Today’s Reading: Matthew 7:6 (HCSB)
Don’t give what is holy to dogs or toss your pearls before pigs, or they will trample them with their feet, turn, and tear you to pieces.
Today’s Question: Is there ever a time that you should not share the Gospel with someone?
Today’s Commentary:
As Christians, we are to share the Gospel with all people at anytime, right? I have been taught to be relentless in the preaching of God’s Word. People are dying and going to hell; and we are the only ones who hold the lifeboat of salvation- the Gospel of Jesus. How many seminary professors have slammed the lectern and blared the instruction of Paul to Timothy (2 Tim. 4:2): “Proclaim the message; persist in it whether convenient or not; rebuke, correct, and encourage with great patience and teaching.” Therefore, the words of Jesus could not be more shocking. Don’t share the Gospel with “dogs” and “pigs”! (And remember, Jesus just uttered the words “Do Not Judge…”)
So do we share the Gospel or not? Of course we share the Gospel; but we do so with discernment. Jesus used discernment when He decided not to share the Truth of salvation with the most powerful and highest political leader He ever met. King Herod wanted to hear from Christ after Jesus was arrested. “Herod was very glad to see Jesus; for a long time he had wanted to see Him because he had heard about Him and was hoping to see some miracleperformed by Him.So he kept asking Him questions, but Jesus did not answer him.” (Luke 23:8-9, HCSB)
Why did Jesus refuse to speak? He had a pearl, that is the glorious words of the Gospel. He was not about to waste it on someone whose heart was far from God. Herod was a “dog” (or a “pig” if you prefer).
Far from the sensitivity of our modern culture, Jesus does not hesitate in making a harsh analogy. Few dogs were domesticated in Jesus’ time. Most were nomadic scavengers that roamed the street. In packs, these mangy, malnourished creatures became a real threat. Much like the wild boar (swine) that lived in the bush and attacked people in the night, these beasts caused great concern.
Some people are “dogs” and “pigs.” Should we love them? Of course. Remember what happened when Jesus met a Gentile woman whose daughter was being tormented by a demon. At first it seems that Jesus paid no attention to her heart-wrenching request. “But she came, knelt before Him, and said, ‘Lord, help me!’ He answered, ‘It isn’t right to take the children’s bread and throw it to their dogs.’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ she said, ‘yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table!’ Then Jesus replied to her, ‘Woman, your faith is great. Let it be done for you as you want.’ And from that moment her daughter was cured.” (Matthew 15:25-28, HCSB)
The principle that Jesus is teaching in the Sermon on the Mount is this: If someone is not open to hearing the life-giving message of hope in Christ, there is no reason to keep speaking. It is the Holy Spirit who draws people to God and the Gospel. If one is resisting the Holy Spirit, he or she will resist the one who proclaims this message.
So, use the discernment that the Holy Spirit gives. A disciple who is in step with the Spirit will not fail to recognize the heart of another who is ready to hear. The Holy Spirit may also close the mouth of a Christian when a pearl has the possibility of hitting the pigsty. God will give us the wisdom to know the difference.
“Follow One, Lead Others” Principle #48: Followers of Jesus look for opportunities to share the Gospel by walking in the Spirit and discerning whom He is calling to salvation.
Today’s Prayer Point: Pray for those who refuse to hear the Gospel and persecute believers for their faith.
Shepherding Well 
Jeremy this is so great! I never looked at this situation from this point of view. Jesus is so COOOOOLLLLL!