Judging Others Is Wrong

Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Well, aren’t you going to answer these charges? What do you have to say for yourself?” But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to him, “I demand in the name of the living God—tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” Jesus replied, “You have said it. And in the future you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, “Blasphemy! Why do we need other witnesses? You have all heard his blasphemy. What is your verdict?” “Guilty!” they shouted. “He deserves to die!” [Matthew 26.62-66]

Jesus simply spoke the truth. And yet, the people did not want to hear the truth. The truth did not fit their religious narrative.

Little did they know that by their attempt to stop the truth, they effectively insured its propagation.

These people judged Jesus. Think on those words for just a moment... Jesus, Who said:

God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. [John 3.17]

...and...

I will not judge those who hear me but don’t obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken. [John 12.47-48]

Imagine judging Jesus! And yet, that is what every person does who rejects Him. That is precisely why Jesus also said:

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. [Matthew 7.1-2]

 Instead, we are to forgive, as Jesus taught and modeled for us.

“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. [Matthew 6.14-15]

It is easy for us today to point a finger (in judgment) at the religious leaders who sentenced Jesus to die. And yet, we refuse to accept Who He Is in our own lives. 

We can be sure we are not Christ's if we judge and do not forgive.

Father, may the message of forgiveness (not judging) ring out in our ears and prevail in our understanding. May we be found forgiving as we have been forgiven. So be it.