Dec 9 - Matthew 7:6

Jesus said,

Do not give what is holy to dogs; and

do not throw your pearls before swine,

or they will trample them under foot

and turn and maul you.

Matthew 7:6

 

The pearl that Jesus talks about in our verse for today is "the Gospel." 

 

We are all called to proclaim the Gospel in word and in deed. But why does the Lord -- who loves everyone -- call those who are unreceptive to the Gospel "dogs" and "swine"?!

 

Let me pair this passage with another passage (from Luke 10:1-12) and then suggest a meaning ...

 

[Jesus] appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs ... He said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few ..." See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves ... Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’ And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. ... But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.’"

 

So ... in this context, what does today's passage from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount mean?

 

First, it is a wisdom passage. Almost a parable. Jesus is saying that the time is short -- indeed, "the kingdom of God has come near." Some will receive the Gospel joyfully; therefore, invest heavily in them! Feed them pearls! Bless them with your time and energy. "Say ‘Peace to this house!’ And [let] your peace ... rest on that person." Some, however, will reject the Gospel. Therefore, since time is short, love them, be kind to them, plant an occasional seed ... but be wise with your time! Invest more heavily in those who are more receptive!

 

It's a wisdom passage. 

 

It's God's job -- not your job -- to save people. Therefore, in kicking off the dust and moving on, you're not abandoning them! Read that again! In kicking off the dust and moving on, you're not abandoning them! Rather, you're entrusting their care back to God! 

 

You are simply, and at Christ's command, moving to a part of the field where the harvest is more plentiful, and where hearts are more ready. And … you are choosing (at Christ's command) to invest there. 

 

In Christ's Love,

a guy whose best summers

as a kid included time on

my grandfather's and uncles' farms

(It time to make a new best season of the year --

spending more time on my Father's farm)