Jan. 27, 2010 – Matthew 7

Verse 21  is one of the verses I have heard used to dispute the theology of faith alone.  The idea that by declaring Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior is enough and all you need does not seem to follow the verse saying not everyone that says Lord Lord will be saved, but those that do the will of the Father. 

I love the wooden beam analogy.  The part that I have never thought about is the fact that we are not called to judge.  It says not to, but we are called to help.  After you take the wooden beam out of your eye, you help take the splinter out of your brothers.  Not judging, but helping with love. 

The end of the chapter is a verse that I have heard when people are talking about the authority of the Church to teach.  Here, it is recognized that Jesus has authority, or teaches with authority.  Later it will be said that He has authority over nature.  Then, He sends out the apostles, giving them all His authority.  The Catholic Church teaches that this authority has been passed on through the bishops by the laying on of hands from Jesus and gives the Church the authority to teach.