Sermon on the Mount – Pigs and Pearls

Matthew Vander Els, one of the leading voices at Founded in Truth Fellowship, delivers a profound message about discernment and judgment, based on the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. This teaching dives into the wisdom of distinguishing when, where, and how to apply the principles of faith, especially in relation to others.

Main Themes and Insights

The sermon opens with a reflection on the wisdom literature found in Proverbs, particularly Proverbs 26:4-5, which appears to give contradictory advice about dealing with foolishness. Vander Els points out that this reflects the nuanced nature of wisdom, which is not rigid but rather a guide for discernment in various situations.

A significant portion of the message focuses on Matthew 7, where Jesus warns against judging others. Vander Els emphasizes that the instruction not to judge is not about ignoring wrongdoing but about approaching others with a default of grace, mercy, and love. He relates this to the broader theme of spiritual transformation coming from love and humility, rather than condemnation.

Judgment and Control

Vander Els discusses the human tendency to judge and label others as a form of control, which he suggests is a fruit of the knowledge of good and evil—a role meant for God alone. This leads to societal violence when everyone assumes the role of moral arbiter. He draws a parallel to the pre-Flood narrative, illustrating how divine intervention failed to eradicate human violence, planting an early biblical theme that violence cannot end violence, echoing Jesus’ radical teachings on love and forgiveness.

Pearls and Pigs: A Deeper Understanding

The sermon then transitions into an exploration of Matthew 7:6, the verse about not throwing pearls before pigs. Vander Els challenges the traditional interpretation of this verse, urging us to consider why we would give pearls to pigs in the first place. He emphasizes that the pigs in Jesus’ metaphor are not the antagonists, but rather victims of misunderstanding—creatures that need sustenance, not valuables they cannot appreciate or use.

This metaphor serves as a potent reminder of how believers sometimes impose spiritual ‘pearls’ on others instead of addressing their real needs. He cautions against using religion as a means of control, highlighting the importance of wisdom in recognizing and responding to the genuine needs of others.

Practical Applications

• Approach others with grace, mercy, and love, as opposed to judgment and condemnation.
• Discern the real needs of those around you instead of imposing your spiritual beliefs on them.
• Recognize that wisdom involves knowing when to share truth and when to simply be present for others.
• Focus on being a vessel for God’s love rather than trying to control or change others for your comfort.
• Remember that real transformation is led by love and space for God to work, not by force or coercion.

Wisdom in Action: The Example of Solomon

Vander Els uses the example of King Solomon’s wisdom in 1 Kings 3 as an illustration of how discernment and true wisdom can lead to justice without condemnation. Solomon’s decision in the case of the two women arguing over a child highlights his ability to address immediate needs without delving into their moral failings.

By handling the situation with discernment rather than judgment, Solomon exemplified the wisdom that Jesus calls us to in dealing with others. The ability to see beyond the surface and provide what is truly needed is at the heart of the message.

Conclusion and Reflection

The sermon ends with a challenge: will we walk in discernment and not condemnation? This question invites listeners to reflect on their own lives and interactions with others, encouraging a shift towards grace-filled relationships that allow God’s love to lead to genuine transformation.

For more Bible Teachings, click here.

Bible Verses Referenced

• Proverbs 26:4
• Proverbs 26:5
• Matthew 7:1
• Matthew 7:6
• 1 Kings 3:16-28

Recommended Resources

• The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard
• Simply Jesus by N.T. Wright
• Bear Your Name by Carmen Imes