Disciples Learn to Judge (Under Jesus) with a Right Measure
Matthew 7:1-2
Jesus taught: Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
We see Jesus clearly saying do not judge, which is been quoted by many people in the face of perceived criticism. This week is a good time to clarify His meaning and acknowledge that Jesus also tells us – in another place – to "stop judging by mere appearances but instead judge correctly" (John 7:24).
Since it is then clear that Jesus is not advocating a zero-judgment policy, what does He mean?
Think of it this way. Have you ever had somebody say to you “don't judge me!” after you compliment them? Not likely. Though it may happen, it will be rare. Most people say “don't judge me” in the face of criticism. We want to be very careful with our criticisms and judgments.
Follow God and His lead here. God clearly has the right to judge us, but that's not His focus. So even if you have the right to judge, that should never be your focus. Your goal should align with God’s goal, which we cover tomorrow – reconciliation.
Prayer For the Week
Father God, when I am in a position to judge situations or people, teach me to judge well – not by mere appearances – but by Your Holy Spirit, the One who in Christ sets me and all people free from the law of sin and death. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Listen to the Sermon on the Mount Podcast
Episode 11
To Judge or Not to Judge?
Explore one of the most memorable teachings of Jesus that many people, even non-Christians, know. What did Jesus mean when He said not to judge other people? This is one of the teachings of Jesus that has truly taken on a life of its own. How has its meaning morphed over time, and what did Jesus intend for this teaching to mean?
We address these questions and more in this episode.
https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/matthew-p11-judge-or-not-judge/
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 1:1-6
- Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers, - but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night. - That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers. - Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away. - Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. - For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.
Read the verses of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask Him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Pondering Point
What does walking with the wicked bring to mind for you? What about standing with sinners? Sitting with mockers? How might God convict you here?