Reaping What Is Sown, Part 2

As we continue our consideration of reaping what is sown, earlier in Matthew’s gospel, we read:

“For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Matthew 7:1, emphasis added)

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(Read this series from its beginning here.)

Being treated the way one has treated others has a rich history in Jewish wisdom. Injustice is unsustainable for the long term, and Jewish wisdom often reminds its listeners that we intrinsically, eventually reap what we sow. Consider the following sayings:

“A wicked person earns deceptive wages, but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.” (Proverbs 11:18)

“Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity, and the rod they wield in fury will be broken.” (Proverbs 22:8)

“They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind.” (Hosea 8:7)

This wisdom is repeated by the Paul in his letter to the Galatians, although with a slightly different application.

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” (Galatians 6.7-8)

The book of James also repeats this wisdom:

“Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” (James 6:7)

So do the gospels:

“With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more.” (Mark 4:24)

If the intended audience for this week’s reading was the unjust, harsh absentee landlords of Jesus’ society, then Jesus is pronouncing judgment on the elite and wealthy classes who were unjustly exploiting workers through indentured slavery. We’ll consider what difference this makes and how it relates to us today, next.

(Read Part 3)