Judge Not

Wherever people heard Jesus was, they sought Him out. One day Jesus went to the seacoast and a multitude gathered to hear Him teach, and to seek healing for their diseases. We are truly blessed that in the Bible we can read most things that Jesus taught on that day, and that His healing power remains available to us who have given our will and life over to God’s care. One of the things Jesus taught the people that day is, do not judge others.

“Judge not, and you will not be judged.” (Luke 6:37a ESV)

How many of us are quick to judge others for what they say or do? Are we so pure in word and deed ourselves that we can righteously judge others for what they say or do? On another day some Jewish leaders brought a woman whom they said was caught in the very act of adultery and asked Him to judge whether she should receive the punishment of Moses’ law and be stoned to death. 

Were they really interested in upholding the law of Moses? If they were, they would also have brought the man with whom she was caught in this adulterous act, for Moses’ law says they shall both be put to death. Who knows what their actual grievance was, but Jesus’ judgment was that a person who is without sin should be the first to throw a stone at her. 

They all left without a stone being thrown and Jesus told the woman to “go and sin no more”. Perhaps we all need to remember what Jesus’ requirement is when we justify ourselves and carelessly throw stones at another.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You alone are the righteous judge.  Rather than being judgmental towards others, please help me be compassionate and understanding.   Amen

©2022 Partners in Hope