Here Comes the Judge
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Series Introduction
Psychologists, social workers, medical professionals, and research scientists all agree that living life in healthy relationships, rather than being alone contributes to mental and emotional wellbeing.
But, long before these professions even existed, God identified this need from the very beginning:
18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”
King Solomon
17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Jesus
19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.
20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
The writer of Hebrews
24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,
25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
The benefits of belonging with a group of people:
Encouragment
Sharing
Accountability
Support
Learning
Security
Safety
But, as we all know, there are challenges in relationships.
Time and effort
Vulnerability
Disagreements.
Misunderstandings.
Betrayal.
Abuse.
This is the reality of the human condition.
Jesus confronted the human condition and how a person is expected to live life as a genuine follower—and experience life as God intended.
It is what Jesus taught that I want to explore with you today as we begin this new series: Better Together.
So, let’s look at one of the issues that hinder us from being together and having better relationships.
Introduction to Today’s Message
I think there is a statement of Jesus that most Americans can quote—but it is also greatly misunderstood.
1 “Judge not, that you be not judged.
What does Jesus mean by this?
Is He saying that as a believer I cannot make any kind of judgment?
That seems impossible.
We make judgments all the time about people. It is like breathing. It just happens.
If I see a person about to harm themselves—I am making a judgment. Is Jesus saying that I should just ignore the pending problem? No! Why?
This is why we need to be careful not to take something out of its context. There is more to it than just: “Judge not!”
Jesus defines his terms—He give clarity to what He means.
1 “Judge not, that you be not judged.
2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.
3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye?
5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.
The judging Jesus is talking about is condemnation and fault-finding. It is a judgment that shows no mercy or grace.
Jesus is saying that the way you judge others is the way others will judge you.
But, more than that, the way you judge is the way God will judge you.
To expound on His very challenging command, Jesus uses hyperbole to stress the point of the truth.
3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
Spect: defect, sin, problem.
It is easy to see the shortcomings of others. And, while we are focused on the shortcomings of others, we ignore our own dysfunctions.
Jesus seems to imply that this is unethical and inappropriate. It is rude and foolish.
Jesus takes it one step further.
4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye?
How can you see clearly to identify the problems in others—and to help them effectively, if you continue to ignore the issues in your own life? You can’t
SO, Jesus gives a remedy.
5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.
When we engage in condemnation, unforgiveness, and fault-finding, Jesus says that that kind of person is a hypocrite.
Hypocrite:
Saying one thing and doing another.
Your stated beliefs do not line up with your actions.
A hypocrite is a pretender, a play actor, who says they are a strong follower of Jesus, but in fact, they are an opposer to what Jesus taught and did.
This is the danger we are all susceptible in becoming—unless we heed the warning Jesus gives.
To be able to help someone in their own problems, we need to approach carefully.
First, look at your own life—and the sin, dysfunction, problems that you struggle with doing. REPENT.
KEY ATTITUDE: Humility.
Second, approach the person with complete empathy. Know that changing is hard to do.
KEY ATTITUDE: Love.
Third, ask yourself if this is the right thing to do at this time.
KEY ATTITUDE: Patience.
It is not always to the advantage of God’s Kingdom to correct everybody for everything.
6 “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.
In general, holy things (Jesus’ teaching) must be given only to those who are able to appreciate them (are they ready?).
God’s gifts are not to be laid open to abuse, or His truth to mockery.
Main Idea: Be careful how you judge and help others in their walk with God. Do it with humility, love, and patience.