are unfit for the kingdom of God’s glory, and cannot enter into it. There are two aspects to this kingdom; first, The outer – having to do with the outward appearances; false professions. Second, the inner – having to do with the genuine, abiding of the Spirit of the Lord in the heart. This is the part that Jesus is most concerned with.
We have heard it said – especially those who are pastors, or preachers, etc,. – “Well, we aren’t supposed to judge.” We may look at it sometime in the future at a little greater length and detail, but when Jesus said, “Judge not, lest ye be judged” He did not have in mind of not coming to a conclusion about the fruit of an individuals life. “O, we aren’t supposed to judge; so let’s just be quiet, and let them go on in their lifestyle”. We would not dare say “…Sinful lifestyle”, afterall that would be judging according to this interpretation. This is the conclusion which I have reached concerning Jesus’s words about judging – We should never judge another’s MOTIVE for doing something. I must say I have done it myself. When I have heard of a wealthy individual contributing millions to a needy cause; my thoughts say, “He is only doing it to call attention to himself, and/or his business.” That is not my judgment to make, that is only for God to judge.
I dare say that when John came preaching repentance; he saw a sinful people, and he did not mince words about it. John’s MOTIVE was clear. He was preparing the way of the King who was coming. Lord help my MOTIVE be to prepare Your way, and to see the hearts of many people know You as their Lord, Savior, and King.
In his ministry John preached genuine repentance; not a washed out repentance; that when it is all over nothing has changed. The baptism he baptized with was as a sign of the repentance of sin. It did not save, because only Jesus the King can save. These repentant hearts were now prepared to receive their King.
ARE YOU PREPARED TO RECEIVE KING JESUS.
The Fire and Hammer 
Thanks Gordon, Ron and Mike for you comments.
Mike I am not in disagreement with you. That verse was used only as an illustration for the most part to show the weakness of that argument. Maybe I failed in the attempt if that is not clear.
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Actually, this interpretation of that passage misses the meaning entirely. It’s not surprising, though, because almost everybody quotes the first six words, and rarely does anyone go beyond the first verse. To get the whole idea, though, one must read verses 1 thru 5 of Matthew 7 TOGETHER, AS A COHERENT WHOLE. Only then do you get the entire concept.
Once you read all 5 verses together, you will see that Jesus is speaking of people judging hypocritically. While I agree that it is dicey to think we know someone’s motives, that just isn’t the point of this passage.
The point of this passage is that we as Christian’s must make sure that our lives are in order, because we ARE supposed to judge others’ actions. We are NOT, however, supposed to be self-righteous like the Pharisees, calling people out on their sins while at the same time having gross sin in our lives.
The real point is that we are not hurting someone when we judge their actions. Rather, it is intended to be a self-reinforcing support system for Christians to ever drive one another closer to Christ. It also means that as Christians, we are to speak out against gross immorality (abortion, homosexuality, divorce, pre-marital sex, pornography, etc…) and not worry about the opinions of the world.
Thank you for reading.
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This is good words to hear again just to keep reminding ourselves and others that we need to judge only when it may cause us to fall by the wayside, and share Gods word with those that have fell by the wayside or do not know about Jesus and His saving Grace ? Blessings ! Ron.
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Great words, as always. I was just discussing this very topic with one of my deacons the other day.
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