When the Gospel is scorned

Read Matthew 7:6

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This saying about dogs and pigs seems surprising in a section about judging others. But it shows clearly that “Do not judge” (7:1) refers to the harsh judgementalism of a critical spirit, not a blanket ban on the use of our critical abilities. God’s people are committed to justice (Amos 5:24; Mt.23:23) and therefore to making good decisions with right judgement (Jn.7:24).

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That includes deciding how best to use the resources God has entrusted to us, not least how to make the most of our time (Eph.5:16). That’s the context for what Jesus says here. “The dogs and pigs are those who have had ample opportunity to hear and receive the good news but have decisively and defiantly rejected it. To persist beyond a certain point in offering the gospel to such people is to invite its rejection with contempt and even blasphemy” (Stott).

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No one is beyond the grace of God and we must always be ready to tell people about Jesus (1 Pet.3:15). But when hearts and minds are firmly closed then it’s right to move on (Mt.10:14; Acts 13:51), shifting our efforts and the focus of our witness to places where doors are open and to people who are glad to believe (1 Cor.16:9; Col.4:3; Jn.10:26-27).