At first glance, the content in Matthew 7:1-11 can seem disjointed and random. I don’t know how your Bible is divided, but there are several paragraphs and headers that would lead the reader to think that the thoughts are separated for a reason.

But we must remember that in the original text, there were no paragraphs, punctuation, chapter or verse divisions, or headers for that matter. It was one continuous thought.

Verses 1-6 are all about our relationship with one another. There is so much in there that it’s impossible to commentate on the whole section. In summary, don’t judge or condemn anyone, but approach evaluations of other people with grace, first seeing your own faults and shortcomings (planks). Be hesitant to share truth with others who are not in a place to receive it and who would mistreat and harm you in return (pigs).

Then the final section of Chapter 7 jumps into wrapping this section of the Sermon on the Mount with a thought on prayer. It is an invitation to approach God as a father who cares for you and wants to give you good gifts and for you to ask him for those gifts. Without the context of the verses before, it can seem like Jesus gives us a simple equation. Just seek and find, knock and it will be opened, ask and it will be given. Seems simple enough.

But what if this verse, as a continuation of all that Jesus said before, is an invitation for us to follow what Solomon asked God for? A heart that listens, which we interpret as wisdom. We think good gifts mean things like a promotion, healing, or making hard things easier. All of us live knowing we don’t always get the things we pray for. But asking for wisdom to deal with the things rather than the things themselves might be a way for us to really embrace what it means to seek first the kingdom of God.

My prayer for us is to stay connected to our Heavenly Father, so that as we face difficult people, situations, and circumstances, we have the wisdom to navigate those experiences and follow Jesus where he leads us.

Reflection:

  • When was the last time you approached God in prayer, asking for wisdom rather than a list of things you needed?
  • How can praying for wisdom shape your relationship with God and others?
  • Final thought: Remember to always be thankful in prayer—in all things!