Stop judging, that you may not be judged.
Jesus, Matthew 7:1
Though most would be unable to give chapter and verse, righteous and unrighteous alike can quote the Bible passage “Judge not, lest ye be judged.” It restrains the former from speaking out against sinful behavior, and screens the latter from external reproach.
The Sermon on the Mount
After his Baptism and subsequent temptation Jesus withdrew to the seaside town of Capernaum. He called Peter, Andrew, James, and John, taught in the synagogues, proclaimed the Gospel, and healed and ministered to the multitudes throughout the region. “And great crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed him” (Matthew 4:25). The narrative continues, “When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain… [and] began to teach them.”
Our mother Ann once said the most beautiful place she had ever been was the Mount of Beatitudes overlooking the Sea of Galilee. It was there that Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-7:29). Jesus begins with the Beatitudes then teaches about being salt and light, the moral life, loving enemies, humility and gratitude, and prayer (including the Lord’s Prayer). He then preaches the “judge not” text.
Judge Justly
A Bible study saying goes, “A text without context is often just a pretext.” Firstly, Jesus is speaking about judging fellow disciples, though his advice could extend to confronting unbelievers as well. Secondly, though he clearly says “judge not” in this passage, in John 7:24 he uses the same word when he commands, “Stop judging by appearances but judge justly.” Well which is it, Jesus? Should we “judge not” or “judge justly”? “Judge” is the Greek word krínō, and is found dozens of times in the New Testament. It can mean to separate, to discern (i.e. between right and wrong), or to bring to trial. As we continue reading in Matthew 7, Jesus uses a splinter/log analogy to make the point that before we try to correct a brother or sister we need to humbly assess our own sin. Rather than precluding us from ever judging, Jesus is telling us to first prayerfully assess our motives and disposition. “Remove the log from your own eye first, then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:5, emphasis added).
Disciples as Sentinels
I have appointed you a sentinel…. If I say to the wicked, You shall surely die – and you do not warn them or speak out to dissuade the wicked from their evil conduct in order to save their lives – then they shall die for their sin, but I will hold you responsible for their blood.
Ezekiel 3:17, 18
We are in a spiritual battle, a battle that has eternal consequences. Cain asks God, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9) Salvation history repeatedly affirms that the answer is supposed to be “yes.” It is our task to warn and reprove, as the sentinel passage of Ezekiel 3 makes clear. And from the Apostle Paul, “Do not conform yourself to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2, emphasis added). “Live as children of light… Discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness; rather expose them“ (Ephesians 5:8, 10-11, emphasis added).
Jesus as Judge
[Jesus] commissioned us to preach to the people and testify that he is the one appointed by God to judge the living and the dead.
Acts 10:42
So the next time someone tells you “judge not,” gently, lovingly, and “with speech gracious and seasoned with salt” (Col. 4:12) open the Word with them. As believers we are commanded to “judge justly,” our judgement role being “to discern between right and wrong” in our own life and in the lives of those around us. Ultimately, Jesus will judge each of us, his judgement role being “to bring to trial” (See John 5:22, Acts 10:42, Acts 17:31). Through God’s grace, let do all we can that at the judgement seat of Christ we and those we love “be found without spot or blemish and at peace in him” (2 Peter 3:14).
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