What Jesus Did! 'Looking in the Mirror First' — Matthew 7:3-5

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

"Why do you notice the small piece of dust that is in your brother's eye, but you don't notice the big piece of wood that is in your own eye? Why do you say to your brother, 'Let me take that little piece of dust out of your eye'? Look at yourself first! You still have that big piece of wood in your own eye." You are a hypocrite. First, take the wood out of your own eye. Then you will see clearly to take the dust out of your brother's eye.
— Matthew 7:3-5 NLT
Illustration of Matthew 7:3-5 NLT — Look at yourself first!

Key Thought

Jesus reminds us that we often pass judgment on others to keep from examining ourselves. This is wrong. In fact, it is obnoxiously and hypocritically wrong in God's eyes. Before we start removing someone else's sawdust, we had better get our own blinding 2x4 plank out of our way. It's ridiculous for us to spend so much time finding all the little things that are wrong with others while we ignore our own huge problems. Let's address our own problems, weaknesses, sins, and inconsistencies before we start trying to "fix" anybody else!

Today's Prayer

Almighty and compassionate Father, you have been so patient and kind with me. You provided Jesus as the sacrifice that purifies me from my sin. You sent your Spirit to help complete your work of maturing me. Please bless me as I try to be honest with my own failures, sins, and shortcomings. I don't want to let Satan use discouragement from my failures to embarrass or alienate me from you or your people. But Father, neither do I want to pretend they are not there and leave them un-addressed by your grace and at odds with your righteousness. Please work in me your holy will and produce in me your holy character and not find the faults of others to keep from dealing with my own. In the holy name of your Messiah and my Savior, Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Romans 2:1-4
  • Isaiah 58:6-9
  • Galatians 6:1-5

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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